Drill bit coatings help drill bits last longer and perform better. Continue reading to learn more about common protective coatings used on drill bits and how they improve these tool attachments.
Manufacturers heat drill bits to 950 degrees Fahrenheit to create a black oxide finish. Black oxide reduces friction between the drill bit and the workpiece. A black oxide bit can last up to 50 percent longer than a standard high-speed steel (HSS) drill bit, which is why it’s a popular drill bit used in industrial applications.
Compared to other coatings, the black oxide finish is basic and inexpensive. Use this drill bit to work on steel, copper, brass, aluminum, and more.
Titanium nitride (TiN) is another common protective coating applied to drill bits. TiN has a golden appearance and hardens and protects the bit’s cutting edge. The drill bit’s working lifespan can increase by a factor of three or more with a protective TiN coating.
Titanium nitride bits cost more than black oxide bits. And while coatings extend the drill bit’s lifespan, remember that it is harder to resharpen a coated dulled bit. Since the layer is only on the surface of the bit, once the bit wears down, the material underneath is exposed with no protection.
Titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) coatings typically contain over 50 percent titanium, about 40 percent aluminum, and about 5 percent nitrogen. TiAlN coatings are the hardest of the four common titanium-based coatings.
TiAlN protects the drill bit from heat to improve drilling performance. It has a higher wear resistance than other titanium-based coatings, such as aluminum titanium nitride (AlTiN), which contains more aluminum than titanium. Use titanium aluminum nitride-coated drill bits to machine pre-hardened alloy steels.
Black oxide, titanium nitride, and titanium aluminum nitride coatings improve drill bit performance. While black oxide drill bits are cost-effective, you should use titanium nitride and titanium aluminum nitride drill bits for more challenging drilling projects.
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