Efficiently enlarging existing holes with dedicated roughing solutions

In metalworking operations, efficiently enlarging existing holes requires tooling that matches the volume of material to be removed. While end mills, reamers, and boring heads remain essential for finishing and precision work, roughing applications that involve high stock removal demand purpose-built solutions. Two such tools are Allied Machine's Opening Drill and Wohlhaupter's VolCut system.

- 

In many hole-enlargement scenarios, the amount of material to be removed exceeds the practical limits of reamers or finish boring tools. Milling is often used as a workaround, but it typically results in long cycle times, increased tool wear, and inconsistent results due to tool deflection and multiple interpolated passes. Dedicated roughing tools, including indexable drills and multi-insert boring systems, are designed to remove material aggressively while maintaining repeatability and process stability.

Opening Drill: High-productivity hole opening

The Opening Drill is engineered specifically to enlarge existing holes rather than drill from solid, making it well-suited for roughing applications where speed and efficiency are critical. It is particularly effective in shallow, large-diameter hole-opening operations and on machines with limited power or rigidity.