Multiple Step Drill – with Qg1

Creating standard and special step drills in the new Qg1 software is simple, while also offering a great deal of flexibility.


On the one hand, it is possible to create practically any number of steps, so far the blank can accommodate it. To do so, additional steps are simply added and basic data such as diameter, length, step angle and the step type is specified. A choice of straight, S-shaped, convex, concave or profiled steps is available for advanced users.


The input values for the step drill are visible immediately in 2D, and the full drill is shown in 3D. The currently edited shape part is highlighted in the cross-section view [Fig.1].


On the other hand, subland step drills are quite special. Each step section has its own rake angle and chip space. Now, these can be adapted individually for each step, if necessary. In addition, it’s been worked on clearance design. Now it is possible to equip the drill with multiple cylindrical margins and a middle clearance between them [Fig.3]. Of course it can be done on an individual basis for each step and with twist, if desired.


There is also an option to insert a separate cutting face for the shaping step, which is called STEPGASH [Fig.4]. With the conventional method, the steps are simply implemented along the contour, which produces profile distortion in this area. With an additional cutting face along the step, the contour is strengthened, profile distortion is eliminated, and due to the additional rake angle the chip removing characteristics are also improved.


The new step drill definition, model and process calculation are performed entirely in 3D, based on geoMod (solid model), and provide a great deal of flexibility in the design of stepped tools.