(LATROBE, PA) – The KenTIP™ modular drill system from Kennametal features a number of solid-steel bodies (3xD, 5xD, and 8xD, among others) that can stay in your machine or holder while the replaceable drill points provide you with precision holemaking in steel. You can run at the speeds of solid-carbide drills, achieve up to 50 percent higher metal removal rate compared to other modular drills, and reduce setup times.

Now, the KenTIP HP(M) in KC7315 grade and all 3xD, 5xD,and 8xD KenTIP body product lines are expanding to 25.99mm (1.016 inch). Until now, the KenTIP HP(M) in KC7315 grade and the KenTIP steel body portfolio covered a diameter range from 8.0 mm to 20.99 mm (0.3125 inch to 0.8260 inch).

"Manufacturers have always been under pressure to improve productivity and reduce costs, and those pressures are higher now than ever before," says Global Product Manager Frank Richter. "KenTIP is an excellent choice for holemaking in steel because you can run faster, achieve higher levels of performance drill-to-drill, and eliminate any number of tools awaiting reconditioning because the drill tips are disposable."

"Expanding into larger diameters expands the application range for KenTIP, particularly for general engineering, automotive, energy, and any industry seeking improvement in drilling operations," adds Global Machining Technology Manager Allen Poponick. "Speeds and overall equipment effectiveness go up, scrap rates and tool-change times go down."

Additionally, the KenTIP HP(M) in KC7315 grade is designed to provide excellent centering capability and low thrust for reducing any workpiece flexing. A unique locking and front-clamping mechanism makes inserts easy to change while providing consistent hole quality drill-to-drill.