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Manufacturing Insight: Cnc Drill Bit Size 55
Precision Micro-Drilling for CNC Drill Bit Size 55: Honyo Prototype Delivers Consistency at Scale
Achieving reliable, high-tolerance holes with CNC drill bit size 55 (0.0520″ / 1.321 mm diameter) demands exceptional process control and machine stability. At Honyo Prototype, our CNC machining services specialize in micro-drilling applications where thermal management, spindle runout, and feed rate precision directly impact tool life and hole quality. We leverage rigid, high-RPM machining centers with sub-micron positioning accuracy and proprietary toolpath strategies to prevent bit deflection and breakage—critical for aerospace components, medical devices, and精密 electronics requiring this exact size.
Our engineering team optimizes every parameter for size 55 drilling, including material-specific coolant delivery, pecking cycles, and collet maintenance protocols, ensuring repeatability within ±0.0002″ (±0.005 mm) across production runs. This eliminates costly scrap and secondary operations for clients working with challenging alloys, composites, or plastics.
Key Specifications for Size 55 Drilling
| Parameter | Honyo Standard Capability | Industry Typical |
|———————|—————————|——————|
| Tolerance | ±0.0002″ (±0.005 mm) | ±0.0005″ |
| Max Depth-to-Dia Ratio | 8:1 (consistent) | 5:1 |
| Supported Materials | Titanium, Inconel, PEEK, Aluminum, Brass | Limited alloys only |
For immediate project validation, Honyo Prototype’s Online Instant Quote system provides real-time pricing and lead time estimates for CNC drilling operations—including size 55 and other fractional, metric, or wire gauge bits—within 60 seconds. Upload your STEP or IGES file to receive a manufacturability analysis and formal quotation without sales team delays, accelerating your prototyping or low-volume production timeline. Trust Honyo to transform microscopic drilling challenges into repeatable manufacturing outcomes.
Technical Capabilities
CNC Drill Bit Size #55 refers to a standard numbered drill bit size with a diameter of 0.0520 inches (1.3208 mm) as defined by the ANSI B94.11M standard for twist drill sizes. This small-diameter drill bit is commonly used in precision machining applications involving tight tolerance requirements, particularly in aerospace, medical, and electronics industries. It is suitable for use in 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC milling machines where high positional accuracy and complex geometries are required. While primarily used in milling operations, it may also be applied in live tooling setups during CNC turning for cross-drilling or feature detailing.
The bit is typically manufactured from solid carbide or high-speed steel (HSS) with coatings such as TiN, TiAlN, or ZrN to enhance wear resistance and thermal stability. Due to its small size, rigidity and tool deflection are critical concerns; therefore, proper tool holding (e.g., hydraulic or shrink-fit tool holders) and optimized feed rates are essential.
Below is a technical specification table outlining performance characteristics and material compatibility:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Drill Bit Size | #55 |
| Diameter | 0.0520 in (1.3208 mm) |
| Standard | ANSI B94.11M |
| Compatible Machines | 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC milling centers; CNC turning with live tooling |
| Typical Spindle Speed Range | 6,000 – 18,000 RPM (varies by material and coolant use) |
| Feed Rate (Typical) | 1.5 – 6.0 in/min (0.00025 – 0.001 ipr) |
| Tool Material Options | Solid carbide, HSS with coatings (TiN, TiAlN) |
| Coating Benefits | Increased hardness, reduced friction, improved chip evacuation |
| Coolant Requirement | High-pressure through-tool coolant recommended for stability and chip removal |
| Tolerance Capability | ±0.0005 in (±0.0127 mm) achievable with proper setup and rigid fixturing |
| Recommended for Tight Tolerance | Yes – suitable for precision hole making in high-accuracy applications |
| Aluminum Compatibility | Excellent – low cutting forces, high speeds, minimal built-up edge |
| Steel Compatibility | Good – best with alloy and mild steels using reduced feed and peck drilling |
| ABS Compatibility | Good – low melting point requires controlled heat buildup and sharp cutting |
| Nylon Compatibility | Moderate – prone to deformation; requires sharp tooling and stable feeds |
| Peck Drilling Required | Yes – especially in steel and nylon to prevent chip packing and breakage |
| Max Depth to Diameter Ratio | 3:1 to 5:1 recommended; beyond requires specialized deep-hole tooling |
Note: When machining small features with a #55 drill bit, tool runout should be kept below 0.0002 in (0.005 mm) to maintain hole accuracy and tool life. For 5-axis applications, ensure tool clearance and avoid angular entry that may cause chipping. Pre-drilling with a spotting drill is advised to ensure positional accuracy.
From CAD to Part: The Process
Honyo Prototype CNC Drill Bit Size 55 Manufacturing Process
Our end-to-end workflow for precision components requiring a #55 drill bit (0.0520″ / 1.321mm diameter) follows a rigorously validated sequence, ensuring micro-hole accuracy and process reliability. This size demands specialized handling due to its susceptibility to deflection and breakage; our process mitigates these risks systematically.
Upload CAD
Clients submit native or neutral CAD files (STEP, IGES, Parasolid) via our secure portal. For #55 drill features, we require explicit hole callouts with positional tolerances, depth specifications, and material context. Ambiguous annotations trigger immediate client clarification requests, as micro-hole placement errors are non-recoverable in production.
AI-Powered Quoting
Our AI engine analyzes CAD geometry, focusing on #55 hole density, aspect ratios, and proximity to edges. It cross-references real-time data: machine availability (only 3-axis VMCs with sub-micron spindle runout qualify), material-specific feed rates (e.g., 1.2 ipm for FR-4 PCB laminates), and historical failure rates for micro-drilling. The quote includes a risk flag if hole depth exceeds 6:1 aspect ratio (e.g., >0.312″ depth), mandating DFM review.
DFM Engineering
All #55 drill jobs undergo mandatory DFM by senior process engineers. Key validations include:
Toolpath Simulation: Verifying peck drilling cycles (0.005″ max chip load) to prevent bit fracture.
Material Compatibility: Confirming suitability (e.g., #55 drills fail in abrasive composites; we recommend laser alternatives).
Tolerance Feasibility: Assessing achievable positional accuracy (±0.001″ typical) versus drawing requirements.
Burr Mitigation: Specifying secondary operations like electrochemical deburring if hole depth >0.200″.
Clients receive a formal DFM report within 4 business hours, with actionable recommendations.
Production Execution
Approved jobs enter our micro-drilling cell under strict controls:
Machine Setup: Dedicated CNCs with high-frequency spindles (20,000+ RPM), rigid tapping cycles, and coolant-through-tooling.
Process Monitoring: In-process vision systems verify hole presence; acoustic sensors detect bit breakage in real time.
Quality Gates: First-article inspection (FAI) via optical comparators for hole diameter (1.321mm ±0.025mm) and positional accuracy. Lot sampling uses CMM for depth verification.
Delivery Assurance
Final inspection certificates detail all #55 hole measurements per AS9102 standards. Parts ship in ESD-safe packaging with humidity control for electronics applications. Lead time for #55 micro-drilled components averages 7–10 days, with expedited options (48-hour DFM turnaround).
Critical Process Parameters for #55 Drills
The table below summarizes non-negotiable production constraints:
| Parameter | Standard Value | Risk if Exceeded | Mitigation Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Hole Depth | 0.312″ (8:1 ratio) | Bit deflection >0.002″ | Redesign or switch to laser drilling |
| Min Edge Distance | 0.020″ | Material chipping | Adjust hole placement via DFM |
| Feed Rate Tolerance | ±0.1 ipm | Chip clogging → bit fracture | Real-time adaptive feed control |
| Coolant Pressure | 800 PSI minimum | Heat buildup → hole taper | Pressure monitoring with auto-shutdown |
This workflow ensures 99.2% first-pass yield for #55 drill features across aluminum, brass, and standard PCB substrates. For exotic materials (e.g., PEEK, alumina), our DFM phase may propose alternative solutions to maintain cost efficiency. Contact our applications team to discuss your specific micro-drilling requirements.
Start Your Project
For inquiries about the CNC drill bit size 55, contact Susan Leo at [email protected]. Our manufacturing facility is located in Shenzhen, ensuring precision production and efficient turnaround for your prototyping and production needs. Reach out for technical specifications, volume pricing, or custom machining solutions.
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