Fullerton's AlumaDrill – High-Speed Control in Softer Materials

by Bernard Martin

The AlumaDrill uses a three-flute, self-centering geometry with open chip evacuation for aggressive, high-speed drilling across aluminum, non-ferrous metals, plastics, composites, and other softer materials.

The Fullerton Tool AlumaDrill is built around aggressive cutting mechanics for materials that want to shear fast and evacuate chips immediately. The core of the design is a three-flute layout that increases feed capability while maintaining stability at elevated spindle speeds. More flutes keep the tool engaged without overloading any single cutting edge.

The point geometry uses Fullerton’s radial grind strategy to create a self-centering action at entry. The cutting edges engage evenly as the drill contacts the surface, which stabilizes the tool early and allows it to get up to feed quickly. This geometry supports assertive penetration in softer materials without relying on excessive thrust.

Chip evacuation is handled by wide, polished flutes sized specifically for high-speed drilling. Chips begin flowing as soon as the edges engage and continue moving without crowding the cutting zone. This becomes especially important in aluminum, copper, brass, plastics, and composites where chip welding and packing end tool life early.

The cutting edges are ground sharp and left uncoated. In aluminum and other non-ferrous materials, this edge condition promotes clean shearing and reduces friction at the margin. Heat stays controlled through chip evacuation rather than coating insulation, which supports consistent performance in high-speed cycles.

The AlumaDrill is equally comfortable in low-silicon and high-silicon aluminum, as well as titanium, graphite, composites, plastics, and wood. The geometry favors materials that reward aggressiveness and punish hesitation. Hole size consistency and surface finish remain stable as feed rates increase.

With this tool surface speeds trend higher, feeds stay positive, and the drill works best when allowed to cut rather than skim. Flood, mist, or air assist can be used depending on the material, with chip flow doing most of the thermal management.

Fullerton's AlumaDrill fits production environments where speed matters and setups need to behave predictably from the first hole to the last.

For help dialing in sizes, parameters, or material-specific recommendations, contact us at Factory Tooling Solutions and we can support you with the AlumaDrill speeds and feeds..