A drilling machine is used in various industries like manufacturing, construction, and the automobile industry. They are also of extreme use in various household and crafting purposes. There are different types of drilling machines available in the market that cater to multiple sectors. From a drill machine designed for complex purposes in industries to drilling machines for household use, there is an option for all requirements. Want to learn about the different types of drill machines, their advantages, and uses? Find all the answers in this guide.
What is a Drilling Machine?
A drilling machine or a drill press is a device that is used to make holes in different materials like wood, plastic, and metal. It consists of multiple parts, like a base column and a drill head. The head is designed on a slider mechanism, which leads the drill to move up and down along the column. The drill head features a Chuck that securely holds the drill bit while a motor powers the rotation of the drill bit. Drilling machines are of extreme use in industries such as manufacturing, construction, automobile, and repair work.
Types of Drill Machines
Drilling machines are classified based on their operational functions, material drilling abilities, and intended applications. Here is a list of the eight main types of drill machines:
1. Portable Drilling Machine
One of the first types of drill machines is a portable drill. They also have alternative names like handheld and cordless drills. They serve to create holes in work pieces that consist of metal, masonry, plastic, wood, etc. The purpose of the Portable drilling machine is to deliver easy operation at multiple sites. It is referred to as portable due to its weightless structure and compact design. The drill bit operates as a main component attached to a chuck that receives power either from electric motors or internal combustion engines.
| Uses | Pros | Cons |
| Drilling holes in wood, metal, or plastic | Easy to transport and use in various locations | Limited power compared to stationary machines |
| Construction and repair work | Versatile for small to medium tasks | Can be less accurate for precise drilling |
| DIY projects and home improvement | Saves space and is lightweight | Battery life can be limited on cordless models |
| Maintenance and assembly tasks | User-friendly and portable | Can cause fatigue with prolonged use |
2. Sensitive Drilling Machine
These machines are types of drill machines that are mounted for precise, accurate drilling of small circular holes. They are also called precision, press or bench drills because they are best suited for precision drilling. Whenever a drill has to be used for accuracy, one must opt for a sensitive drilling machine.
A sensitive drilling machine is different from a portable machine because a sensitive drilling machine is typically larger and more complex to use and cannot be carried everywhere. It is mainly used in workshops and laboratories.
A sensitive drilling machine is of two types:
- Bench-mounted drilling machine
- Floor-mounted drilling machine
| Uses | Pros | Cons |
| Precision drilling on small parts | Highly accurate drilling | Limited to small workpieces |
| Used in electronics and precision engineering | Easy to operate | Slower compared to other machines |
| Ideal for delicate materials | Low vibration and noise | Not suitable for large scale production |
| Drilling small, intricate holes | Allows fine control | Can be less versatile for varied tasks |
3. Gang Drilling Machine
If you want to drill multiple circular holes in a material at the same time, you should opt for a gang drilling machine. These are types of drill machines that consist of a series of drill bits mounted on a rotating spindle. It is called a gang drilling machine because the series of drill bits is assembled in a gang-like formation. Gang drilling machines are one of the most efficient and speedy drilling tools that are capable of drilling multiple holes at once accurately.
| Uses | Pros | Cons |
| Used for drilling multiple holes | High productivity for mass production | Requires more space |
| Ideal for repetitive tasks | Increased precision and accuracy | Higher initial cost |
| Common in manufacturing industries | Reduced operator fatigue | Limited to specific hole patterns |
4. Multi-spindle Drilling Machine
One of the various types of drilling machines is the multi-spindle drilling machine. These drilling tools are designed to create multiple holes in different places on a material. The multi-spindle drilling machine consists of various spindles that are mounted separately. Multi-spindle drilling machines and gang drilling machines serve the same purpose, but the only difference lies in their design.
| Uses | Pros | Cons |
| Drilling multiple holes at once | Increases production speed | Higher initial cost |
| Ideal for mass production | Reduces operator involvement | Complex setup and adjustments |
| Used in automotive and aerospace | Consistent and precise results | Maintenance can be challenging |
| High-volume drilling tasks | Improved efficiency and output | Requires skilled technicians |
5. Radial Drilling Machine
A Radial drilling machine is a type of drilling machine that features a rotating arm mounted on a column. It is called a radial drilling machine due to the arm only, as it holds the drill bit on a radial sliding track. This allows the drill to position itself at various angles as needed for the workpiece.
Radial drilling machines typically consist of three types
- Semi-universal drilling machine
- Universal drilling machine
- Plain drilling machine
| Uses | Pros | Cons |
| Drilling large workpieces | Versatile with adjustable arm | Takes up a lot of space |
| Precision drilling at angles | High accuracy | Slower operation |
| Common in heavy industries | Can handle heavy tasks | Requires skilled operators |
| Suitable for various drilling tasks | Flexible and adjustable | Needs regular maintenance |
6. Corded Impact Drill
This machine tool runs on electricity through a plug rather than a battery. A corded impact drill is used for complex processes that require extra power. It is typically used on work pieces like wood, concrete, or metal and is often used by professionals and DIYers.
| Uses | Pros | Cons |
| Drilling holes in hard materials (concrete, metal, wood) | Constant power supply (no battery limitations) | Limited by the length of the power cord |
| Driving screws and fasteners | More powerful than regular drills | Less mobility compared to cordless models |
| Heavy-duty construction or renovation work | High torque and impact force for tough tasks | Can be cumbersome for delicate tasks |
| Drilling in masonry and stone | Durable and reliable for professional use | Requires access to a power outlet |
7. Corded Electric Drill
Homeowners, DIYers, and professional users typically own corded electric drills. These types of drills serve various purposes, from hanging a mirror to assembling furniture etc. This machine tool comes with a keyed chuck that delivers up to 10mm and 25mm drilling capacity. It is mainly used in work pieces made of steel and wood.
| Uses | Pros | Cons |
| General drilling in wood, metal, etc. | Consistent power supply | Limited mobility due to the cord |
| Used in construction and repair work | More powerful than cordless models | Requires a nearby power source |
| Ideal for heavy-duty tasks | Generally more affordable | Can be cumbersome in tight spaces |
8. Deep Hole Drilling Machine
To drill deep, narrow holes, one must use a deep hole drilling machine. These tools are typically used when drilling deep holes that cannot be drilled with a random drilling machine. The industries that utilise deep hole drilling machines are aerospace, defence, automotive and manufacturing.
They come with a long cylinder drill bit, which is called a gun drill, that is designed to drill deep holes accurately. Sometimes they are also equipped with special features such as a BTA (Boring and Trepanning Association) drill head. This allows the tool to perform boring and trepanning functions in addition to drilling.
Default drilling machines come in two types:
- Vertical deep hole drilling machine
- Horizontal deep wall drilling machine
| Uses | Pros | Cons |
| Drilling deep, precise holes | High precision | Expensive |
| Common in industries like aerospace | Works well with tough materials | Requires skilled operators |
| Ideal for long and deep holes | Efficient chip removal | Slow for shallow drilling |
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