Drilling composite material An aerospace manufacturer uses sp³drills on graphite fiber reinforced composite material. Speed is 3500 rpm (230 sfm), feed .003 ipr, DOC .300". No coolant is used. The sp³ tool drills over 2100 holes compared with 100 holes for uncoated carbide. The cost per hole for the sp³ CVD diamond drill is $.05 vs. $.18 for carbide.

	Drilling graphite parts A graphite manufacturer uses sp³ CVD diamond drills on various graphite parts. In one application, .250" diameter drills are used at 3500 rpm (230 sfm), feed .015 ipr, and DOC .280". Air coolant is used. With the sp³ tool 30,000 holes are obtained vs. 100 for uncoated micrograin carbide. The sp³ drill lasts through 45 shifts vs. 1 shift for uncoated carbide. The cost per part is $.004 for the sp³ drill vs. $.27 for carbide.

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