Countersinking holes: what is it - the difference from countersinking

Countersinking

To obtain a groove or hole in a metal surface, first of all we need to drill it. This is always the initial stage. But before the development stage, the resulting recess must also be cleaned. That is, remove all kinds of metal layers, burrs, and irregularities. And adjust the accuracy to the parameter indicated in the drawings. It is this stage of processing, almost finishing, that we need.

For this, a special tool is used - a countersink. With it we can achieve:

• Accuracy class adjustments up to level 4, and in some cases even level 5.
• Increasing the level of adhesion of the coating, giving it a uniform and rough surface, which is important for subsequent adhesion.
• Working with geometry. That is, the ability to give an object a conceived geometric shape with symmetrical edges.

Let's return to the tool with which the entire technical process is carried out. Despite the external similarity, the differences between a countersink and a drill are very serious. And precise, more cutting edges and larger jumpers between them. As a result, we get from 3 to 4 edges. And together they exert smooth pressure on the metal and reliably adhere to the surface. And what is equally important, they do not remove the chips longitudinally, but only transversely. The result is a kind of intensive grinding.

The species diversity of this instrument is quite extensive. The main aspect is the number of cutting edges. 3 and 4 are often used. But there are also specialized tools used in special production areas. Where there is a need for high-precision processing. Such devices have up to 8 edges. Also, classification often affects the type of rod. It can be removable, which is usually necessary when working with large hole diameters. Up to 20 mm. And if the production concerns small grooves, around 8-12 mm, then it is better to use a one-piece device. There is also a plug-in option, which should be called an intermediate link between the designated types.

How does a countersink differ from a countersink?

Often a countersink is confused with a countersink. Countersink and countersink - belong to the class of cutting tools, with 3 or more cutting edges. Both tools are used for conical and cylindrical holes. But the countersink expands the hole, at the same time grinding it and adjusting it to the specified parameters. And the countersink only polishes the hole from burrs at the finishing stage.

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Countersinking

Countersinking holes is a completely different operation. Often in various connections of metal structures it is necessary to get rid of the head of the fastening element or other hardware or protruding parts. To do this, it is necessary to make a recess directly next to the groove, where, as a result, the protruding part will be safely hidden. Such a small “pocket” has a colloquial name - secret. To create them, special tools and a procedure are used, most of which are similar to drilling. But, as it becomes clear, it has its differences. This is the process we are looking for.

As a result, a countersinked, countersunk hole is allowed in a variety of shapes. It all depends on the applied pressure, the shape of the working tool, and the requirements. The depth also differs, depending on the size of the cap that needs to be hidden. This process allows you to solve a huge number of problems in an enterprise:

• Changing the support plane in prepared grooves. As well as adding new recesses to them, which do not change the structure of the original slot. It is especially important not to stray from the center in width, otherwise the structure will turn out unsuitable for use.
• Creation of longitudinal channels with a chamfer.
• Complete concealment of various threaded connections.

The features of the technological operation mainly depend on the material. If you have to work with a solid resource, such as cast iron and various alloys, then as usual you need to supply an emulsion to the contact point to reset the temperature. After all, the metal will get very hot. Also, when working with hard material, it is necessary to set the shaft speed higher. And if the surface is soft, then lower, to avoid excess threading.

Countersinking and countersinking, the difference between the processes

Distinguish the multitude. It’s easier to say that the procedures are the same. Basically, that's where we'll start. Both processing options are driven from the same source. A motor with a shaft, a machine, a device – it doesn’t matter. The main thing is the supply of torque. At the same time, there are a lot of differences in the type of impact on the surface. Let's start in order.

The countersink is designed for cleaning. This is a tool that removes all irregularities and brings holes to perfection. He polishes it and gets rid of the mustache. It also affects its overall shape. That is, the rod is usually larger than the groove. And he can make it larger, align it along the edges, give it a geometric shape.

This is how a countersink differs from a countersink; the difference mainly concerns the fact that the device itself does not affect the structure of the connector in the second type of processing. He only chamfers at first or makes a small indentation. So that when we screw the bolt there, for example, it doesn’t go completely into the surface, along with the head. And on top it was possible to install a new covering without openings.

It is also worth remembering that the processes have completely different stages. More precisely, the first type of work has its own stage. Immediately after drilling, before reaming, you need to align the groove along its entire symmetry and get rid of wall defects. And in this form, move on to the next stages. But, in fact, the operator can make a cut along the head at any time when it is convenient for him. Although it is best to do this after the final processing of the hole. To accurately represent its volumes. Yes, it is logical to carry out the countersinking of the chamfer at the end.

The mechanism of this action itself is as follows:

• First you need to completely measure the hat, which you will have to hide later. And here it is important to identify both the usual dimensional aspects - height, width, and more specific ones, such as bevel. Usually it is present if the fastener itself is, in principle, designed to be hidden.
• Select a cutting tool that accurately matches the dimensional aspects. Place it in a machine or other device.
• Fix the object with the groove, identify the correct axis point. An error of any percentage will lead to the fact that the cover will simply “fall off” the mark.
• Set the required speed. Either use standard regulations in production, or calculate the speed yourself, based on the hardness of the metal.
• Turn on the equipment and perform the operation.

Main types of countersinks

Now let's look at species diversity. We have already clarified that the procedure may vary depending on the required task. Now we will analyze these points in more detail. Look at existing classifications.

Cylindrical

An operation of this type is often used in almost any type of production. The result is a cylindrical recess. It is an ideal choice for screws and bolts. And these fasteners in standard format are common in almost all designs. In fact, this is the most popular and current type of countersinking holes in metal.

Conical

The result is a cone-shaped depression. It is used not only for closing caps, but also for chamfering and preparing the surface for further work. Sometimes this method is used to simply remove metal hair from sharp edges. That is, they are cleaning. And here, the difference between the procedures becomes minimal. After all, countersinking and countersinking a recess are both methods of cleaning and grinding. True, in the first case, the alignment of a strict geometric shape is also added.

For production activities, a conical-shaped tool is used. The angle is selected for a specific task. But usually used at 90 or 120 degrees.

Flat and end

This method is sometimes called countersinking. A special final type of operation. Used in ready-made recesses. So that the caps themselves and other hardware for concealment fit tightly and without gaps. To do this, the surface is cleaned. And this is where we need these varieties.

In fact, counterbore and countersink are a small difference. It’s just that this is a narrower activity, which has this name only for flat or end stripping.

Countersink designation in the drawing

In production, countersinking of holes is carried out according to the drawing. The countersink in the drawing is displayed in uppercase and capital Latin letters and Arabic numerals. The meaning of the letters and numbers is as follows:

• d1 – indicates the main diameter of the channel;
• d2 – for countersinking diameter;
• L1 – displays the length of the cylindrical channel;
• L3 is the countersinking depth;
• L4 – indicates the depth of the chamfer;
• j is the size of the central countersinking angle;
• α (alpha) – chamfer angle size.

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The difference between countersinking and related operations

We have already found out that this stage occurs after drilling and before deployment.
But the initial stage is not always drilling. Sometimes the first stage is considered to be casting or stamping. In this version there may be even more defects. Various sagging, layering of metals, beveled walls, serious rough protrusions and the like. Accordingly, it will definitely not be possible to finish the surface for a final look in one stage. It is worth understanding that deployment is already a finishing process; it cannot cope with serious defects. Doesn't fit the shape. Countersinking will almost always raise the accuracy class to level 5. If the work is done using high-precision equipment, and it is also performed by professionals, then class is achievable. But unlike drilling, the process is longer. You will have to perform almost twice as many tool movements.

The most important difference from drilling and reaming can also be the level of permissible roughness after processing and quality, that is, the degree of compliance of the resulting part with the original parameters in the drawing or diagram. The first stage - drilling usually leaves a “whisker” of 20 microns, and the degree of accuracy can reach up to 12. After grinding with a countersink, the surface will be cleaned to 2-3 microns, and the quality will increase to 9. Finishing brings the hardware to full readiness. The roughness drops to a threshold value of less than 1 micron, and the degree of accuracy is around 6.

That is, the differences are clearly visible. This includes the degree of quality, duration, and sequence. But if you compare a countersink and a countersink, the difference will be even more obvious. After all, these are, in principle, actions from different spheres.

Operation and repair of metal countersinks

Before you start working, you need to study the safety rules. To protect yourself from injury, you need to:

• Wear a hat, safety glasses, and gloves.
• If work will be carried out on a machine, be sure to install a protective screen made of transparent plastic.
• Wear closed shoes, clothes with tapered sleeves, from which threads and flaps do not stick out.
• Clear the workplace of foreign objects.
• Check the integrity of wires and moving equipment elements.

Do not handle rotating cartridges while wearing gloves.

The countersinking procedure is similar to drilling. After starting the engine, the working part is slowly immersed in a pre-drilled hole. Processing is carried out slowly.

When countersinking, allowances must be observed. It is important to select the diameter of the selected tool so that after processing it matches the size of the hole being processed.

For repairs and sharpening, it is better to contact a workshop. You won’t be able to fix it yourself; this requires professional equipment and practical skills.

Countersinking Equipment

In principle, not only for this operation, but also for both, which appear in the review, an ordinary hand-held device is also suitable.
That is, a drill, and some even use a screwdriver. Of course, doing this is strictly not recommended. Even if there is, in principle, enough power for successful completion, there will clearly be a serious loss in accuracy. Whatever expert undertakes such an undertaking, he will not be able to 100% accurately align the center and axis simply by holding the device with his hands. This means that deviations are inevitable. The logical option would be a lathe. It is used in almost all cases. Sometimes it is replaced by a special processing center, multifunctional equipment. The essence does not change from this.

The tool itself that is needed is a countersink. It consists of two components. The first is the cutter. The type of processing depends on its shape and location. So, there are cylindrical and conical options, which we talked about above, reverse and others. What is reverse countersinking of holes is easy to understand. This is the usual cleaning of the groove with a special nozzle. The second part is the tail. It is needed for fixation in the machine chuck.

Tools are produced from hard alloys of carbon and alloy steel. After all, the edge will have to work with a different resource. And among the materials in which it is necessary to make a recess there are often very hard ones, like cast iron. Accordingly, if the cutters are not higher in level of hardness, then at serious speeds they may simply break off or wear off prematurely. Which will lead to economic costs for the enterprise.

What is a countersink, systematization

A cutting tool for metal (countersink) allows you to countersink an opening in a part up to accuracy group 5. It is widely used for semi-finishing parts before mechanical reaming. According to its structure, it is divided into types:

• holistic;
• nozzles;
• tail;
• connected.

Externally, metal-cutting devices look like a simple small drill, but have an increased number of cutting edges. The correct dimensions of the opening of the workpiece being processed is determined by the gauge. The tools are fastened in the unit's chuck with the support of the shank.

To cultivate openings with a diameter of up to 10 cm, attachments with 4 points are used. Their main feature is fastening through a mandrel. The presence of a chamfer on the teeth of the element made it possible to achieve correct adjustment of the cut.

The correct process for countersinking metal

Mistakes when performing a task almost always lead to one sad epilogue - marriage.
If the countersink is chosen incorrectly, the hole diameter often turns out to be larger than what was planned according to the initial drawing. And if the cutting edges have already become very sharp, then the recess, on the contrary, will be too narrow. It is important to choose the feed speed, as well as clearly define the center. Otherwise, the geometry will be broken. And even without displacement, the quality of cleaning will definitely not be satisfactory according to the threshold values. In order not to accumulate waste and not perform one task several times, you need to initially approach it responsibly.

Deployment as a way to ensure maximum accuracy

As we have already clarified, finishing is often mandatory. But there are tasks where it is actually not important. That is, if, according to the regulations, the hardware has 1 accuracy class, then the quality must correspond to a value of 6-5, and the tolerance should not be higher than 1.3 microns. Of course, without deployment it is impossible to achieve such results by definition. But for class 5 accuracy it is enough to have a quality of 12 and a tolerance level of 21 microns. And the groove can boast of such parameters even after regular countersinking. Accordingly, the subsequent stage will simply not be needed.