What micro-drilling processes do you use?
As specialists in electrical discharge machining, we have developed genuine expertise in micro-drilling using Sarix machines, but we also undertake conventional micro-drilling work on our 5-axis machining centre with a 60,000 rpm spindle. We have developed a third micro-drilling process for extremely small holes with diameters ranging from 50 to 1 µm.
What is the maximum diameter you can drill?
We manufacture our own cylindrical electrodes up to a diameter of 18 microns, enabling us to drill holes with a minimum diameter of 25 microns using micro-drilling by electro-erosion.
By machining pointed electrodes, we can drill holes as small as 10 µm.
We have recently developed a technology that enables us to push beyond our limits and thus drill holes with a diameter of 1 micron.
Thanks to this new drilling method, which allows for a 5:1 ratio between diameter and depth, the holes produced are of exceptional quality. Depending on the specific application, we can guarantee an accuracy of ±1 µm. For these infinitesimally small applications, we inspect the holes using our scanning electron microscope (SEM).
It is worth noting that a hole measuring Ø1 µm is equivalent to the diameter of certain bacteria, whilst the diameter of a human hair is approximately 60 µm.
How precise can micro-drilling be?
Holes can be drilled and calibrated on the same ‘SARIX’ machine; thus, the tolerance can be ±0.005 mm for EDM drilling, or even ±0.002 mm if the drilling can be reworked using wire EDM.
Our new process enables us to achieve a tolerance of ±0.001 mm on certain holes.
Do you carry out micro-drilling in batches or on a piece-by-piece basis?
We can carry out single-piece drilling jobs, but we have previously produced batches of up to 16,000 pieces per month.
What machinery do you have?
We have three SARIX machines for electro-erosion drilling, both water-based and oil-based.
What are the advantages of EDM drilling?
In electrical discharge machining, there is no cutting force; therefore, it is possible to machine a highly inclined surface and to have the hole open out onto a highly inclined surface as well.
All conductive materials can be drilled; in other words, we can drill polycrystalline diamond or conductive ceramics.
