Radial Drilling Machines: Working Principles, Components, and Applications

Working of Radial Drilling Machine:

Initially, when a power supply is given, the spindle rotates, which is driven by the motor. Since the radial arm can move up and down in the column, the radial arm is adjusted according to the operation and height of the workpiece.

The spindle is attached to the chuck, and the drill bit is placed in the jaw of the chuck. The head of the drilling machine is also adjusted so that the tool is in the correct position to make a hole in the workpiece.

After that, a suitable feed is given, and then the drill bit easily moves into the workpiece. the drive mechanism used in the drilling machine is the rack and pinion mechanism.

In rack and pinion mechanisms, gears are used to convert rotation to linear motion. When the handwheel is rotated, the pinion that is attached to the rack also rotates, which converts the rotation to linear motion and therefore moves towards the drill bit workpiece.

What Is the Radial Drilling Machine?

Radial drilling machines are used to drill mediums to large and heavy workpieces. these machines are used to drill holes in a given radial distance. It is mainly used when the component’s size is larges in height.

Radial drilling machines are primarily designed for drilling holes in heavy jobs or workpieces. Since heavy work cannot move much, the radial drilling machine is made in such a way that the machine tool can move any part of heavy work without doing much work.

Parts of Radial Drilling Machine:

Part nine of the radial drilling machine:-

Base.
Column.
Table.
Radial Arm.
Drill Head.
Spindle.
Motor.
Chuck.
Tool or Drill Bit.

#1. Base

This is the bottommost part of the radial drilling machine. It is made of cast iron because cast iron has high corrosive strength. The base is used to support the assembly of parts on it. It also absorbs vibrations and shocks induced by machine parts.

#2. Column

There is a column at one end of the base. It is a vertical column that acts as a support to rotate the radial arm in 360 degrees.

#3. Table

It is placed above the column. It is provided with a slot to mount the workpiece directly to its face. It is usually round or rectangular in shape.

#4. Radial Arm

This is the part that is attached to the column. This part can rotate 360 degrees around the column. The face of the radial arm is accurately machined, and the head slides over it. This arm moves up and down the column. In larger machines, hydraulics are used to move the arm up and down.

#5. Drill Head

The drill head is mounted on the radial arm and drives the drill spindle.
It engages all mechanisms to drive and feed the drill at different speeds.

#6. Spindle

It is a part of the drilling machine that carries the equipment of the drilling machine and is responsible for its rotation.

#7. Motor

The motor is present at the top of the drill head, which drives the horizontal axis.

#8. Chuck

Chick is present below the axis. It is used to hold the drill bit in its place.

#9. Tool or Drill Bit

Drill bits are used to drill holes in the workpiece. This is the part that rotates and enters the workpiece, creating holes.

Construction of Radial Drilling Machine:

The bottommost part of a radial drilling machine is usually made of cast iron because cast iron has high corrosive strength. The column is present above the base. It is cylindrical in shape. The radial arm moves up and down the column and can also rotate in the columns.

The tables are placed above the base where the workpiece can be placed for the drilling process. The radial arm has a drill head. Various parts like a spindle, chuck, and motor are present in this drill head for the rotation of the drill bit.

The motor is present above the head, which rotates the axle. The spindle is attached to the drill heads and is present below the chuck axis. In the chuck, the drill bits are fixed, which is used to make holes in the workpiece and feed it into the workpiece.

Applications of Radial Drilling Machine:

Here, the different Applications of radial drilling machines are as follows

The basic application of a drilling machine is to make holes of various shapes and sizes on any workpiece.
There are many types of drill machines available in the market for performing various operations. Hand drills are used for screwing and fastening.
Hammer drills are used by carpenters to drill and fix wooden parts. Where power supply is not available, a cordless drill is useful.
Milling cum drilling machines are broadly adopted in industries were mixing and grinding of solids and liquids are required.
Pillar drill machines (also referred to as drill presses) are used in commercial applications where bulk production of drilled materials in various shapes and sizes is required, such as drill metal sheets, plastic, wood, glass, etc.
The capacity of the press depends on it. Several factors, namely column diameter, spindle nose, spindle travel, spindle speed, and electronic motor used in the machine.

FAQ on Radial Drilling Machines

What Is a Radial Drilling Machine?

A radial drilling machine is a type of drilling machine used for drilling holes in large, heavy workpieces. It features a radial arm that can rotate, move up and down, and adjust to accommodate the size and position of the workpiece.

How Does a Radial Drilling Machine Work?

The spindle, driven by a motor, rotates the drill bit. The radial arm, which can move up and down the column, is adjusted according to the operation and height of the workpiece. The drill bit is placed in the chuck, and the head of the machine is positioned correctly to drill the hole. The rack and pinion mechanism is used to convert rotational motion into linear motion, allowing the drill bit to move into the workpiece.

What Are the Main Parts of a Radial Drilling Machine?

The main parts include:

Base: The foundation that supports the assembly of parts.
Column: The vertical support that allows the radial arm to rotate.
Table: The platform where the workpiece is placed.
Radial Arm: The adjustable arm that moves around the column.
Drill Head: Houses the mechanisms to drive and feed the drill.
Spindle: Rotates the drill bit.
Motor: Powers the spindle.
Chuck: Holds the drill bit.
Tool or Drill Bit: The cutting tool that creates holes in the workpiece.

What Materials Are Used to Construct a Radial Drilling Machine?

Radial drilling machines are typically constructed from cast iron due to its high strength and vibration-absorbing properties. The base, column, and radial arm are often made from this material.

What Are the Applications of Radial Drilling Machines?

Radial drilling machines are used in various applications, including:

Drilling holes of various shapes and sizes in different materials.
Performing screwing and fastening operations.
Drilling and fixing wooden parts.
Mixing and grinding solids and liquids in industrial settings.
Mass production of drilled materials in commercial applications.

How Is the Radial Arm Adjusted in a Radial Drilling Machine?

The radial arm can be adjusted by moving it up and down the column. In larger machines, hydraulics are used for this adjustment. The arm can also rotate 360 degrees around the column to position the drill head accurately.

What Is the Role of the Rack and Pinion Mechanism in a Radial Drilling Machine?

The rack and pinion mechanism is used to convert the rotational motion of the handwheel into linear motion. This allows the drill bit to move into the workpiece with precision.

What Are the Different Types of Drill Machines Available in the Market?

Different types of drill machines include:

Hand drills for screwing and fastening.
Hammer drills for drilling and fixing wooden parts.
Cordless drills for use in areas without a power supply.
Milling cum drilling machines for industrial mixing and grinding.
Pillar drill machines for commercial bulk production of drilled materials.

What Factors Determine the Capacity of a Pillar Drill Machine?

The capacity of a pillar drill machine depends on several factors, including the column diameter, spindle nose, spindle travel, spindle speed, and the electronic motor used in the machine.

Why Is Cast Iron Commonly Used in the Construction of Radial Drilling Machines?

Cast iron is commonly used due to its high strength, durability, and ability to absorb vibrations and shocks induced by machine parts during operation. This makes it an ideal material for the construction of the base, column, and radial arm of radial drilling machines.