Tutorials > Processing Tutorials > Spindle Processes for Holes

Drilling tools can be split into two broad groups:

▪Simple Drills

These are drills with a single chuck, meaning that they can only hold one drill at a time. In these situations the NC program will generally specify that the drill is to be used, but will not specify the bit that is to be used. It is left to the operator to install the correct bit into the drill and then select the relevant drill process on the controller. Depending on how your Post Processor is set up there might be a pause included in the program, and a text prompt telling the operator which drill bit they should select. For example:

M0 (Install 5mm drill bit)

▪Drills with Tool Changers

These could be a spindle with a tool changer or a turret drill with multiple heads. In this situation the NC program will not only specify that the drill is to be used, it will also specify which bit is to be used so the controller can perform a tool change and select the appropriate settings from its material database. For example:

T1(DI10.2mm)

When you are dealing with a tool changer you must keep in mind:

▪The tool names have to exactly match the tool names being used in the controller, otherwise the tool being requested will not be recognized by the controller.