In the world of advanced manufacturing, achieving tight dimensional tolerances, flawless surface finishes, and reliable repeatability is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. Industries such as aerospace, automotive, power generation, and mold & die production demand precision at every level. One tool that plays a pivotal role in meeting these requirements is the drill reamer.
While standard drilling is sufficient for general hole creation, it often falls short in achieving the precision necessary for high-performance assemblies. Drill reamers bridge that gap, delivering enhanced accuracy, geometry, and surface integrity.
What Is a Drill Reamer?
A drill reamer, also known as a combination drill-reamer, is a rotary cutting tool designed to both drill and finish a hole in a single pass—or used as a follow-up tool after initial drilling. These tools feature a specialized drill point followed by precision reaming flutes, enabling a single tool to rough and finish a hole with exceptional consistency.
In many operations, reamers are used independently as a secondary process, refining holes to meet tight engineering tolerances and critical fit specifications.
Primary Functions of Drill Reamers
1. Dimensional Accuracy
Drill reamers consistently achieve hole tolerances within ±0.0005″ to ±0.0010″ (±0.0127 mm to ±0.0254 mm)—essential for precision fits such as bushings, pins, and dowel holes.
2. Enhanced Surface Finish
By removing minimal material with superior geometry, reamers reduce tool marks and improve bore finish—often achieving surface roughness values of Ra ≤ 1.6 μm.
3. Improved Roundness and Straightness
Reamers correct minor deflections or ovality caused during drilling, producing a more concentric, straight, and geometrically accurate hole.
4. Optimized Component Fit
Precision hole sizing ensures a consistent and secure fit for mating components—critical in applications such as engine assemblies, gearboxes, and structural joints.
Types of Reamers
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Straight Flute Reamers
Ideal for through-holes and softer materials, offering stability in non-interrupted cutting environments. -
Spiral Flute Reamers
Designed for blind holes or hard materials, their flute geometry aids in effective chip evacuation. -
Carbide Reamers
Excellent for high-volume or abrasive machining tasks where tool life and rigidity are priorities. -
Coolant-Through Reamers
Deliver cutting fluid directly to the cutting edge, improving chip control, temperature regulation, and tool longevity.
Best Practices for Effective Reaming
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Pre-Drill Undersized
Leave 0.3–0.5 mm of material for the reamer to remove, ensuring smooth engagement and optimal finish. -
Control Speeds and Feeds
Reaming requires slower speeds and steady feeds to minimize vibration, heat buildup, and chatter. -
Ensure Proper Alignment
Misaligned tools can result in tapered, bell-mouthed, or oversized holes—compromising performance. -
Use Suitable Coolants
Proper coolant application helps maintain dimensional stability and extends the life of the cutting edge.
Globally Competitive – Proudly Canadian
At Epic Tool Inc., we take pride in our Canadian craftsmanship and our ability to engineer tooling solutions for the most demanding applications. From solid carbide drill reamers to custom step tools, our products are manufactured in-house at our state-of-the-art facility in Stoney Creek, Ontario.
Our commitment to quality, precision, and innovation makes us a trusted partner to manufacturers across North America. Whether you’re producing aerospace components with micron-level tolerances or automotive systems at high volume, Epic Tool’s reaming solutions are built to deliver.
Drill reamers are a vital tool in any precision machining environment. Their ability to refine hole geometry, size, and finish in a single process improves part quality, reduces rework, and ensures mechanical reliability.
Choose Epic Tool Inc. for performance-driven reaming solutions backed by Canadian excellence. Our carbide reamers are engineered to exceed expectations—every time.
