Indexable U Drill: What Makes It Better Than Normal Drills?

Discover the benefits of 20mm U drill, how indexable inserts improve drilling speed, accuracy, and tool life in workshops

What Is an Indexable U Drill?

An indexable U drill  is a special type of drilling tool that uses replaceable cutting inserts instead of a solid cutting edge. It has a steel body and two or more carbide inserts that cut the material. When the cutting edge becomes dull, you only replace the insert instead of changing the whole drill.

The u drill insert is the cutting part that actually removes material. These inserts are made from carbide or coated materials, which makes them strong, heat resistant, and long lasting. The drill body holds the inserts firmly and directs chips away from the hole.

Why 20mm U Drill Is Popular

The 20mm size is very common in machining because it is used in many industrial parts. A 20mm hole is often required in automotive parts, machine components, and engineering projects. Indexable U drills in this size are used for medium to large hole drilling where speed, accuracy, and surface finish are important.

Compared to small drills, a 20mm drill removes more material, so tool strength and stability are very important. Indexable drills are designed for this purpose.

How Indexable U Drill Works

An indexable U drill works differently from a normal twist drill. Instead of one continuous cutting edge, it has inserts placed at the center and the outer edge. Each u drill insert cuts a specific part of the hole. The center insert cuts the core, and the outer insert cuts the diameter.

This design reduces cutting force, improves chip control, and allows higher feed rates. Because the inserts are replaceable, the drill body can be reused many times.

Benefits of Indexable U Drill Over Normal Drills

Indexable U drills have many advantages compared to traditional solid drills. These benefits make them popular in CNC machining and modern workshops.

1. Faster Drilling Speed
Indexable U drills can run at higher feed rates and cutting speeds. This reduces machining time and increases production.

2. Lower Tool Cost Over Time
Instead of replacing the whole drill, you only replace the u drill insert. This saves money in long-term use, especially in high-volume production.

3. Better Hole Quality
These drills produce accurate and straight holes with good surface finish. The inserts are designed to reduce vibration and chatter.

4. Easy Maintenance
When an insert becomes dull, you simply rotate or replace it. There is no need to resharpen the drill like HSS tools.

5. Strong and Durable
The drill body is made from strong steel, and inserts are made from carbide. This makes them suitable for hard materials and long machining cycles.

Difference Between Indexable U Drill and Normal Twist Drill

Normal twist drills are solid tools with spiral flutes and a fixed cutting edge. They are cheaper initially but have limitations.

Indexable U drills are modular tools with replaceable inserts. A twist drill becomes useless when it wears out, but an indexable drill continues to work with new inserts.

Twist drills are good for small workshops and light drilling. Indexable drills are better for CNC machines, heavy-duty drilling, and industrial production.

Materials That Can Be Drilled

Indexable U drills are used for many materials, including:

• Mild steel
  
  

• Stainless steel
  
  

• Cast iron
  
  

• Aluminium
  
  

• Alloy steel
  
  

• Copper and brass
  
  

The right u drill insert grade and coating must be selected based on the material. Coated inserts improve tool life and reduce heat.

Chip Control and Coolant Use

Chip control is very important in drilling. Indexable U drills are designed to break chips into small pieces, which prevents clogging and tool damage.

Coolant is often used to reduce heat and flush chips. Internal coolant holes in the drill body help improve performance and tool life.

Accuracy and Stability

Indexable U drills are designed for high stability. The drill body is rigid, and inserts are firmly clamped. This reduces vibration and improves hole accuracy.

For CNC machines, this is very important because accuracy affects the quality of the final part. A properly set U drill can achieve tight tolerances and smooth finishes.

When to Use Indexable U Drill

Indexable U drills are best used when:

• You need to drill large diameter holes
  
  

• High production speed is required
  
  

• Hole accuracy is important
  
  

• Tool cost needs to be reduced
  
  

• CNC machining is used
  
  

For small manual drilling, twist drills are still useful. But for industrial work, indexable drills are more efficient.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many users make mistakes when using indexable U drills. Some common mistakes include:

• Using wrong insert grade for the material
  
  

• Incorrect cutting speed and feed rate
  
  

• Poor coolant flow
  
  

• Improper insert seating
  
  

• Using worn inserts
  
  

Always check the insert condition and tool settings to get the best results.

How to Choose the Right U Drill Insert

Choosing the right u drill insert depends on:

• Material type
  
  

• Cutting speed
  
  

• Machine power
  
  

• Required surface finish
  
  

• Coolant availability
  
  

Carbide inserts with coatings like TiN, TiAlN, or PVD are commonly used for longer tool life.

Maintenance Tips

To maintain indexable U drills:

• Clean the drill body regularly
  
  

• Check insert screws and pockets
  
  

• Replace worn inserts on time
  
  

• Use proper torque for screws
  
  

• Store inserts safely
  
  

Good maintenance improves performance and reduces tool failure.

Where Can You Get Quality Workshop Tools?

Jaibros is a reliable place for workshop and industrial tool needs because it focuses on quality, accuracy, and practical use. The platform offers a wide range of measuring and machining tools that are suitable for daily workshop work, inspection tasks, and training use. Products are clearly listed with proper details, making it easier for users to choose the right tool for their requirement. Jaibros is known for supporting machinists, technicians, and industries by providing tools that help improve measurement accuracy and work efficiency without confusion.

Future of Indexable Drilling Tools

Indexable drilling tools are becoming more popular as industries move towards automation and CNC machining. New insert geometries and coatings are improving tool life and performance.

In the future, smart tools and advanced materials will make drilling even faster and more accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an indexable U drill used for?
It is used for drilling medium to large holes in metal with high speed and accuracy.

2. Can U drill inserts be reused?
Some inserts can be rotated to use multiple cutting edges before replacement.

3. Is a 20mm U drill suitable for CNC machines?
Yes, it is widely used in CNC machining for industrial drilling applications.

4. What material are U drill inserts made from?
They are usually made from carbide with special coatings for durability.

5. Do indexable U drills need coolant?
Coolant is recommended to reduce heat and improve chip removal.