Magnetic Drill: Drilling on Curved Surfaces

Innovations and Advantages of the Magnetic Drill for Curved Surfaces

Drilling Technology on Curved Surfaces

Industrial restoration operations, particularly in the refurbishment of locomotives, pose specific challenges when drilling on curved structures. Henwood Engineering, an expert in the complete rehabilitation of railway engines – including boiler overhauls, mechanical repairs, and painting – regularly faced the complexity of drilling on bent surfaces. Until recently, the use of a conventional magnetic drill required an additional adapter plate. This solution demanded constant manual holding to ensure stability and drilling precision, which exposed operators to greater risks while also slowing down interventions.

The arrival of a new generation of magnetic drills has profoundly transformed this approach. Thanks to the integration of a prismatic permanent magnet directly into the machine, it is now possible to perform precise drilling on tubes or curved surfaces without additional accessories. This system ensures optimal fixation even on complex geometries, while eliminating the need for prolonged manual assistance. By removing the tedious step of positioning and holding an intermediate plate, this innovation not only streamlines the process but also reduces potential sources of accidents.

The integrated permanent magnet offers another major advantage: its ability to maintain reliable anchoring without generating excessive heat during breaks or interruptions. This feature extends the lifespan of magnetic components and ensures constant safety during frequent handling inherent to demanding industrial worksites.

Testimonial on Industrial Impact

The recent adoption of the AKBU 35 PMQW AS machine by Henwood Engineering perfectly illustrates these technological advances. Sam Henwood, founder and director of the company specializing in railway retrofitting, emphasizes how this new tool has redefined their methods: “The ability to drill directly on curved areas thanks to the permanent magnet, which does not heat up during pauses, has revolutionized our organization. Not only have we improved safety for our technicians – who no longer need to constantly handle a temporary fixture – but we have also seen a significant leap in productivity.”

This testimonial highlights several concrete outcomes:

- Profit margins have increased thanks to accelerated work rates.

- Overall work quality has improved due to the complete absence of slipping or shifting during drilling.

- Reliability minimizes the need for rework or later adjustments.

In the specific case of complex restorations such as those carried out by Henwood Engineering (wheel refurbishments, boiler work), having equipment adapted to non-flat surfaces makes it possible to chain mechanical steps without interruption or time loss related to repetitive repositioning.

Performance and Versatility of Modern Magnetic Drills

Technical Features and Energy Efficiency

Recent developments in this segment have led to the emergence of compact units that combine remarkable lightness – with only 12.2 kg for some cordless models – and extreme robustness thanks to their meticulous design. The technical core often relies on a brushless motor: this choice not only provides superior longevity (up to 60,000 core drillings estimated for 300 continuous hours) but also significantly reduces maintenance needs due to decreased mechanical wear.

Another strong point lies in their exemplary energy efficiency: when paired with an AMPShare ProCORE 18 V (12 Ah) battery, the machine can deliver up to 48 complete cycles per charge when using a Ø 18 mm carbide cutter on 12 mm thick S235 steel. This autonomy places these machines among the most high-performing in today’s industrial mobile sector.

Functional flexibility is reflected in a wider range of applications: