A Gun Drill is a special type of drill used for making deep, precise holes, originally developed for drilling gun barrels — hence the name. It is widely used in industries like automotive, aerospace, mold making, and medical devices.
Advantages of Gun Drills
Excellent Deep Hole Capability
Gun drills have the ability to drill holes over 100 times the diameter (D), making them ideal for deep, narrow, and precision bores.
High Hole Accuracy
They offer superior levels of straightness, roundness, and coaxiality, typically achieving IT8–IT10 tolerance levels.
Smooth Surface Finish
Gun drills can produce surface roughness as low as Ra 0.4–1.6 µm, reducing the need for additional reaming or honing.
Efficient Chip Removal
The internal high-pressure coolant flushes chips out smoothly, preventing clogging and overheating during drilling.
Stable and Low Vibration Drilling
Guide pads help stabilize the tool and reduce deflection, making gun drills suitable for long and precise holes.
Long Tool Life (with proper use)
When used with correct speeds, feeds, and coolant, gun drills can maintain sharpness over long runs. They are available in carbide-tipped or solid carbide options.
Applicable to Various Materials
Gun drills are effective on a wide range of materials, including steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, plastic, and other metals or composites.
Automation-Friendly
Gun drills can be used in CNC machines, gun drilling machines, or modified lathes, making them suitable for automated manufacturing processes.
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Gun drills are used in various industries wherever deep, straight, and accurate holes are required. Some common applications include:
Mold and Die Making: Gun drills are employed in creating cooling channels in injection molds or die-casting tools to ensure accurate and efficient heat dissipation paths.
Medical Devices: Gun drills are used in the production of bone drills, cannulas, and needle tubes, providing precision small-diameter, high-quality holes.
Hydraulics & Pneumatics: Gun drills are essential in creating valve bodies, cylinders, and pressure blocks that require precise axial bores for fluid control.
General Manufacturing: Gun drills are suitable for any component that needs a deep, accurate, and clean hole in metal, plastic, or composite materials.