Auto feed drills excel in production drilling applications where precision, reliability, and flexibility are necessary. Their simple yet robust design makes them the premier choice in manufacturing facilities worldwide.
The auto feed fixtured drill is really a ruggedly constructed self-feed drilling machine made of cast iron and steel. The modular construction of fixtured drilling equipment permits the users to choose the components for successful precision drilling of just about every material. In order to precisely match the self-feed drill to its application, you select from a number of design options such as the following: chuck size, horsepower, length of the stroke, and RPM.
Chuck Drill
The rugged construction of fixtured drills allows them to withstand heavy punishment while providing extra versatility, for example the feature of both foot and nose mountings. Self-feed drills can also be mounted within optional aircraft type nosepieces.
The operation of the self feed drill is as follows. The unit is started by pushing a manual start button or by the tool receiving a "start" air signal. The motor starts as soon as the forward motion occurs, and it shuts off as soon as the return motion is completed.
When started, the pneumatic fixtured drill fast forwards to the part, then slows to the preset drilling feed rate. When the it reaches the end of the stroke an internal signal causes the drill to retract and the self-feed drill is switched off.
Feed control is accomplished on the fixture drill by manipulating the flow of air from the exhaust side of the feed piston and is sufficiently accurate for most of the easy to drill applications. When more accurate control of the feed rate is required on harder to drill materials, or when hole finish or breakthrough control is crucial, utilize a hydraulic feed control.
The auxiliary signal should be considered when a pneumatic signal is needed to indicate that the tool has moved to the specified position. The signal may be used to actuate related equipment, including starting another drill or tapper, or performing an unclamp operation.
Mounting is accomplished by utilizing components from the extensive collection of available clamps, arms, and mounting posts which are generally available from the manufacturer as well.
Numerous manufactures produce auto feed drills, but Desoutter and Ingersoll Rand manufacture two of the most proven lines. If you are unsure of the specific model drill to order, a supplier specializing in drilling will generally provide expert selection assistance free of charge.