Product Catalogue: Your Specialist in Flow Drilling
Product Catalogue: Your Specialist in Flow Drilling
Product Catalogue: Your Specialist in Flow Drilling
PRODUCT
CATALOGUE
2
Centerdrill
Overview of flow drilling
Max. material thicknesses
and brief introduction
Page 4 - 9
Threadformer
Overview of thread forming
Page 46
Beginner Set
Complete basic equipment set
Assembly instructions
Page 56 - 57
Accessoires
Parting paste for flow drilling
Lubricants / Oils for thread forming
Collet chucks with cooling ring
Collets
Reducing sleeves
Page 60
Centerdrill REPLACES
The flow drilling process can replace riveting, welding, insert nuts and thread cutting in thin materials.
The Centerdrill flow punch formers are available in diameters from 2.7 to 25.4 mm. Under optimal
conditions and depending on a material, a lifetime of up to 10.000 holes can be achieved. The
standard flow punch formers are suitable for material thicknesses from 0.8 to 11.0 mm, depending
on the thread size. The following materials can be processed: stainless steel, steel, aluminum, brass,
and copper. After applying flow drilling, DIN threads such as e.g. metric or inch threads can be formed
in the second operation. Of course, other thread types such as MF, UNC, UNF, etc. are also possible.
The Centerdrill standard versions come in four types - SHORT, LONG, SHORT-FLAT AND LONG-FLAT. They
are used depending on the material thickness and desired surface. The Centerdrill short and long flow
punch formers differ only in the length of the cylindrical part. When using these types, the material is
displaced against the direction of feed, remaining on the surface of the workpiece and forming a collar.
Both types are also available in the flat version. Thanks to these „flat“ types, Centerdrill may offer you
the cutters that remove the collar appearing on the surface in a just single processing step, producing a
flat surface.
Find the right Centerdrill „Flow Drilling Tool“ for your application online in our Explorer!
4
Centerdrill RESULT
With Centerdrill‘s flow-forming process, you can obtain a strong thread out of the processed material,
with a sufficient number of threads, in just two steps.
No wobbling, loosening or turning!
Flow drilling can be used in all thin-walled metals with a thickness of 0,8 - 11,0 mm, depending on
the thread size. For example:
Welding steels
Stainless steel
Aluminum
Copper
Brass
Bronze
Magnetic materials
Special alloys
Varnished and organically coated materials such as tin and zinc are suited for flow punch forming /flow
drilling to a limited extent. In this case, it is particularly important how thick the coating is. Please notice
that thicker coats must be always removed before applying flow drilling.
5
Centerdrill - flow drilling tool - made in germany
Centerdrill - Process
6
Centerdrill - Your advantages
Possibility of replacing riveting, welding, insert nuts and thread cutting in thin materials
Automation capability
In sheet metal, square profiles, round tube profiles and many more
Possible from 0,8 mm to 11,0 mm material thickness, depending on the thread size
7
Centerdrill - Maximum wall thickness
Information in mm
Length
Max. wall thickness of working part
Centerdrill
Thread / core hole L1 L1 Shank-
Pitch Ø short long short-flat long-flat short long diameter
M10 x 1,5 9,2* 2,0 4,3 2,5 5,2 16,9 22,5 10,0
M12 x 1,75 10,9* 2,4 4,9 2,8 5,9 20,0 26,6 12,0
Please note:
*Processing of stainless steel: Centerdrill core hole diameter +0.1 mm from M8 to M12, as well as G1/8”.
Example for M8: instead of 7.3mm we recommend a core hole of 7.4mm for the Centerdrill tool.
Customized Centerdrills:
Longer Centerdrills for thicker materials or shorter Centerdrills for low profiles are available on
request. Also, Centerdrills for other thread types (such as MF, UNC, UNF, etc.) can be customized for
your specific application.
8
Short introduction
Machines and tools
The precondition for a professional flow drilling process is working with a suitable machine that provides
the required RPM and kW-power. This can be either a column drilling machine, a CNC machining center, or a milling
machine. The required spindle RPM and kW powers can be found online and as well as in the catalogue. If the RPM is too
low, the tool may overheat and decrease the quality of the flow-forming hole. However, if the kW power is too low, your
machine may stop working and there is a possibility that the Centerdrill tool may crack.
Basic equipment
The Centerdrill should be first fixed in a collet, and then, in a collet chuck with an aluminum cooling ring, as this is the
only way to ensure the concentricity, a proper hold of the Centerdrill flow punch former, and to prevent it from
overheating of the machine spindle. It should be noted that the Centerdrill tool is always fully clamped with the entire
shaft in the collet and the union nut is tightened with a hook wrench. However, it is recommended to retighten it regularly.
To reduce the build-up of the metal on the outside of the Centerdrill, our white Centerdrill parting paste should be applied
thinly on the Centerdrill flow punch former. During the thread forming process, it is essential to apply a good
lubricant to the thread former. We also offer all the required products, combined in our Centerdrill Beginner Set.
You can find them in the catalogue on pages 56-59.
Machine settings
It must be ensured that at the very beginning of the flow drilling process, the Centerdrill tool is smoothly placed on the
workpiece surface and penetrates the metal at a feed rate of approx. 50-150 mm/min, provided that the RPM is set correctly.
With this feed rate, the Centerdrill tool will move down with approx. 2.5 mm per second. The depth-stop of the machine
regarding the workpiece surface depends on the fact whether the collar should be preserved or removed. If you require
the collar on the surface, the flow drilling process ends at about 0.5 - 3.0 mm above the workpiece surface. It depends on
the thickness of the material and the size of the core hole diameter. When the collar on the surface is to be removed,
the cutting edges of the Centerdrill tool must be flush with the workpiece surface. In this case, the feed rate should be also
min. 900 mm/min. In this way, the cutters of the Centerdrill are spared. The workpiece to be machined must be firmly clamped
so that it does not move horizontally or vertically. Otherwise, the Centerdrill tool may crack. The workpiece should never
be held by hand.
Parting paste
It is recommended to apply our white parting paste to the Centerdrill flow punch former in order to avoid the
build-up of metals on the Centerdrill tool (depending on a material and material thickness, every 1-5 holes).
The application of the parting paste can be done manually, for example with a brush. It is important that the
parting paste is applied from the beginning and from the top to the bottom of the band of the Centerdrill. A thin film
is sufficient. However, too much white paste reduces the required heat of the process and has a negative effect
on the quality of the formed bush and collar. The release agent is water-soluble and oil-free, so it is also optimally
suitable for components to be coated subsequently where no residues may remain on the surface. Read more on page 60.
Lubricants
During thread forming, our lubricants should always be applied, i.e. in every threading process, otherwise the
lifetime of the thread former may be significantly reduced because of the high friction and the high torque.
Likewise, we also offer easily washable oils, and oils for spraying in the catalogue, page 61.
9
M3 - 2.7 Surface with collar
www.centerdrill.de
10
M3 - 2.7 Surface without collar
www.centerdrill-shop.de
11
M4 - 3.7 Surface with collar
12
M4 - 3.7 Surface without collar
Order hotline
+49 (0) 6198 / 58 58 97
13
M5 - 4.5 Surface with collar
Made in Germany
14
M5 - 4.5 Surface without collar
15
M6 - 5.4 Surface with collar
16
M6 - 5.4 Surface without collar
17
M8 - 7.3 Surface with collar
18
M8 - 7.3 Surface without collar
19
M8 - 7.4 Surface with collar
www.centerdrill.de
20
M8 - 7.4 Surface without collar
www.centerdrill-shop.de
21
M10 - 9.2 Surface with collar
22
M10 - 9.2 Surface without collar
23
M10 - 9.3 Surface with collar
24
M10 - 9.3 Surface without collar
25
M12 - 10.9 Surface with collar
26
M12 - 10.9 Surface without collar
Order hotline
+49 (0) 6198 / 58 58 97
27
M12 - 11.0 Surface with collar
www.centerdrill.de
28
M12 - 11.0 Surface without collar
www.centerdrill-shop.de
29
M14 - 13.0 Surface with collar
30
M14 - 13.0 Surface without collar
31
M16 - 14.8 Surface with collar
32
M16 - 14.8 Surface without collar
33
G1/8“ - 9.2 Surface with collar
34
G1/8“ - 9.2 Surface without collar
35
G1/8“ - 9.3 Surface with collar
www.centerdrill.de
36
G1/8“ - 9.3 Surface without collar
www.centerdrill-shop.de
37
G1/4“ - 12.4 Surface with collar
38
G1/4“ - 12.4 Surface without collar
Order hotline
+49 (0) 6198 / 58 58 97
39
G3/8“ - 15.9 Surface with collar
40
G3/8“ - 15.9 Surface without collar
41
G1/2“ - 19.9 Surface with collar
42
G1/2“ - 19.9 Surface without collar
43
G3/4“ - 25.4 Surface with collar
44
G3/4“ - 25.4 Surface without collar
45
Centertap threadformer
Centertap threadformer
While thread-forming with Centertap, the advantages of the flow-forming process are consistently
pursued. After flow forming in the first step, the DIN thread is cold-formed in the second step -
NO CUTTING, JUST FORMING! It is a non-cutting and chipless process, in which the
material becomes flowable and is displaced from the thread root to the thread crests.
Centertap thread formers are HSS-E tools and they are available in all common thread sizes.
Our standard offer includes metric and inch thread formers, with and without lubrication flutes, as
well as with a TIN coating. Metric fine, UNC, UNF, etc. thread formers are available on request.
Your advantages:
It replaces the rivet nut, welding nut and thread cutting in thin materials
The reinforced orientation of the material fibers results in high tensile strength threads,
Can be automated
During the thread forming process, we recommend using our Centertap lubricants. Page 61.
In order to insert the thread former in machines with the switchable direction of rotation, we
recommend a tapping chuck with length compensation in tensile, compressive direction and pressure
point mechanism. Thus, an axial force neutral working of the thread former is possible and it
compensates a possible overrun of the machine spindle at the reversal point. In combination
with an appropriate quick-change unit with overload coupling, the protection function
is thus guaranteed for both - the tool and the machine spindle.
46
M3 M4
Centertap M3 TIN without lubrication flutes Centertap M4 TIN without lubrication flutes
47
M5 M6
Centertap M5 TIN without lubrication flutes Centertap M6 TIN without lubrication flutes
Centerdrill + Centertap
Order hotline
+49 (0) 6198 / 58 58 97
DIN-threads in only two working steps
48
M8 M10
Centertap M8 TIN with lubrication flutes Centertap M10 TIN with lubrication flutes
49
M12 M14
Centertap M12 TIN with lubrication flutes Centertap M14 TIN with lubrication flutes
Order hotline
+49 (0) 6198 / 58 58 97
Reference values for M12 in 2mm Reference values for M14 in 2mm
50
M16
Steel 200-300
Copper 360-400
Brass 360-400
Aluminum 360-400
These are recommended values and they may vary significantly,
depending on the type of material, material thickness, lubrication, etc.
Emulsions must contain at least 8-10% grease.
51
G1/8“ G1/4“
Centertap G 1/8“ TIN with lubrication flutes Centertap G 1/4“ TIN with lubrication flutes
Centerdrill + Centertap
Order hotline
+49 (0) 6198 / 58 58 97
DIN-threads in only two working steps
Reference values for G 1/8“ in 2mm Reference values for G 1/4“ in 2mm
52
G3/8“ G1/2“
Centertap G 3/8“ TIN with lubrication flutes Centertap G 1/2“ with Lubrication flutes
Reference values for G 3/8“ in 2mm Reference values for G 1/2“ in 2mm
53
G3/4“
Centerdrill + Centertap
Steel 100-180
Copper 160-240
Brass 160-240
Aluminum 160-240
These are recommended values and they may vary significantly,
depending on the type of material, material thickness, lubrication, etc.
Emulsions must contain at least 8-10% grease.
54
Centerdrill practical guide
Request now: [email protected]
MADE IN IN
MADE GERMANY
GERMANY
PRACTICAL
GUIDE
55
Centerdrill Beginner Set
To achieve an optimal result and a secure connection of the Centerdrill tools, we recommend our
Beginner Set, as the ideal basic equipment. Due to high axial forces and temperatures during the flow
forming process, the use of our special collet chuck is indispensable. With the integrated cooling ring/
ventilation spokes, the heat will be optimally conducted away from your machine spindle, and with the
Centerdrill collet, the concentricity during the flow drilling is provided. All of these and even more, you
obtain with our Beginner Set, which ensures significant cost advantages in relation to the single purchase.
With this basic equipment, you are optimally equipped for the flow drilling process!
56
Assembly / Instructions
Collet chuck
Open-end spanner
Collet
Hook wrench
Union nut
Centerdrill
1. Push the collet in the union nut until it clicks. 5. Insert the collet chuck in the machine
spindle.
2. Then put the collet-to-nut assembly into the
collet chuck and screw it onto the union nut 6. Tighten the nut using both spanners so that
by hand. the centerdrill tool is well fixed.
3. Put the centerdrill tool through the union nut Use the open-end spanner for the collet
hole into the collet. chuck and the hook wrench for the union nut.
4. Fix the union nut by hand again. Check at regular intervals that the centerdrill
tool is always firmly clamped.
57
Centerdrill Beginner Set
58
Centerdrill Beginner Set for metric threads
Collet chuck MT2 MT3* MT4* SK40* HSKF63*
Centerdrill tool Order no.: Order no.: Order no.: Order no.: Order no.:
Centerdrill 14.8 short for M16 X 420K1480 470K1480 X X
Centerdrill 14.8 long for M16 X 420L1480 470L1480 X X
Centerdrill 14.8 short-flat for M16 X 420KF1480 470KF1480 X X
Centerdrill 14.8 long-flat for M16 X 420LF1480 470LF1480 X X
Further collet chucks such as e.g. SK30, BT40, etc. are available on request.
59
Centerdrill Accessoires
It is recommended that you apply our white parting paste to the Centerdrill flow punch former in
order to avoid caking metals on the Centerdrill (depending on the material and material thickness,
every 1-5 holes). The application of the parting paste can be done manually, for example by using a
brush. It is important that the parting paste is applied from the beginning and from the top to the
beginning of the band of the Centerdrill. A thin film is sufficient. This paste also increases the useful life
of the Centerdrill. Too much white paste reduces the required heat of the process and has a negative
effect on the quality of the formed bush and collar. The parting paste is water-soluble and contains no
oils, so it is also optimally suitable for components that will be coated subsequently, where no residues
may remain on the surface. While processing the parting paste, especially at very high
temperatures, there are no harmful substances and vapors.
Your advantages:
Application notes:
It should be applied on the Centerdrill every 5 holes in steel and every single operation in
stainless steel. The frequency will depend on the material to be processed.
In general there should be no screeching noise during the flow drilling process. If it
nevertheless happens, you should apply the paste once again.
60
Centertap Lubricants
When forming the threads, the use of our lubricants is essential. It should be applied to the centertap
before each operation, either manually with a brush or by a machine with a spraying system.
Our oils contain no volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons and the base oils are combined according
to the latest developments and environmentally friendly criterias.
Wherever residual oils interfere, such as when painting and galvanizing, then our washable
lubricant can be used. This oil is mineral oil-free, easy to dilute with water and therefore easy
to wash off. The restants can be removed very well with conventional degreasing agents.
Your advantages:
Application notes:
61
Centerdrill Accessoires
Due to the extreme thermal fluctuation and radial load, it is absolutely essential to use our special collet
chuck. The heat generated during the flow drilling process must not be allowed to enter the machine
spindle but it must be cooled instead. Commonly available three-part chucks may cause the breakage
of the Centerdrill if it is not clamped centrally! For this reason, a collet chuck with a cooling ring was
developed, especially for the flow drilling process with Centerdrill, so that the heat can be dissipated
ideally and a secure connection can be ensured. The collet chuck MT2 is standard for the Centerdrills with
a shank up to Ø 14mm. For bigger sizes, we recommend a MT3 or MT4 collet chuck with a cooling ring.
Your advantages:
Heat dissipation through a special cooling ring and thus, ensuring the protection
of your machine spindle
A secure clamping and concentricity of the Centerdrill tools ...
... and thereby, a lower risk of breakage of the Centerdrill tools
If you are interested in a collet chuck, we also recommend having a look at our Beginner Set. This will pro-
vide you complete basic equipment, with a cost advantage compared to the single purchasing. Page 56.
62
Centerdrill reducing sleeve
Centerdrill collets
For an optimum concentricity and a secure clamping of the Centerdrill, it is essential to use a collet.
Together with the special collet chuck with a cooling ring, you have an ideal prerequisite for a safe process.
Your advantages:
Centerdrill ER25 for MT2, ER32 for Centerdrill Shank ER25 for MT2, ER32 for
Shank
metric SK40, HSK63F MT3, MT4 withworth Ø SK40, HSK63F MT3, MT4
Ø
thread Order no.: Order no.: thread Order no.: Order no.:
63
Centerdrill GmbH
Valterweg 19
D-65817 Eppstein / Germany
Tel. +49 (0) 61 98 / 58 58 97
Fax +49 (0) 61 98 / 58 58 99
[email protected]
www.centerdrill.de