Drilling 0.5mm Holes Question

[jkaras]

I have a project that requires me to drill thousands of accurately placed 0.5mm holes into aluminum composite panel. We have a PRS Alpha 5'x10' with a Colombo Spindle.

Is it possible to find a collet that can fit this small drill size or do I need to get a keyed chuck that fits our spindle? Any links or advice would be greatly appreciated!

-Jason
:eek:

[jerry_stanek]

Yes there are collets in most every size for the ER style. just make sure you get the proper size and ER number. Stay away from the collets that have a range of sizes

[garyc]

Jason...
Make sure that you check the spindle mfgr's recommendations for drilling. Your Columbo most likely has ceramic bearings that could be destroyed when drilling in a material as hard as aluminum.

[paul_z]

You might try something like this : http://www.zentoolworks.com/product_info.php?products_id=149

or http://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-0-5mm-NEW-Carbide-PCB-Dremel-Jewelry-CNC-Drill-Bits-/130709426805?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e6ee39275

The PCB drills are made to run at very high RPMs which may or may not work for you. Notice that they have 1/8” shanks which negate the need for new collets.

The axial loading is extremely low with these. ( I use a PC router and was pleasantly surprised that the runout on the router was low enough that the drills don’t break.)

Using the shopbot supplied ZZero software can break them. I created a new ZZero routine for fragile bits and will send you a copy if you wish.

Paul Z

[steve_g]

"aluminum composite panel"

"ceramic bearings that could be destroyed when drilling in a material as hard as aluminum"

If this is something like Dibond I can't imagine a problem..
SG

[jkaras]

Yes it is like Dibond

[jkaras]

You might try something like this : http://www.zentoolworks.com/product_info.php?products_id=149

or http://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-0-5mm-NEW-Carbide-PCB-Dremel-Jewelry-CNC-Drill-Bits-/130709426805?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e6ee39275

The PCB drills are made to run at very high RPMs which may or may not work for you. Notice that they have 1/8” shanks which negate the need for new collets.

The axial loading is extremely low with these. ( I use a PC router and was pleasantly surprised that the runout on the router was low enough that the drills don’t break.)

Using the shopbot supplied ZZero software can break them. I created a new ZZero routine for fragile bits and will send you a copy if you wish.

Paul Z
Paul Z-

Yes I would most certainly be interested in your Z Zero routine for fragile bits! Thank you in advance!

[paul_z]

Jason

You have a PM.

Paul Z