b'Look-AheadX MARKS THE SPOTBy Ken SchnepfS peed, strength, longevity and efficiencyreportedlyenable the EdgeX4 solid-PCD cross-cen-ter-tipped drill to meet production goals and reduce the cost per hole. Developed by West Ohio Tool Co., Russells Point, Ohio, the tool is ap-plicable to any industry that drills composites, plastics, aluminum and other nonferrous metals.One of the ways that its faster is its four- to six-week delivery time, said CFO Kaci King.She said that is 75% faster than the standard lead time for PCD spe-cials. In addition, the tool reduces cycle times.It runs at faster speeds because we use the strongest PCD material available, King said. West Ohio ToolShe said the material improvesThe twist-flute version of the EdgeX4 drill.wear resistance compared with a standard PCD grade. machining carbon fiber-reinforcedPCD outboard-tipped drills achieve PCD is measured by grain sizespolymer composites in terms of350,000 holes without a regrind or re-that range from nanometers to hun- long tool life, high cutting speeds,tip when drilling die-cast aluminum.dreds of micrometers, usually re- fine surface quality, short cycle timesAnytime you go from 250,000 to ferred to as nanocrystalline and mi- and enhanced cost efficiency. 800,000, cost per hole is so cheap, crocrystalline, said Kerry Buchen- Depending on the application,Buchenroth said.roth, founder of West Ohio Tool.800,000 to 1 million holes can beBenefits include needing fewer Smaller particles in higher quantitiesdrilled with the EdgeX4 without re- tools in inventory, having fewer provide a higher-grade tool. Thegrinding or re-tipping, King said. Also,breakdowns and reducing machine concentration of higher-quantitypremature breakdowns of drill pointsdowntime.grain improves tool performance. are reduced. In comparison, solid- Many people that manufacture King said the EdgeX4 offers a cut- carbide drills achieve approximatelydiamond drills are doing outboard ting speed that is up to three times25,000 holes and can be reground atipping, Buchenroth said. The faster than a solid-carbide drill. Themaximum of 10 times after produc- carbide center at the chisel is what drills cross-center tip eliminates alling 20,000 holes for each regrind.takes all the beating in a carbide or carbide cutting edges. outboard-tipped drill.By having a drill with PCD acrossabout the author The EdgeX4 has been tested in its entire center, one customer ex- the laboratory and by manufac-tended tool life from 350,000 holesKen Schnepf is aturing partners of West Ohio Tool with an outboard-tipped PCD drillfreelance writeracross the U.S., he said.CTEbased in the to 1 million holes with the EdgeX4,Chicago area. HeFor more information about West she said. The concentrated PCDcan be reached atOhio Tool, call 937-842-6688 or visit provides an attractive material [email protected]. www.westohiotool.com.56MARCH 2020LookAhead.indd 56 2/14/20 3:57 PM'