In the world of high-precision manufacturing, not all holes are created equal. While standard CNC drilling is a fundamental part of almost every project, “deep hole drilling” (typically defined by a depth-to-diameter ratio exceeding 10:1) exists in a category of its own. For the aerospace, medical, and high-tech industries we serve in Santa Clara and San Jose, these components are often the most critical and the most difficult to produce.
At Euro Machining, we have integrated deep hole drilling into our suite of services to meet the growing demand for complex internal geometries. Whether it’s a specialized fluid housing for a medical device or a weight-reduced structural component for an aerospace assembly, achieving accuracy at depth requires more than just a long drill bit; it requires a mastery of harmonics, heat, and chip evacuation.
The Technical Hurdles of High-Aspect-Ratio Holes
The primary challenge of deep hole drilling is maintaining “straightness” and concentricity. As a drill penetrates deeper into a material like Titanium or Inconel, the risk of “drill wander” increases. Even a microscopic deflection at the entry point can result in a significant deviation by the time the tool reaches the bottom of the bore.
To combat this, Euro Machining utilizes advanced CNC setups that prioritize rigidity. By controlling the feed rates and spindle speeds with extreme granularity, our machinists ensure that the tool remains on its intended path. This precision is vital for our clients in the semiconductor and aerospace sectors, where an off-center bore can lead to catastrophic part failure or assembly misalignment.
Managing Heat and Chip Evacuation
In standard machining, chips are easily cleared from the cutting zone. In deep hole applications, those same chips can become trapped, leading to tool breakage or “galling” of the internal surface finish. We employ high-pressure coolant-through-tool technology to solve this. By forcing coolant directly to the cutting edge, we simultaneously lubricate the tool and flush chips out of the hole in a continuous stream.
This process doesn’t just protect the tool; it ensures the internal surface finish meets the rigorous standards required for high-tech applications. When a part requires a specific Ra (roughness average) inside a deep bore, our methodology delivers a finish that often eliminates the need for secondary honing or burnishing.
Your Partner for Complex Sub-Assemblies
Deep hole drilling is rarely a standalone requirement. Usually, it is one step in a complex manufacturing journey that includes 4-axis milling, precision turning, and eventual assembly. By housing these capabilities under one roof in our Santa Clara facility, Euro Machining reduces the risk and lead times associated with moving parts between multiple vendors.
If your next project involves challenging depths, exotic materials, or tight tolerances, our team is ready to help you navigate the engineering requirements.
Ready to start your next project? Contact Euro Machining today for a quote on your high-precision drilling and CNC machining needs.