Modular drilling systems with bayonet interfaces allow drill head changes directly in the machine. However, when process reliability is lacking and tool life is short, the expected time savings often disappear. The BT 800 from Gühring proves otherwise – combining easy handling with high performance while delivering up to 150% longer tool life compared to conventional solutions.
Salzgitter Mannesmann Stahlhandel GmbH, a company known for tradition, innovation, and reliability, manufactures and supplies premium steel products such as flat products, tubes, and long products. Their offerings are distinguished by a broad and flexible range of dimensions and grades, always adhering to the highest quality standards.
To address growing demands for efficiency and precision, the Mühlheim-based company is increasingly investing in advanced tool solutions. Among these are modular drilling systems, which Salzgitter Mannesmann sees as key to enabling more cost-effective and time-saving drilling operations, particularly for larger diameters.
Quick change thanks to bayonet interface
Production employee Tino Becker explains why interchangeable head systems with a bayonet lock are particularly effective: “The drill head can be easily replaced directly in the machine. Compared to alternative modular drilling systems, where the drill head is attached with a screw, we save a lot of time because the drill doesn’t have to be removed from the machine and the program doesn’t have to be interrupted.”
Tool breakages & unclean holes
Therefore, Salzgitter Mannesmann initially resorted to a drilling system from a Gühring competitor with a bayonet interface. However, it became clear that a simple and quick drill head change wasn’t enough when problems arose during an application in structural steel: The company was struggling with long chips and loud drilling noises. The result was unclean drilling and even tool breakage: “If the holder is also damaged in the process, it can quickly become expensive. The economic advantages of modular tools are then lost,” summarizes Tino Becker.
150% longer tool life with the BT 800
“We can do better,” says Gühring application engineer Tobias Förderer, proposing a new solution to the long-standing customer: Gühring’s BT 800 replaceable head drilling system combines the advantages of a convenient bayonet interface with the performance of solid carbide drills and a long service life. Salzgitter Mannesmann is convinced of this in the production of steel beams (structural steel S355 J2), where through holes with a diameter of 17.5 mm are to be produced on a Kaltenbach drill-saw system.
And the BT 800 delivers on its promise: “Not only is the changeover easy – we’re also very satisfied with the process reliability and hole quality,” confirms Tino Becker. “Compared to our competitors, we were able to increase the tool life from 1,333 holes to 3,320 holes.” And that’s far from the end of it: The carbide head of the BT 800 can be regrinded up to two times. This allows the customer to further reduce the costs of purchasing more expensive new tools.
Tobias Förderer explains how the BT 800 achieves this: “Combined with the wear-resistant Persistum coating, the carbide drill head boasts a long service life and maximum resistance to thermal influences. The polished chip flutes in the holder ensure high process reliability, guaranteeing flawless chip evacuation. The cooling channels with maximum cross-section and outlets in the chip flute ensure optimal cooling lubrication.” And Salzgitter Mannesmann doesn’t have to worry about jammed chips either: The interplay of geometry, polished chip flutes, and cooling ensure optimal chip breaking and removal from the hole. “The replaceable head drilling system from Gühring is the most cost-effective alternative – the BT 800 convinced us,” summarizes Tino Becker.
Tool tip: BT 800 – the better choice
Modular interchangeable head drilling system
BT 800
for quick head changes and high cost-effectiveness
The BT 800 allows you to use various drill heads on a single steel cutting body. This allows you to quickly adapt the tools to different materials or machining requirements.
Your advantages with the BT 800:
- fast and easy handling combined with long service life and high performance
- economical alternative to solid carbide drills
- Minimization of setup times
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