Drilling Machines

Buy & sell used CNC drilling machines & automated drilling machines easily on Surplex.com!

Drilling machines are essential

Drilling is an exciting production process of rotary cutting motion combined with translatory feed movement in the direction of the tool's rotational axis. Both movements are usually assigned to the tool, but they can also be performed by the workpiece. One example is the production of centric, axial holes in rotating parts on a lathe.

The position of the spindle in drilling machines is usually vertical. They are used for five different processes: drilling with a spiral drill or boring bar, countersinking, reaming, and tapping using a tapping machine. Milling is also closely related to drilling, and both manufacturing processes can be done on the same machines to some extent. For cutting threads, you need an automatic feed synchronized with the rotary movement. In drilling machines, this can be accomplished by guide nuts or thread cutting heads. There are structural differences between a handheld drilling machine and a workshop or industrial drilling machine. Workshop/industrial drilling machines can be further separated into column drilling machines and box-column, or pillar drilling machines. Column drilling machines can either be table models, floor-mounted- or radial drilling machines.

Distinction between box-column and column drilling machines Different models for special purposes Variety of options for small-batch or mass production

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Box-column drilling machines can be divided into single-column and portal-type designs. There are also other types for special purposes. Multi-spindle drilling machines allow simultaneous drilling of a large number of axis-parallel holes in one workpiece. Coordinate drilling machines allow the drilling of high-precision holes without prior scoring. Deep drilling machines work with particularly slim tools, allowing holes to be drilled which are over ten times as long as they are wide. Tools for deep drilling have special mechanisms for efficient cooling and chip removal. They sometimes operate with a horizontal spindle orientation.

Thanks to CNC, revolver drilling machines allow for automatic tool changes and mark the transition to CNC/automated drilling machines and machining centres. Other popular models include slot-hole, through-hole, and core-hole drilling machines.

From stone-age tools to industrial drills

Drilling tools were used very early in the history of human development. Following the first chisels and scraping tools, drills originally consisted of a wooden stick with a stone tip that was brought into oscillating rotation by the string of a bow. The first machine tool was the cylinder drilling machine, which played a significant part in the success of industrialization. Cylinder drilling machines allowed for the construction of ample precision cylinders for the steam machines constructed by James Watt.

Finding the right drilling machine for the job

Drilling machines & automated drilling machines are used in many different ways. Handheld drilling machines are particularly well suited to installation and repair works due to their high mobility. Column drilling machines are primarily used in single-item and small-batch production.

Radial drilling machines, also called swivel or boom drilling machines, are useful for the processing of particularly large and cumbersome workpieces. Coordinate drilling machines are used for building tools and equipment. As gauging machines, they allow high-precision processing. However, they must be set up in a tempered room.

Overview of drilling machine manufacturers & brands

Drilling machine manufacturers are well represented on the market today. However, not all of them are recommended, particularly when it comes to used drilling machines. Brands with a good reputation for both new and used industrial drilling machines include, for example, ALZMETALL, ARBOGA, BIESSE, BOSCH, DUSS, FEIN, and FLOTT. In addition, MAKITA, MORBIDELLI, IXION, GILLARDON, and WMW are notable manufacturers of drilling machines for metalworking.

Buy used drilling machines

You want to buy a used drilling machine? Then you can't go wrong with Surplex, the used machinery portal for metal & woodworking. In our regular industry auctions, you have the chance to get great deals on used drilling machines. The selection includes everything from simple handheld drilling machines and conventional industry drilling machines to CNC automated drilling machines.

There’s nothing wrong with buying used drilling machines. With the right maintenance, a used drilling machine can generally work reliably for many years. The machines offered on Surplex are inspected before sale if possible, and are usually in good or very good condition. If a drilling machine is not functional, we note this in the description. If you have any questions before buying, you can always turn to the trustworthy Surplex Customer Care. The relevant employee will be happy to answer your questions.