Are you new to the process of boring? This blog can provide the fundamental information a boring machine operator needs. First, what is the purpose of the boring process? A boring operation employs a cutting tool to widen an existing hole, create or repair cylindrical holes, and finish or semi-finish castings or drilled holes in a workpiece. The following are the ABCs of boring operations.

While the boring process enlarges a pre-drilled hole, reaming is a finishing process that follows the initial bore to finish diameters and surface. High-speed reamers utilize faster speeds and feeds with multi-edge tools tipped with carbide, cermet, or PCD, and thin film coatings improve performance. A step beyond standard reaming, high-speed reaming improves hole quality, achieves closer dimensional tolerance, and delivers exceptional surface finish. High-speed reamers offer multiple configurations, including expandable, solid, and replaceable ring reamers. As parts are reamed, a high-performance reamer will start to wear. Consequently, using a high-quality metalworking fluid is critical to assure part quality and extend tool life. When using metalworking lubricant, be sure it reaches the cutting edges for prolonged tool life. Other high-speed reamer performance considerations include:

Generally, a boring project will focus on pre-drilled holes' sizing, concentricity, and straightness. Operators achieve these three objectives by enlarging the holes while adhering to the specifications of the project using different boring machines. Types of boring machines include vertical, horizontal, and jig to meet standard boring requirements. However, if the project requires demanding machining and materials, more complex boring procedures are needed, such as:

As with much of the manufacturing industry, automation is a significant part of the boring When deciding to use an automated boring machine, the operator needs to consider the application, the precision required, power needed, the cost vs profit, and the time constraints to meet any deadlines. Let’s look at the different types of machines used in boring automation.

Boring heads hold cutters, which are the tools that actually remove material, in position as they rotate to bore holes to the specified diameter. There are several boring head options for boring holes and secondary boring operations that could be applied to that simple operation. Let’s review some of the different ones.

The process of machine boring provides many advantages beyond enlarging a previously drilled hole to the required size and finish. When done with a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, the multiple benefits of boring machining include: