Supply & Demand

Formdrill, create your own inserts. The thermal drilling system for screw, solder and welding application in thin metal work pieces with high-strength holes. Formdrill uses friction generated from the combined rotational and downward forces of a special thermal drilling tool to produce bushs in metal tubing and flat stock. This friction transforms the material into a super-plastic state, allowing the tool to form a bush from the displaced material. The height of this bushing is roughly three to four times of the original material thickness. The newly-made bushing can be tapped in a secondary step with a forming tap, which produces a much stronger thread. The combination of Formdrill and form tapping produces a threaded connection from the parent material – no additional components are needed and no material is removed. If a threaded connection is not required, the bushing can be used as a through-hole for welded, soldered or brazed connections, as well as a load-bearing surface. The Formdrill system can be used in most ferrous and non-ferrous metals including mild steel, stainless steel, copper, brass and aluminum, with material thickness up to 12mm. Standard Formdrill diameters are available in any size up to 25.4mm diameter.