History Of Drill Bits: Part 3 - Usage In The Modern World

Drill bits have been important tools for most of human history, ranging from areas such as construction, manufacturing as well as surgery and the aerospace industry. Creating holes in a large range of material has been useful to humans for hundreds of generations. However, advancements within drill bits have been numerous. Starting from simple tools to modern marvels that a few in the modern day truly understand. This insight series of posts from Quality Tools UK, explores the history of drill bits, uncovering their origins, the different type of drill bits invented and how they changed and evolved throughout history. This blog post is part 3 of the series, looking at the modern history of drill bit tool. Exploring the 20th Century tools and techniques and how they have advanced into 21st Century creations and will continue to advance to futuristic evolutions for drilling.

Quality Tools UK - The History Of Drill Bits Series

The Development of Tungsten Carbide & Diamond Drill Bits

Tungsten carbide rotary burrs shape A cylinder (TiCN)

Tungsten Carbide- tipped drills bits continued the quick progression we saw in the industrialisation of the 20^th century. Tungsten Carbide (TC) itself is a very durable material that has the ability to cut through a large sway of tough metals and could hold its shape much longer than materials such as HSS. Tungsten Carbide increasingly became a must have for industries. Industrial scale usage and progression of the 20^th Century often required more and more high precision and durable tooling.

Another advancement that emerged around this time was diamond tipped bits. Made from the hardest known material to man, these drill bits were of vital importance for the mining industry when drilling through other hard materials such as ores, where it was proofed to be incredibly difficult to break into.

New Electric & Pneumatic Drill Devices

Electric and Pneumatic Drilling machinery further propelled technology forward. Electric Drills allowed for greater control and efficiency, whilst Pneumatic Drills, used compressed air, providing increased levels of force. As such, Pneumatic Drill machines were primarily utilised in heavy duty drilling, like mining applications.

The Creation of CNC Machines

The introduction of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines continued the progression of drilling and drill bits with increased effectivity. By using computer programs, these CNC Machines could automate the control of drill bits without the need for manual human interaction. CNC Machines came with the added benefit of increased accuracy alongside the addition of complex drilling patterns. The technology of CNC Machines often finds application within high tech industries.

The Evolution of Specialised Drill Bits

Specialty Drill Bits became increasingly ever more popular during the 20^th century, designed for more specifically tailored applications. Examples of these more specialised drill bits include the Spade Bits and the Forstner Bits. Both these Drill Bits were designed and developed for woodworking projects, used primarily for creating large diameter bores within the wood surface materials. Alongside these Drill Bits, Step Drill Bits provided extensional usage in metalwork processes, similarly making large diameter holes within the metal surface material.

The Growing Sector of Precision & Special Drill Bits

Moving closer towards the modern day and the success of Specialised Drills Bits continues to grow, with the expansion of more Drill Bits being designed and developed for use in a wide array of applications. Improvements, adaptations and innovations are constantly being planned, prototyped, manufactured and reviewed even to this day. This is thanks to the new and upcoming materials in both science and manufacturing capabilities. Due to this advancement, the future of Drill Bits since the 20^th Century, into the 21^st Century and centuries beyond, provides a greater record for accuracy, strength and durability.

Coated Drill Bits Innovation

The discovery of Coating Drill Bits has been more recently utilised to gain great effect on high-performance usage and increased product lifespan. Applied to HSS, Titanium nitride (TiN), Oxides and other ceramic coating options, helps reduce the friction within drilling jobs and extend the life of the product. It has been proven to be critical in some cases and of some importance in other scenarios for both high speed usage and high temperature environments. You can learn more about Drill Bit Coating Options on our online insight series “Coated Drill Bits: Explained” via the link below.

The Introduction of Multi-Material Drill Bits

Multi material drill bits have allowed for singular drill bits to effectively manage drilling through different materials without the need to change to another specific drill bit. These drill bits have special geometrics and coatings which allow them to properly drill through many materials making them incredibly versatile in the professional construction projects, workshop applications and DIY spaces.

Additive Manufacturing Processes

Additive manufacturing or as its more commonly known ‘3D printing’ is another modern innovation that has helped in the production of new drill bits. This allows producer to create even more complex and customised designs. These designs would have unachievable when making drill bits in more traditional ways. 3D printing can also help cut down on waste, making it a more attractive option in terms of sustainability and efficiency.

Sustainability & Environmental Impact Measures

The impact of climate change is a crucial emergency across the globe! Alongside Additive Manufacturing Processes, other forms of manufacturing has had to undertake many adaptations to reduce the problems caused to the environment. This is no different for the production of Drill Bits and other Cutting/Drilling Tools. Sustainability is at the forefront for Drill Bit manufacturers, providing a key factor in their manufacturing processes. The use of recycled materials and environmentally friendly practises when it comes to making drill bits has been the main focus. Some specific examples include implementation of recycling programs for used/worn drill bits and the further use of biodegrading materials helping support the move forward for a more sustainable, green and eco-friendly future.

See the changes we, at Quality Tools UK, are doing to reduce the effect of climate change, via the link below!

Future Smart Drill Bit Concepts

Smart Technology is on the rise around the globe, thanks to the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and wider access of Wi-Fi to users. Smart Technology refers to the addition of computing or telecommunication capabilities to a product that previously did not have such features/, converting thus product into a “Smart” product or “Smart Device”. With the continued advancement in this technology, the exploration of using smart technology in drill bits has been explored. Smart drills, as they have coined, would provide a level of real time feedback on multiple different factors of the drill. These include temperature, pressure and wear, this technology has the potential to completely change the drill bits industry and revolutionise the industry as a whole. Leading to incredible progress and efficiency within multiple fields including manufacturing, construction and medical fields.

Summary

The history of drill bits is fascinating, made notable by numerous human innovations and technological advancements. From simple tools made out of stone and bones to the advanced, precision engineered drill bits we see today, each one bringing us to the incredible flexibility, durability and downright remarkable drill bits we see today. Each of these evolutions have built upon past advancements and made them better making them the essential puzzle piece of many industries today.

In conclusion, drill bits have played a huge role in building our world. Their history is fascinating and isn’t one of simple technological advancements but one that showcases the human spirit for progress. Helping to pursue every single innovation and earn it to shape a better world. Ranging from the innovations of ancient civilisations all the way to our current modern day and their evolution continues to be driven by the quest for brilliance and revolution.

Missed Part 1 and Part 2 in our History Series? Check them out via the link below!