Cutting Tool Materials and Coatings for Gun Drilling

I use TiAlN-coated carbide for steel and DLC for aluminum. That combination covers about 80% of what I drill. The tool material and coating are critical for gun drill performance. Get the combination wrong and the drill wears fast, holes drift, or surfaces come out rough. I have tested enough bad combinations to have a strong opinion on what works. Tool Material Options Carbide Grades Most gun drills use carbide. It offers the best balance of wear resistance and toughness. ...

June 11, 2026 · Engineer at the Deep Hole