19 Radial Drilling Machine Parts You Should Know

When we refer to drilling machines, one of the most popular and effective types is the radial drilling machine.

This is because the holes we make using it in the large and bulky workpieces are very precise making it very popular. We will dissect this driller’s main components and how they operate.

What Is a Radial Drilling Machine

This is a remarkable tool that we use in creating holes in large and weighty workpieces that you cannot easily move. This particular machine is distinctive as it can bring its drill over your stationery workpiece using its radial arm.

However, the efficiency and effectiveness of this machine heavily depend on the various components, large and small. They work in tandem to ensure the machine’s precise and versatile overall operation.

Parts of A Radial Drilling Machine

You will find various parts in a radial drilling machine that enables their operation. We are going to analyze them and give you an insight into the workings of this machine:

1. Base

This is the part that holds all the components of this machine in place. It minimizes any maneuvering and absorbs vibration therefore providing you with maximum drill accuracy. The material component is usually steel or cast iron which is strong enough to support the weight of the column and workpiece.

2. Column

This pillar-shaped structure offers support to the radial arm. It facilitates the motion required by the radial arm to move up and down and rotate around to position the drill. Due to its strong structure, the radial drilling machine can achieve maximum stability while in use.

3. Radial Arm

The radial arm pivots and turns horizontally from the column and contains the drill head. You can slide it up and down the column or even rotate it to enable the drill to reach several points on your workpiece. This design makes the machine flexible enough for larger work and complicated tasks.

4. Drill Head

This is a compounded component that houses the spindle, motor along other related components. It is capable of shifting from left to right on the arm to properly align the drill bit in its angling position. This component is usually the most significant source of the process controlling ability of the machine.

5. Spindle

This rotating component is located in the drill head and is what imparts the rotational movement into the drill head for drilling into the workpiece. It is driven by the motor and regulates the speed and amount of force applied by the rotary motion. An effectively aligned spindle results in highly accurate drilling operations.

6. Chuck

This is the component responsible for firmly clamping the drill bit during the drilling process. It is located on the spindle and has a knob that you can adjust by tightening or loosening to fix drill bits of different sizes. You will find the three-jaw chuck very much in common use since it gives a very strong hold.

7. Motor

The role of the motor in this machine is to rotate the spindle. It offers the right torque and speed that is needed to drill through different materials. You can achieve different drilling speeds using variable speed motors that adjust the speed depending on the nature of the drilling.

8. Feed Mechanism

This component regulates the amount of thrust that your drill bit will have into the material that you are drilling. You can either regulate it manually while drilling or have the machine do it automatically with a constant feed rate. Optimal feed rates eliminate tool wear and vibration therefore giving you a smooth cutting process.

9. Table

It holds your workpiece in place during the drilling process. You can have it either raised or lowered and occasionally tilt or rotate it to better position your workpiece. If require minimal distortion especially when working with large materials, then go for a very sturdy table.

10. Elevating Mechanism

The main purpose of this component is to move the radial arm up or down the column. It enables you as an operator to achieve the vertical position of the drill head about your workpiece length or the drill depth required. They are available as manual mechanisms or motorized to ease the drilling process for you.

11. Radial Arm Locking Mechanism

It serves to fix the position of the radial arm in place to prevent it from moving while you are drilling and ensure accurate drills. This mechanism comes in handy especially when you are carrying out high-speed drilling or dealing with workpieces that are hard to drill.

12. Column Clamping Mechanism

It utilizes a long-stroke piston mechanism to maintain the height of the radial arm onto the column. This clamp is used to lock the main arm in position to ensure it doesn’t slip when you are drilling it. It helps to maintain the stability of both your workpiece and the radial drilling machine.

13. Coolant System

You are sure to generate some heat during drilling and this system serves to cool both the drill bit and workpiece to avoid this. Some of this coolant is also directed at the drilling area to minimize friction. It also aids in washing out chips and other debris while cooling the tools to lengthen their shelf life.

14. Gearbox

The spindle speed is regulated by the gearbox which makes it possible for you to vary depending on your workpiece material and any other drilling requirements. You can improve the drilling process by shifting gears to either increase or decrease your drilling speed. This ensures you strike a balance between your drilling speed and the size and material of your workpiece.

15. Handwheel

You can use the handwheel to make micro-movements that are aimed at adjusting the depth of the drill or altering the feed rate of the drill bit. It enables you to make fine adjustments, especially in operations involving manual feed. It gives you control over the depth and the rate of drilling.

16. Limit Switches

They guard the drill head by ensuring that it does not operate beyond a certain set point. This is achieved by stopping the machine when the controlled variable reaches the set level. This averts any damage to both the machine and your workpiece.

17. Control Panel

This component enables you to administer various activities on the machine. It can comprise control buttons and switches for the motor, feed mechanism, and coolant settings. You may find modern radial drilling machines having sophisticated dials and displays for improved accuracy of the machines.

18. Workpiece Clamping Mechanism

It ensures that your workpiece does not have unnecessary movements during drilling by keeping it in place on the table. They ensure minimal vibrations that may otherwise compromise your drilling precision. Getting a fastened clamp in every direction ensures drilling safety and precision.

19. Guarding and Safety Components

These parts exist to shield you from contacting any movable parts or debris from drilling. You will find them positioned around the spindle, belt, and coolant systems. You should ensure that guards are well fastened in place to avoid unnecessary accidents.

Conclusion

Getting to know the different components of the radial drilling machine makes you realize the high levels of flexibility and accuracy that it possesses. Whether you are working with large metal plate pieces or concerned with minor components, then understanding these parts ensures that you get the best out of the radial drills.

More resources:

Radial Drilling Machine – Source: TSINFA

Universal Drilling Machine – Source: TSINFA

Drilling Machine Manufacturers – Source: TSINFA

Drilling Process – Source: WIKIPEDIA