Star Cutter Company has introduced a Four-Flute/Four-Hole Gundrill designed to increase productivity and tool life in high-production deep hole drilling. The tool is ideal for drilling compacted graphite iron (CGI) and cast iron components, including engine blocks, cylinder heads, crankshafts, camshafts, and other critical automotive applications. It features four cutting edges, four internal coolant holes and an HSS steel body with a brazed carbide head.

The four cutting edges distribute the cutting load for more uniform wear, while the internal coolant holes deliver coolant directly to the cutting zone. Compared to traditional gundrill designs, the four-flute configuration has achieved 40% to 50% increases in feed rate and tool life in proven applications, with greater gains possible depending on the workpiece and machining conditions. These improvements can reduce cycle times, extend tool life and provide additional regrinds to help lower overall tooling costs.

“The HSS steel body with a brazed carbide head provides a more cost-effective alternative to solid carbide construction without compromising the cutting performance these applications demand,” said Richard Rickert, round tool product manager, Star Cutter. “Combined with the higher feed rates and longer tool life of the four-flute design, it gives manufacturers an opportunity to increase output while reducing cost per part.”

Available in diameters from 8 mm (0.315″) to 34.925 mm (1.375″), the Four-Flute/Four-Hole Gundrill can be produced in overall lengths up to 48″.