While it is very common for most people to interchange the terms drilling and boring as they relate to machining services, there is a significant and important difference between the two processes.
To make matters more confusing, drilling can be a stand-alone type of operation, while a boring operation is always completed after the initial drilling has occurred. When used either as a single operation, as in drilling, or used to refine a drilled hole, as in boring, it needs to be carefully managed and the process customized to meet the needs of the workpiece as well as the specific requirements for the final part or component.
The Process
Drilling operations are done with a cutting tool that is selected based on the type of material. The drill bit has to be strong enough to cut into the workpiece as well as the correct diameter and length to produce the desired hole size. The longer the drill bit, the greater the precision required to create a straight, true hole that is symmetrical with the workpiece.
The boring operation is considered a finishing step or process that is completed after drilling. Boring can be used to increase the diameter of the hole and to even out any slight irregularities created during the drilling operation. The tool used for a boring operation is called a bore bar. Unlike a drill that cuts from both the bottom as well as up the length of the drill bit, a bore bar only cuts from the end.
This single tip cutting tool allows for precise control of the diameter of the hole. It is also an effective tool to create a tapered point at the bottom of the hole. It is also the ideal operation to remove any surface irregularities from the interior of the hole, creating a seamless finish for easy insertion of fasteners or connectors during fabrication.
