Before you drill into your metal project, you should know the difference between a high-speed steel drill bit and one that is made of cheap steel. High-speed steel bits are often made of chrome or vanadium and look like stainless steel. They are also typically coated to resist rust.
Cobalt
When choosing a drill bit, it’s important to know how much cobalt is in it. Generally speaking, the higher the percentage of cobalt, the harder the drill bit will be. This is because cobalt steel has a higher hardness rating than steel.
Cobalt drill bits are used in the aerospace industry and in other industries where precision and accuracy are crucial. These bits are ideal for drilling titanium and reinforced steel. They can also be used for rifle parts, as they are able to bore holes to the exact level required.
Titanium
A drill bit made of metal has a different coating than those made of non-metal materials. When a drill bit is made from titanium, the coating is gold in color. The titanium coating makes the drill bit harder, and is slightly self-lubricating. They’re good for drilling hard metals like steel, but aren’t the best choice for drilling plastic or wood.
Some drill bits are coated with titanium nitride. This coating prevents rusting and increases the drill bit’s life. It is important to use a lubricant with metal drilling bits, as it reduces friction and heat.
Cobalt nitride
When buying a drill bit, you must know whether it is made from cobalt or metal. The latter is stronger than the former but has less versatility. It is also more expensive, but is recommended for more professional use.
Cobalt drill bits have the advantage of being corrosion-resistant, but are brittle and can break when not properly cared for. This is why you must be careful and store your drill bit in an appropriate manner.
Brad point
If you’re buying a new drill bit, you’ll want to make sure that it’s specifically designed for metal drilling. Metal drill bits are typically black in color and made of materials such as tungsten carbide, cobalt, or titanium. These materials are very hard and can resist wear well. When buying a new drill bit, make sure to look for these qualities on the packaging. Another way to tell the difference between a metal drill bit and a conventional one is the shape of the bit’s point.
Wood bits are distinguishable from metal ones by their shape, size, and coating. They have a chisel-like tip, which helps them drill through wood. Metal bits have a slight angled tip, and are generally black, copper, or silver in color.
TiN coating
Titanium nitride coating on drill bits increases lubricity and tool life. Compared to uncoated drills, this type of coating allows for faster drilling and starts without center punch. The titanium nitride coating is made of 8% cobalt. It is a blue-gray material that is excellent for cutting aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and nickel-based materials. As a downside, this coating is more expensive than uncoated drills.
Drill bits coated with TiN feature a high-quality HSS steel body and 2.5u Titanium Nitride coating. This coating is extremely durable and has an 80-HRC hardness. It is also low-friction, which means less heat is generated during drilling.
High-speed steel
When buying a drill bit, it is important to know the material it is made from. High-speed steel (HSS) drill bits are made of an alloy of carbon steel and high-speed steel, which make them strong, heat-resistant, and durable. They are also safe to use at high speeds.
The shank of a drill bit contains markings that indicate its type. These markings, which usually wear off after usage, may contain an abbreviated code, the drill size, and the material. Some drill bits are designed for use with high-speed steel while others are made for wood.
