Drilling, Boring, and Reaming are types of machining operations. They can create a new hole or modify an existing hole in a workpiece using different types of cutting tools.
This article covers the difference between Drilling vs Boring vs Reaming operation and their applications. To understand the difference, let’s first understand what drilling boring and reaming operations are? We suggest you also read this article on machined parts.
What is Drilling Operation?
Drilling is a metal cutting operation by rotating and pressing a multi-point cutting tool to cut a circular round hole in a Work-piece. A multi-point cutting tool is known as a drilling bit. Standard drill bits in various sizes are available in the market.
Drilling machines are used to cut a straight hole in metals, plastic, wood, concrete wall, etc. The selection of the type of drill bit depends on the workpiece material. During drilling, the drill bit rotates at a very high rpm.
What is the Boring Operation?
Boring is a metal cutting operation to enlarge existing hole diameter by using a single point edge cutting tool. This process is different from drilling operations because boring requires an existing hole.
We can do Boring operations using drilling, boring, lathe, and milling machines. Tool rotating speed is kept relatively low during boring operations. Examples of boring operations include enlarging holes in casting parts.
What is Reaming Operation?
Reaming is a cutting operation to enlarge the existing hole diameter to make it more accurate and improve the surface finish. The cutting tool used for reaming is known as Reamer.
The reamer rotates at approximately half RPM of the drilling operation during reaming. Reaming is a finishing operation and does not cut significant material compared to drilling or boring.
Drilling vs Boring vs Reaming : What is the Difference?
| Drilling | Boring | Reaming |
|---|---|---|
 | ||
| Drill a new hole in the workpiece. | Enlarge existing hole | Finish existing hole |
| Utilizes a drill bit to create a new hole. | Use a single-point cutting tool to enlarge the existing hole. | Utilizes Reamer tool to finish the existing hole. |
| Very high tool rotating speed. | Low tool rotating speed. | The Reamer tool rotates at a speed of approximately half of the drilling operation. |
| The high material removal rate. | The material removal rate is less than the drilling operation. | Only a small amount of material is removed to finish a round hole. |
| Drilled hole surface finish is not good. | A boring hole has a surface finish better than drilled holes. | The reaming hole has a good surface finish. |
We will keep updating more details on the difference between drilling, boring, and reaming operations. Add your comments or questions to what is the difference between drilling vs Boring vs Reaming Operation. Don’t miss this article on jigs and fixtures used in manufacturing operations.
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