AM70: Extend Drill Life in Multi-Stack Machining

Why Multi-Stack Drilling is Challenging

When a drill moves from one material into another, the dominant wear mechanism changes within a single cycle. Wear that develops in one layer can weaken performance in the next, increasing the risk of chipping, rapid wear, inconsistent hole quality, and unplanned tool changes. In this case study, Hyperion examines why stacked-material transitions are difficult to control and how solving those challenges allows toolmakers to better support high-volume production.

_{Automated drill creating holes in a multi-material automotive A-pillar during car frame fabrication.}

Why Carbide Substate Selection Matters

Tool geometry and coating are important, but the carbide substrate supports both. Substrate selection can be a practical way for toolmakers to improve consistency, strengthen tool performance, build application-specific solutions, and win more business. Hyperion explains how substrate microstructure affects wear resistance, toughness, and cutting-edge stability in multi-material drilling, where performance in one layer directly influences performance in the next.

_{Carbide rod blanks of varying sizes used to manufacture precision cutting tools.}

Total Cost per Hole Matters More than Tool Price

In multi-stack drilling, the lowest-priced drill is not always the lowest-cost solution. Total cost per hole depends on tool life, tool change frequency, machine uptime, hole quality consistency, and process reliability. Toolmakers create more value when they help customers reduce those production costs, even if the higher-performing drill carries a higher initial price. Hyperion shows how optimized carbide substrate selection can justify a higher-performing drill by lowering total cost per hole.

Download the case study to learn how Hyperion supported a toolmaker with carbide grade AM70 for a multi-stack drilling application that delivered longer drill life, lower cost per hole, and stronger value to the customer.