How to Drill Aluminum With the Right Bits

Drilling into aluminum is an everyday task that can be done by using different speed bits. The speed of the drill, the material being drilled through, and the size of the bit all need to be taken into consideration when drilling aluminum. The first step in drilling a hole in any surface is to measure its depth and width. This will ensure that you have enough space for your fastener or pegboard hooks to fit securely without going too far inside or outside of the desired area. Next, it's important to select a drill bit with a suitable diameter as well as correct cutting type for your application. It’s also important not only to know what type of metal you are drilling but which direction you are drilling from so as not to crack or fracture the surface that you are trying to create a hole in. If you want more info about drill bits for aluminum, click over here. What is Aluminum? Aluminum is a metal that's light weight, easy to work with, and inexpensive. It is the most widely used metal in the world, accounting for 60% of all non-ferrous metal. The first aluminum was extracted from clay over 5000 years ago. It was only made into lightweight ribbons until it came to be invented as sheeting in 1825. The first aluminum metal was created in 1854 by Hans Christian Orsted, who publicly demonstrated its potential as an electrical conductor and as an alloying agent for iron and steel. What is the difference between different types of aluminum? There are three kinds of aluminum: cast aluminum, wrought aluminum, and fabricated aluminum. Cast Aluminum is made by melting the alloy in a mold that gives it its final shape. Wrought Aluminum is an un-solidified metal that has been shaped with tools such as a hammer or something similar. Fabricated Aluminum is a process that allows aluminum to partake in things like extrusions and rolling which can give it certain properties for different types of needs as well as the ability to be easily bent, cut, and molded into many shapes. What are some common uses for aluminum? Aluminum is used a lot in everyday life for a variety of things. Some examples are: appliances, cars, electronic devices, and anything that requires the metal to be lightweight. Aluminum is also used in transportation because it's lighter than steel so it can pack more onto a truck or train without making it too heavy to drive. What should someone consider when using aluminum? When drilling Aluminum, there are some factors to consider when choosing the right Drill bits. Different speeds must be used for different materials, depending on what is being drilled into. For example, if aluminum is being drilled into that has a thin outer coat or protective covering it might have to have a lower RPM than if it didn't. Also, the size of the drill bit can make a difference when determining what speed to put it on. Typically, for bigger bits you use slower speeds and smaller bits are used with higher speeds. The material also effects how much pressure needs to be applied when drilling into aluminum because its harder than most metals so more power is needed in order to penetrate it. How can I drill aluminum  Aluminum can be drilled by using different types of bits with different speeds depending on the material being used and what type of bit is being used. Drilling aluminum can be done with HSS or Cobalt-Cobalt drill bits that are kept lubricated throughout the drilling process to prevent overheating. With Aluminum, there are three different kinds of drill bits that are used: tungsten carbide tipped, tungsten carbide brazed, and tungsten oxide. How to drill into aluminum with the right bits The speed of the drill that is being used, the material that is being drilled through, and the size of bit that is being used all need to be taken into consideration when drilling into aluminum. Using a slow drill speed is always best when drilling into metal, especially aluminum. Fast speeds can cause the bit to heat up quickly, which will make it more difficult to drill through the metal. Using a slower speed will allow for more control of the bit's movement while drilling through metal, allowing for better precision and greater accuracy in your holes. Using slower speeds will also help to extend the life of your drill bits. If you are drilling aluminum with a standard twist bit, make sure that you use a high-speed steel bit and not one made from cobalt which can break easily while drilling through aluminum. If using a regular twist drill bit on aluminum doesn't work, switch to using a brad point bit so you can have more control of the drill. If using a spade point bit, only use the tip to drill through aluminum, not the full surface of the flat edge of your spade bit or the full length of the flutes. By just using your spade's tip, you are protecting it from being dulled or broken while drilling through aluminum. If you are using a hole saw to drill your holes, make sure it is made for cutting metal and not wood. Using a hole saw on an aluminum surface without one specifically designed for metal can damage the blade and keep it from completing its task effectively. Always remember: slow speeds, high-speed steel bits and brad point bits will help to drill through aluminum with ease. Conclusion There are many things to consider when drilling aluminum because it is a metal with different properties than other metals like steel or copper. Aluminum can be drilled into, but it requires the right set of bits that are used with different speeds depending on the material being drilled through. Different types of bits also depend on what is being drilled and how big it is to determine which speeds are needed for each type of bit.