MITGI Drills
Drills are one of the most commonly used tool types—but not all drills are created equal. Developed for use in precision manufacturing, MITGI standard and custom drills are designed to achieve tight tolerances and repeatable performance in demanding materials. MITGI has built its business around the idea that customers need precision tools, tight tolerances, short lead times, and predictable delivery schedules. Whether you need a quick turn, blanket pricing, or want to work with us on a continuous improvement project, MITGI has you covered.
Products and Applications
FAQs
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How do you decide whether to use a standard tool or move to a custom?
There are several answers to this seemingly simple question. For example:
- Lead time may be a deciding factor. Our regular lead time for standard tools is 3 days or less, while custom tools are usually available in 2 weeks or less. Regardless of how we quote a tool in normal circumstances, we understand when companies are pressed for time. We don’t charge to expedite, but we will try to accommodate schedules whenever possible. Let us know what you need and we’ll do our best to achieve it.
- Production volume may drive your decision. If you are a high-mix, low-volume facility, a standard tool may be a great option for you. A MITGI standard tool will help achieve tight tolerances and great surface finish and can be used in a variety of materials and projects. If you are a high-volume, low-mix facility, custom tools may be worth considering. When production lines are tasked with increasing tool life, improving cycle times, or increasing throughput, custom tools may help to achieve the goals through application-specific features and geometries.
- Not sure? Just ask. Send us your tool specs, info on the project, and any goals you’re trying to achieve. If a standard tool exists, we’ll let you know. If we see any opportunities for improved performance by moving to a custom, we’ll give you the option to consider.
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What types of drills does MITGI manufacture?
MITGI manufactures and sells both standard and custom drills. Our standard tool lines include micro drills (5x, 8x, 12x, and 15x flute lengths) on both inch and metric shanks, drills on coolant thru material (8x, and 12x flute lengths), spot drills, and drill mills. We also offer a wide range of tool types as custom tools – drills, drill mills, spot drills, g-style drills, double margin drills, and step drills.
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How do I know which point angle I need?
The right point angle for the job is determined by material cutting:
ISO Group P – 130° to 140°
ISO Group M – 130° to 140°
ISO Group K – 140°
ISO Group N – 118° to 140°
ISO Group S – 130° to 140°
ISO Group H – 140°
MITGI standard micro drills are offered in both 118° and 140° drill points; standard spot drills in 90°, 118°, and 140°; and standard drill mills in 60°, 90°, and 120°. -
How many xD can MITGI manufacture?
MITGI can manufacture most drill sizes up to 25x diameter, but options will vary based on cutter diameter and other tool specs.
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What is the smallest drill diameter you offer?
MITGI manufactures standard micro drills with diameters as small as 0.004 in. or 0.15 mm. Custom-sized micro drills can go even smaller. For the record, the smallest custom drill we’ve ever made had a 0.0017 in. cutter diameter. That’s about half the size of a human hair. [see video]
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What kind of coolant thru options are available for drills?
One of the biggest problems that people face when drilling is getting the chips out of the way. In cases where it’s a thru-hole, chip evacuation may be easier and users may opt for either solid carbide or coolant thru. In cases where it’s a blind hole, coolant can help flush the chips from the bottom and back out the flutes of the drill. Coolant thru material options include coolant holes at the tip, out the shoulder, or coolant grooves. Contact us to discuss options.
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How can you extend the life of a drill?
If your drill is working well, but you’d like it to last longer, coating is often a good place to start. It may not be suitable for every material, but the added lubricity and heat control that the coating provides may help to extend tool life. If your tool is already coated, it may be worth considering switching to a different coating. There may be more than one coating that is suitable for a material, and upgrading to a higher-performance coating may help extend tool life in applications that produce more heat. Learn more about our in-house coating options.
MITGI Custom Tools
There may be times when a standard, off-the-shelf drill will work perfectly for your project. However, there may be some slight adjustments to the tool design that could help increase the number of holes per tool, achieve superior surface finish, avoid deflection, or provide improved chip evacuation. There are a few basic questions that can help determine whether a custom tool may be worth considering:
- What’s the hole size? Choose a diameter that is slightly smaller than the hole you need to make. You’ll finish the hole with a reamer, so by using a slightly smaller diameter drill you can ensure enough material is left behind for the reamer.
- What’s the optimal flute length? Select a flute length that is long enough to finish the hole, but short enough to help avoid deflection.
- What’s the right point angle? The best point angle for a job is determined by the material cutting.
- Is it a blind or through hole? When your part includes a through hole, the chips will be pushed out the bottom by the drill. When your part has a blind hole, the chips may compress or nest up in the bottom of the hole, increasing the chances of breakage. If it’s a blind hole, consider coolant thru material to help aid chip evacuation.
With the answers to these questions, you can determine whether there is a standard tool that meets your needs. If not, considering a custom tool is easy. Contact us to discuss your custom tool request. Or, complete a tool quote sheet and send it our way. We’ll review the information, connect with you regarding any questions we may have, and send a quote to you promptly.
MITGI Standard Tools
MITGI standard tools are designed for general-purpose use. They are an excellent choice when lead times are very short (3 days or less), or when the tool may be used in a variety of materials and applications.