Inserts Provide the Optimum Drilling Solution for Heat Exchanger Industry
Walter (Waukesha, WI) has unveiled a series of new inserts to its Walter Xtra·tec Point Drill lineup which provide the optimum drilling solution for the heat exchanger industry. Heat exchangers are used in the power generation industry, as well as oil and gas, refrigeration, and water treatment.
The drilling of tube and baffle plates are key elements in the manufacture of heat exchangers. Drilling often runs to great lengths, placing unique demands on the tools. These parts can be constructed from a wide variety of materials, making tooling considerations even more complex.
Tube materials include soft ferrite steels, austenitic stainless steels, duplex stainless steels, nickel-based materials, cladded sheets and non-ferrous metals. For baffle plates, mainly soft ferrite steels and non-ferrous metals are used.
Walter now provides two types of Xtra·tec Point Drill inserts to meet these needs: The P6001 (Universal in grades WXP45 and WPP45C0), and the P6003 (Specialist in grade WMP35). Each is available in a wide variety of standard sizes.
These Xtra·tec Point Drill inserts’ performance advantages can be traced to their precision ground geometry which yields high surface quality, and their self-centering effect and stabilizing lands resulting in close bore tolerances and precise cylindrical bores. Their secure insert clamping limits the possibility of vibration and boosts process reliability.
The inserts can tackle a wide variety of applications including drilling through and blind holes, drilling precision holes (tolerance of H8 is possible), stack drilling, drilling holes close to contour, and tap drill holes. They are suitable for drilling in ISO material types P,M,K,N and S. And though they are the smart solution for heat exchanger drilling needs they also find application in the automotive, aerospace, and mold and die industries, as well as general metalworking.
