Centre drills play a key role in precision machining, particularly for creating starter holes on lathes or other high-accuracy operations. To ensure performance, these tools must be crafted from materials that offer excellent hardness, heat resistance, and durability. At Felda Tools, we supply high-quality centre drills tailored for industrial use, made from industry-proven materials suited to a wide range of applications.
Below is a breakdown of the most commonly used materials in centre drill manufacturing:
1. High-Speed Steel (HSS) – The Industry Standard
HSS centre drills remain one of the most popular choices across manufacturing sectors. Engineered with alloying elements like tungsten, chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium, HSS delivers a reliable balance of strength and heat tolerance.
Ideal for machining mild steel, aluminum, and plastic
Performs well under moderate speeds
Cost-effective for general-purpose drilling
These tools are perfect for companies seeking a versatile, budget-friendly solution for everyday use.
2. Cobalt Alloyed HSS (HSCO) – Enhanced Heat Resistance
For tougher metals and high-duty operations, cobalt-enriched HSS, also known as HSCO, offers superior performance. By adding 5–8% cobalt, this material retains its hardness even under elevated temperatures (a property known as red hardness).
Suitable for stainless steel, titanium, and cast iron
Resists heat build-up during prolonged drilling
Increased wear resistance and tool life
Felda Tools supplies HSCO centre drills designed for applications where standard HSS might fail, helping your operations run longer without tool changeovers.
3. Tungsten Carbide – Built for Demanding Conditions
Carbide centre drills are manufactured from tungsten carbide grains bonded with a metallic binder—commonly cobalt—to form an ultra-hard and heat-resistant cutting tool.
Best suited for hardened steels, ceramics, and abrasive composites
Maintains sharpness and performance at high cutting speeds
Common in automotive, aerospace, and die-making industries
While carbide drills offer unmatched performance, they are more brittle than HSS, so they are primarily used in precision applications where tool stability is well-controlled.
4. Advanced Surface Coatings – For Extended Performance
To further increase performance and tool longevity, many centre drills undergo PVD coatings that enhance surface hardness and reduce friction.
Common coating options include:
TiN (Titanium Nitride) – Enhances wear resistance and reduces heat build-up
TiAlN (Titanium Aluminum Nitride) – Superior thermal stability for high-speed applications
DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) – Extreme hardness for machining abrasive or composite materials
Felda Tools can provide coated or uncoated centre drills based on your production needs, material types, and operational speeds.
Why Choose Felda Tools as Your Centre Drill Supplier?
As a trusted B2B supplier of industrial cutting tools, Felda Tools partners with leading manufacturers across China to deliver high-performance, export-ready centre drills. We support global industries with:
✅ Strict Quality Control – All tools are tested for dimensional accuracy, hardness, and coating integrity
✅ Material Customization – Choose from HSS, HSCO, carbide, or coated options tailored to your process
✅ Reliable Export Services – Serving customers across Europe, the Americas, and Southeast Asia
✅ OEM & Private Labeling – Custom branding and packaging for distributors and wholesalers
Looking for dependable centre drills with guaranteed quality? Contact Felda Tools today to explore material options and receive tailored solutions for your machining needs.
