HiPACS Drilling and Countersinking System

July 9, 2021
Kennametal's high precision tool achieves tight tolerances in one operation and significantly reduces cost per hole in aerospace applications.

Designed for aerospace fastener holes, the HiPACS drilling and countersinking system drills and chamfers holes in one operation. The high-precision tool meets the aerospace industry's stringent accuracy requirements while delivering increased tool life in machining composite, titanium, and aluminum aircraft skins.

 

Designed to be clamped in a standard hydraulic chuck, the HiPACS modular system consists of three components that are fast and easy to assemble:

  • A reducer sleeve with a built-in high-precision pocket seat. In conjunction with a standard hydraulic chuck, this component provides ultra-secure clamping and a runout of no more than 3 µm, significantly increasing tool life and hole quality.
  • A PCD countersinking insert. This eliminates the need for expensive custom solution step drills, reducing manufacturing costs while meeting the industry’s accuracy requirements.
  • The two series of solid carbide drills —both diamond-coated and PCD-tipped—covering all material combinations found in a typical aerospace assembly. In addition, the straight shanked tools allow for length adjustments in increments of 10 mm.

The HiPACS drilling and countersinking system can be used on all machines typically used for aerospace applications. In less stable conditions such as robot end effectors, the diamond-coated carbide drills offer excellent tool life and hole quality. PCD-tipped drills, on the other hand, excel in stable conditions such as gantry machines.