Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions
At Flowdrill, we know the Friction drilling process may prompt questions. To help, we've gathered and answered the top 5 most frequently asked questions. Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting out with friction drilling, this information will help you move forward. We hope to enhance your knowledge and alleviate any uncertainties you may have.
1. What is Flowdrill used for?
Flowdrill friction drilling provides a robust and reliable method for creating strong connections in automotive designs. With the single-sided accessibility, it serves as an excellent alternative to rivet nuts, weld nuts, and clinch nuts, ensuring durability and precision. Widely used in the automotive industry, Flowdrill is integral to car chassis assembly, battery frames and other critical components.
2. Which metals are suitable for Friction Drilling?
Friction drilling is ideal for metals that are malleable rather than brittle. This covers about 99% of the materials commonly used in the metal processing industry. In automotive applications, Flowdrill works well with aluminum alloys like 6061-T6, 6063-T6, and 6082-T6, as well as steel grades such as DP600 and DP1000. For a detailed list of suitable and unsuitable metals, click here for more information.
3. Why is friction drilling a better choice than using blind rivet nuts, weld nuts, and press nuts?
Stronger Connection
Friction drilling creates a stronger and more durable connection by deforming the material without removing it, unlike blind rivet nuts, weld nuts, and press nuts, which can weaken the material.
Better Pull-out Strength
Compared to other fastening methods, friction drilling offers comparable or superior pull-out forces and momentum resistance, ensuring a more secure and long-lasting connection.
Cost Savings and Efficiency
Friction drilling allows for thinner, lighter materials without sacrificing strength, reducing material costs. It also speeds up production with shorter setup times and fewer manual tasks, lowering overall costs and minimizing production errors.
Reduced Waste and Faster Production
With its precision, friction drilling generates minimal waste and reduces the risk of errors. Faster cycle times—often as quick as 2 seconds—combined with automated thread tapping, accelerate production and improve efficiency.
No Need for Extra Parts
Friction drilling eliminates the need for additional components like rivet or weld nuts, simplifying the process and reducing material costs, while also ensuring there are no loose or missing parts during assembly.
In short, friction drilling is a faster, stronger, and more cost-effective alternative to blind rivet nuts, weld nuts, and press nuts.
4. What is the maximum and minimum thickness?
Depending on the diameter, it is possible to perform friction drilling up to a thickness of 0.5 to 10 millimeters, based on ST235 mild steel. Note: the larger the diameter of the friction drill, the more power is required from the machine.
5. What is the minimum machine power for Friction Drilling?
It is not always necessary to have an expensive or complex production line to perform friction drilling. A 1 kW pillar drill with a speed of 2,400 RPM can efficiently create friction-drilled holes up to size M6. For larger friction drills, a machine with more power is required. Unsure if your machine has the right power and can reach the maximum RPM? Request our datasheet for detailed information.
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Unser Vollhartmetall-Fließbohrer ist ein spezieller Reibbohrer, der Durchzüge aus dem Grundmaterial erzeugt und damit eine beliebte Alternative zu den traditionellen Blindniet- oder Schweißmuttern darstellt.
