If you’re in the market for drill bits, chances are you’ve come across cobalt and carbide options. Both are popular choices for drilling through tough materials, but how do they compare to one another? Which one is good, cobalt vs carbide drill bits?
Cobalt and carbide drill bits have distinct differences in terms of durability, strength, and cost. Choosing the right drill bit can make a significant impact on the success of your project.
In this article, I’ll break down the differences between cobalt and carbide drill bits to help you make an informed decision. So let’s start the break down!
What Are the Drill Points Contains?
Black oxide aids in improving chip flow and reducing friction. For nonferrous materials only. Bright, not a true finish, but polished to improve chip flow. Aluminum, wood, and polymers are all applications. Tin drills can run more quickly than drills without coating, and their tool life is extended.
TiCN is excellent for aluminum, cast iron, and stainless steel. Then other coatings, are harder and more wear-resistant. TiALN for usage in titanium, nickel-based materials, high-alloy carbon steels, and other alloyed metals. Utilized not for aluminum.
A critical component of every project or application is selecting the appropriate drill bit for the job. The perfect decision can increase the lifespan of your drill bits, whether it’s selecting the right bit for the substrate material, finding the ideal fit for the depth and diameter of the hole, or even the amount of effort required. Hence, you may accomplish more with each drill bit, which boosts productivity.
About Carbide Drill Bits
Carbide drill bits are a popular choice for drilling through a variety of materials, including wood, plastics, and metals. Made of tungsten carbide, these drill bits are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, making them a cost-effective option for many applications.
Advantages
- It is a long-lasting drill bit that allows over five hundred to two thousand holes before requiring any resharpening.
- Carbide drill bits are more chip-resistant. Because they are tough and more thermally resistant than cobalt.
- Can operate at extremely high rates, which improves cycle time and slows down production speed.
- Drill bits made of carbide Peck drilling is no longer required with hardened steel.
- Because of its durability, the drill bit is able to make holes large enough to accommodate coolant.
- The lower temperatures that were introduced reduced both the heat treatment that was applied to the drilled portion and the wear on the drill.
Disadvantages
- It is more expensive and costly than Cobalt
- Comparatively more difficult to sharpen than cobalt
- Might very well require repair if it becomes hard.
About Cobalt Drill Bits
Cobalt drill bits are high-speed steel bits that contain a significant amount of cobalt alloy, typically between 5% and 8%. This cobalt content enhances their durability and heat resistance. Cobalt drill bits also have a longer lifespan than standard high-speed steel bits and can withstand higher temperatures during drilling.
Advantages
- Capable of being quickly and easily resharpened after extended use
- Low-cost alternative to carbide that can’t compete with its efficiency.
- Contain turning points within themselves, cutting down on cycle time.
- Reaches a depth equal to five times the diameter of their shaft before requiring pecking
- Easily slices through both soft and hard substances.
Disadvantages
- Require resharpening every 100–200 holes, since they don’t last as strong as carbide drill bits made from hardened steel.
- Drilling exceptionally hard material at temperatures outside the recommended range might cause the bit to chip easily.
You may also read: Cobalt vs Titanium Drill Bits: Which Is Best
Cobalt Vs Carbide Drill Bits: Which One Is The Best?
Cobalt and carbide drill bits are both popular options for drilling through various materials. While each has its own advantages and disadvantages, the best one depends on the specific application and material being drilled.
Here’s a comparison between cobalt and carbide drill bits to help you choose the best one for your needs:
Material hardness
Cobalt drill bits are designed for drilling through hard materials such as stainless steel and cast iron, while carbide drill bits are ideal for drilling through softer materials such as wood, plastic, and aluminum.
Heat resistance
Cobalt drill bits have a higher heat resistance than carbide drill bits, making them less likely to become damaged from overheating during drilling.
Durability
Carbide drill bits are more durable than cobalt drill bits and can last up to 10 times longer, making them a cost-effective option for drilling through softer materials.
Price
Cobalt drill bits are generally less expensive than carbide drill bits, but they may need to be replaced more frequently.
Precision
Carbide drill bits are typically more precise than cobalt drill bits, making them a good choice for precision drilling tasks.
If you’re drilling through hard materials such as stainless steel or cast iron, a cobalt drill bit would be the best choice due to its hardness and heat resistance.
On the other hand, if you’re drilling through softer materials such as wood, plastic, or aluminum, a carbide drill bit would be the best choice due to its durability and precision.
Similar Post: Black Oxide vs Titanium Drill Bits
FAQs
What Makes Solid Carbide Drill Bits Different?
Solid carbide drills are very different from standard precision cutters. There is no metal covering the cutting edge, which makes them extremely hard and sharp. The hardness of these bits also makes them able to drill holes through materials more effectively than softer metal.
Why Are Cobalt Drill Bits Unique?
The majority of cobalt drill bits have been constructed from high-speed steel and include a cobalt content of 5-8%. This amalgamation increases the drill bit’s toughness by increasing its resistance to heat and abrasion.
Final Words
If not utilized properly, the ultimate breaking point of carbide vs cobalt drill bits might result in chipping and poor performance. Carbide bits are highly recommended by SC Tools as the best choice for use in drills.
These bits will provide your manufacturing company with the competitive edge it requires to offer an amazing finish to products. When customers use a carbide drill bit, which boosts production speed while also lowering expenses, they can rest assured that the finished product will be masterful and of the highest caliber.
