Carbide Drill Finder » Carbide Drills for Stainless Steel

Carbide Drills for Stainless Steel

Solving Difficult
Stainless Steel Machining
3 Recommended Drill Solutions by Application

For Deep Holes

For Deep Holes

Common Problems

  • Thermal expansion causing dimensional errors
  • Cutting edge dulling and chipping

For
Flat-Bottom Holes

For Flat-Bottom Holes

Common Problems

  • Center deviation during tool replacement
  • Poor accuracy and flatness on the hole bottom

For Micro Holes
(Ø < 1mm)

For Micro Holes

Common Problems

  • Poor hole quality due to drill runout/vibration
  • Tool breakage from poor chip evacuation

Solid Carbide Drills
for Stainless Steel

In-Depth
Features and Specs

for Deep Holes
Recommended
Drill for Deep Holes

Nachi America
AQUA DRILL EX OIL HOLE DEEP DRILL SERIES

Nachi America AQUA DRILL EX OIL HOLE DEEP DRILL SERIES
Source:Nachi America Official Website
https://www.nachiamerica.com/products/129-aqua-drill-ex-oil-hole-deep-drill-series/

Why the AQUA DRILL EX OIL HOLE
DEEP DRILL SERIES
Solves Deep-Hole
Machining Challenges

Deep hole drilling in stainless steel often causes chip clogging and excessive heat,
which lead to dimensional errors, edge chipping, and rapid tool wear.

Chip Evacuation
for Deep Drilling

Special flute geometry and enlarged chip pockets, optimized for stainless steel, efficiently remove chips that tend to accumulate at the hole bottom.
This curbs clogging and tool interference, preventing dimensional defects.

Extended Tool Life
in Harsh Conditions

A multilayer coating withstands temperatures up to 1100°C, suppressing oxidation and wear.
In addition, internal oil holes deliver coolant directly to the cutting edge, preventing heat buildup and improving cutting performance in stainless steel applications.

Dedicated Pilot Drill
for Stable Machining

A specially designed pilot drill creates a guide hole in advance, reducing misalignment and deflection.
Even in high-resistance stainless steel, this ensures stable and precise deep hole drilling.

AQUA DRILL EX OIL HOLE DEEP DRILL SERIESLineup

Applicable Diameter Range φ1.0–12.0 mm (Micro series: φ1.0–3.0 mm)
L/D Ratio 10×D / 15×D / 20×D / 25×D / 30×D / 40×D
(+ Pilot hole: 2×D)
Source: Nachi America Official Website
[PDF]https://www.nachiamerica.com/download/332-general-catalog/

AQUA DRILL EX OIL HOLE DEEP DRILL SERIESSpecifications

Coating Aqua EX coating
Point angle 140°
Flute design 30° Helical flute with smooth surface for improved chip evacuation
Through-coolant Internal coolant channels
Compatible materials Stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, cast iron, aluminum alloys

AQUA DRILL EX OIL HOLE DEEP DRILL SERIESMachining
Case Studies

Before Introduction
Tool Used

AQUA DRILL EX OIL HOLE DEEP DRILL (φ2.0 mm × 15D)

Work Material

420 stainless steel (50 HRC)

Cutting Conditions
Cutting speed 30 m/min
Feed rate 0.015 mm/rev
Coolant Through-coolant
After Introduction
Results

Achieved stable drilling to a depth of approximately 14×D with a φ2.0 mm drill.
No chip clogging observed even after drilling 35 consecutive holes.
Successfully replaced the previous wire-cutting process.

Benefits

Enabled high-speed, long-life deep hole drilling even in high-hardness materials,
significantly reducing reliance on EDM processes.

Source: Nachi America, General Catalog (PDF)
[PDF]https://www.nachiamerica.com/download/332-general-catalog/

Manufacturer
Information

Company name Nachi America
Headquarter Nachi America Inc. 715 Pushville Rd. Greenwood, IN 46143
Phone number (USA) +1 877 622-4487
Official Website https://www.nachiamerica.com/
for Flat-Bottom Holes
Recommended
Drill for Flat-Bottom Holes

Kennametal
KenDrill™ FBL

Kennametal KenDrill™ FBL
Kennametal Official Website
https://www.kennametal.com/jp/ja/products/fam.kendrill-fbl-3-x-d-internal-coolant-straight-shank-metric.100161602.html

Why the KenDrill™ FBL
Solves Flat-Bottom Holes
Machining Challenges

During step-drilling or counterboring operations, tool changes often cause misalignment.

Reduced Risk of
Misalignment
from Tool Changes

With a 180° flat cutting edge, drilling and counterboring can be completed in a single step.
This eliminates the need for tool changes to an end mill, reducing misalignment risk and lowering machining costs.

Optimized Edge Geometry
Prevents Productivity
Loss

The two-flute design cuts all the way to the center, avoiding the slowdown in cutting speed often seen with flat drills.
This shortens cycle times and improves overall productivity.

Better Burr
Control on Inclined
and Cross Holes

Four guiding margins suppress tool deflection, even under unstable conditions such as inclined surfaces or cross holes.
This ensures high hole straightness and roundness, while reducing burr formation at the exit.

KenDrill™ FBLLineup

Applicable Diameter Range φ3.0–20.0 mm
Length-to-Diameter Ratios 1.5×D / 3×D / 5×D / 8×D

KenDrill™ FBLSpecifications

Coating KCU15 / KCU25 Grade (TiAlN-based PVD)
Point angle 140°
Flute design Straight flute with step geometry
Through-coolant Improves cutting performance and reduces tool wear.
Compatible materials Steel, stainless steel, cast iron, nickel-based alloys

KenDrill™ FBLMachining
Case Studies

Before Introduction
Tool Used

KenDrill™ FBL (Flat Bottom Drill)

Work Material

Austenitic stainless steel (SUS304 / SUS316)

Cutting Conditions
Cutting speed 50 m/min
Feed rate 0.04–0.08 mm/rev
After Introduction
Results

Flat-bottom holes were completed in a single operation,
with excellent surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
Low vibration contributed to stable tool life.

Benefits

Eliminated the need for spot drilling, achieving both shorter cycle times and high-precision machining.

Manufacturer
Information

Company name Kennametal
Headquarter 525 William Penn Pl Suite 3300 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, US
Phone number +1 833 893-1514
Official Website https://www.kennametal.com/us/en/home.html
for Micro Holes
Recommended
Drill for Micro Holes

Sandvik
CoroDrill® 862

Sandvik CoroDrill® 862
Source:Sandvik Official Website
https://www.sandvik.coromant.com/ja-jp/tools/drilling-tools/solid-carbide-drills/corodrill-862

Why the CoroDrill® 862
Solves Micro Holes
Machining Challenges

Even slight tool wear or deflection can cause critical defects like tool breakage.

Tip Geometry Reduces
Drill Deflection

A specially engineered point design reduces thrust force, controlling push-in pressure.
This stabilizes the drill and lessens deflection, even at micro diameters as small as 0.30 mm.

Flute Design Improves
Machining Stability

The ACM flute design shortens chips, while the TiAlN coating lowers cutting resistance.
Together, these features ensure smooth chip evacuation, reducing tool breakage and vibration.

Cost Savings
Through Reamer-Free
Finishing

Achieves ISO tolerance JS7 (±6µm) and H7 hole quality, meeting the strict requirements of precision machinery and medical device applications with a single drill.
This eliminates the need for reaming, cutting both costs and cycle time.

CoroDrill® 862Lineup

Applicable Diameter Range φ0.3~3.0 mm
Length-to-Diameter Ratios 2×D (pilot)/9×D/12×D/16×D

CoroDrill® 862Specifications

Coating TiAlN-based PVD Coating (proprietary Sandvik formula)
Point angle 140°
Flute design Optimized flute for deep hole drilling
Through-coolant Single or dual internal coolant channels
Compatible materials Steel, stainless steel, cast iron, heat-resistant alloys

CoroDrill® 862Machining
Case Studies

Before Introduction
Tool Used

CoroDrill® 862 (φ1.8–3.0 mm)

Work Material

Austenitic stainless steel (200 HB)

Cutting Conditions
Cutting speed 18–60 m/min
Feed rate 0.02–0.07 mm/rev
After Introduction
Results

Maintained high positional accuracy and roundness in micro-diameter holes. Stable chip evacuation contributed to extended tool life.

Benefits

Enabled high-precision and reliable small-diameter drilling for precision components in medical and electronics applications.

Manufacturer
Information

Company name Sandvik Coromant
Headquarter Sandviken, Gävleborg County, 811 81, Sweden
Phone number (USA) +1 800 726-3845
Official Website https://www.sandvik.coromant.com/en-us

Solid Carbide Drills
for Stainless Steel
Product List

The AQUA REVO DRILL uses a newly developed carbide that balances hardness and toughness, improving wear and chipping resistance. Its straight cutting edge distributes stress to strengthen corners, while the REVO-D coating and ultra-smooth surface promote chip evacuation, supporting long tool life and high-efficiency drilling across a wide range of applications.

AQUA REVO DRILL
Source: Nachi America Official Website
https://www.nachiamerica.com/products/134-aqua-revo-drill-series/
Company NameNachi America
Lineup3.0–16.0 mm (0.118–0.630)
Geometry140°
CoolantOption
Coating

This solid carbide drill is designed for machining stainless steel and heat-resistant alloys. Its patented point geometry, proprietary flute design, and advanced coating technology provide excellent wear resistance and long tool life. Equipped with internal coolant channels, the KenDrill™ SGL ensures stable cutting performance and high productivity even in demanding materials.

KenDrill™ SGL
Source: Kennametal Official Website
https://www.kennametal.com/jp/ja/products/fam.kendrill-sgl-5-x-d-internal-coolant-straight-shank-inch.100161500.html
CompanyKennametal
Size Range2.3–25.0 mm (0.091–0.984)
Point Angle140°
Coolant HoleYes
Diameter Tolerance6

This high-precision carbide drill is engineered for versatility across various materials. It combines a tough carbide substrate with a proprietary edge design to improve rigidity, and process stability. Reduced cutting resistance and enhanced chip evacuation contribute to extended tool life and high productivity, enabling consistent, high-quality drilling across a broad range of applications.

CoroDrill® 863 (860-MM)
Source: Sandvik Official Website
https://www.sandvik.coromant.com/ja-jp/tools/drilling-tools/solid-carbide-drills/corodrill-863/assortment-corodrill-863
CompanySandvik Coromant
Size Range3.0–20.0 mm (0.118–0.787)
Point Angle140°
Coolant HoleYes
Diameter Tolerance8–h9

The Sumpreme carbide drill is built for high productivity and cost-efficiency. It features an optimized coating and high-strength carbide substrate, enabling high-speed and high-feed machining. Thanks to excellent centering capability, it can drill with precision even without a center drill. Suitable for a wide range of materials, it delivers stable cutting and high-quality holes.

Seco Feedmax
Source: Seco Tools Official Website
https://www.secotools.com/article/m_7148
CompanySeco Tools
Size Range0.7–20.0 mm (0.028–0.787)
Point Angle150°
Coolant HoleYes Diameter Tolerance: Not specified on official website
View more

This solid carbide drill is specialized for stainless steel machining. Its unique TRI-Cooling triangular coolant hole design improves cooling efficiency, allowing high-performance and long-life drilling even in difficult-to-machine materials. The wave-shaped cutting edge and narrow margin reduce cutting resistance and enable stable, high-precision performance.

MMS
Source: Mitsubishi Materials Official Website
https://www.mmc-carbide.com/us/products/rotating_tools/drills
CompanyMitsubishi Materials
Size Range3.0–20.0 mm (0.118–0.787)
Point Angle140°
Coolant HoleYes
Diameter Tolerance6

This carbide-coated drill is designed for stainless steel and heat-resistant alloys. Its bean-shaped internal coolant holes effectively cool the cutting edge, extending tool life. The RX thinning and optimized chip evacuation design reduce cutting resistance by 20%*, delivering stable, high-efficiency performance. *Source: Sumitomo Electric Industries Official Web site https://global-sei.com/company/press/2018/01/prs096.html

MULTIDRILL MDM series
Source: Sumitomo Electric Hardmetal Official Website
https://www.sumitool.com/en/products/cutting-tools/drills/mdm.html
CompanySumitomo Electric Hardmetal
Size Range3.0–16.0 mm (0.118–0.630)
Point Angle140°
Coolant HoleYes
Diameter Tolerance8

This 4-flute solid carbide drill is designed for high-feed machining. The self-centering geometry ensures stable entry and hole accuracy, while its margin design maintains excellent roundness. Made from wear-resistant AH9130 grade, it achieves long tool life even in challenging materials such as cast iron.

Solid4FlutesDrill
Source: Tungaloy Official Website
https://tungaloy.com/jp/product/hole-making/solid4flutesdrill/
CompanyTungaloy
Size Range6.0–16.0 mm (0.236–0.630)
Point Angle120°
Coolant HoleNo
Diameter Tolerance8

With a double-margin design, the Series 135 improves hole accuracy and finish while enhancing rigidity. Its auto-centering capability enables stable entry without spot drilling. The multi-helix flute design supports effective chip evacuation, while direct cooling improves heat control and tool life.

Series 135
Source: Kyocera SGS Precision Tools Official Website
https://www.kyocera-sgstool.com/hi-percarb-135
CompanyKyocera SGS Precision Tools
Size Range1.0–20.0 mm (0.039–0.787)
Point Angle135°
Coolant HoleNo
Diameter Tolerance7

Designed for stainless steel and titanium alloys, this solid carbide drill features a sharp cutting edge to reduce cutting resistance and work hardening. The newly developed "MEGA COOLER" internal coolant system enhances cooling performance and extends tool life. The WXL coating provides excellent anti-adhesion properties and stable high-efficiency machining.

ADO-SUS
Source: OSG Official Website
https://www.osg.co.jp/products/drill/spec/ado-sus.html
CompanyOSG Corporation
Size Range2.0–20.0 mm (0.079–0.787)
Point Angle140°
Coolant HoleYes
Diameter Tolerance7

This 2-flute solid carbide drill is ideal for high-precision spot drilling. It features straight flutes, a single margin, and a 145° point angle for excellent centering performance. The ALtima® coating enhances wear resistance and ensures long tool life with consistent spot drilling accuracy.

Twister® 200S<br> (Spot Drill 3xD)
Source: MA Ford Official Website
https://www.maford.com/product-details/200S11810A
CompanyMA Ford Manufacturing Co.
Size Range3.0–16.0 mm (0.118–0.630)
Point Angle145°
Coolant HoleNo
Diameter Tolerance7

The RT 100 XF is a solid carbide drill optimized for high-speed, high-feed machining. Its new substrate reduces wear and ensures consistent tool life. The double-margin design enhances concentricity and hole precision, enabling high-quality drilling in steel while significantly reducing machining time.

RT 100 XF (Ratio Drill)
Source: Guhring Official Website
https://guhring.com/BrowseProducts/Products/RT-100-XF
CompanyGuhring
Size Range3.0–20.0 mm (0.118–0.787)
Point Angle140° (3D–7D) / 135° (12D)
Coolant HoleYes
Diameter Tolerance7

FORCE X is a multi-purpose carbide drill designed for a wide range of applications. With a 140° point angle and self-centering geometry, it provides precise drilling. Its four-stage point and CTW flute design improve chip evacuation, while the TiAlN coating enhances wear resistance and tool life.

FORCE X
Source: Dormer Pramet Official Website
https://www.dormerpramet.com/uk-ie/ja/p/8881558
CompanyDormer Pramet
Size Range3.0–20.0 mm (0.118–0.787)
Point Angle140°
Coolant HoleYes
Diameter Tolerance7

This solid carbide drill is compatible with a wide range of materials, from difficult-to-machine metals to aluminum and CFRP. Its unique flute geometry ensures excellent chip evacuation, resulting in stable, high-precision machining. With outstanding wear resistance and tool life, it offers a cost-effective solution for demanding drilling operations.

DREAM DRILLS PRO
Source: YG-1 Official Website
https://product.yg1.solutions/product/series?type=Holemaking&type2=Exchangeable&idx=17&lang=ENG
CompanyYG-1
Size Range2.0–20.0 mm (0.079–0.787)
Point Angle140°
Coolant HoleYes
Diameter Tolerance7

This solid carbide drill with a 2-flute, 144° point design is ideal for machining steel, titanium, and superalloys. Its specialized geometry improves surface finish and chip evacuation, while the FC7 coating extends tool life. It delivers consistent, high-accuracy drilling even in tough materials.

1505-AP Dominator
Source: Fullerton Official Website
https://fullertontool.com/products/drills/1505-dominator
CompanyFullerton Tool Company
Size Range3.0–16.0 mm (0.118–0.630)
Point Angle144°
Coolant HoleYes
Diameter Tolerance6

FAQ

Q. How do I choose the drill point angle?

Determine the angle based on material hardness and ductility. Tough materials like stainless steel require larger angles, typically 130–140°, to reduce edge loading.

Q. What coolant type and concentration should I use?

Water-soluble coolants are standard. Stainless machining benefits from higher concentrations (10–15%) to improve lubrication and suppress heat-induced galling.

Q. Why use carbide drills instead of HSS?

Carbide provides superior hardness, rigidity, and heat resistance, enabling higher cutting speeds, reduced wear, and stable dimensional accuracy.

Q. How should I select the drill coating?

Select coatings according to work material and thermal load. Heat-resistant layers such as AlTiN are effective for stainless steel due to improved oxidation resistance and lubricity.

Q. Are all stainless steels equally machinable?

No. Machinability varies significantly. Austenitic grades like SUS304/316 exhibit high ductility and work hardening, making them notably difficult to drill.