Let Istar help you get started on your project with our experience and know-how!
Upload your design files and production requirements and we will get back to you within 30 minutes!
CNC Drilling
Welcome to our CNC drilling services at Istar Machining. We make perfect holes in all kinds of materials using computer-controlled machines. Our team helps with projects big and small, from aerospace parts to medical tools. Let’s learn how CNC drilling works and why it’s great for your projects!
Get a New Quote
Supports uploading of the following file formats: .STEP .STP .SLDPRT .STL .IPT .3MF .3DXML .PRT .SAT .DXF .X_T .X_B .JT .CATPART
- All uploads are secure and confidential.
20+ Years
Istar Machining's years in the industry
300,000 square feet
The size of Istar Machining's factory
856 CNC machines
Our CNC equipment count
2000+ skilled workers
Istar's number of skilled machinists/operators
Top Materials for CNC Drilling
Different materials are better for different jobs. Here’s what works best:
Metals
Aluminum
Stainless Steel
Titanium
Brass and Copper
Aluminum
Aluminum is a top pick for CNC drilling. It is:
- Light
- Easy to drill
- Good at moving heat away
Best grades:
- 6061-T6: Good for most jobs
- 7075: When you need stronger parts
When drilling aluminum, use:
- Sharp drill bits
- High speeds (3,000 RPM)
- Good coolant to stop gumming
Aluminum has a machinability rating of 80-90%. This means it is very easy to drill!
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is hard but good for parts that must not rust.
Types:
- 304: For food and medical uses
- 303: Easier to drill (60% machinability)
- 316: Best for salt water use
When drilling stainless steel:
- Use carbide bits
- Go slow and steady
- Use lots of coolant
- Make small cuts with “peck drilling”
In one test, carbide bits made 1,200-1,500 holes in stainless steel. HSS bits only made 300-500 holes.
Titanium
Titanium is very strong but light. It is used in:
- Planes
- Space ships
- Medical parts that go in the body
Titanium is hard to drill (25% machinability). You need:
- Sharp carbide bits with coolant holes
- Slow speeds
- Peck drilling
- Lots of coolant
One case study showed that using peck drilling with the right bits made titanium drill bits last 30% longer!
Brass and Copper
Brass is the easiest metal to drill (100% machinability). It is the gold standard! Brass is used for:
- Water parts
- Music things
- Pretty parts
Copper is good for:
- Electrical parts
- Heat moving parts
- Parts that must not make sparks
For brass and copper:
- Use HSS bits with TiN coating
- Medium to high speeds
- Light cutting oil
A test showed that using TiN-coated HSS bits made drilling brass 20% faster!
Plastics & Composites
PEEK & Nylon
Carbon Fiber
Acrylic/Polycarbonate
PEEK & Nylon
PEEK plastic is high-end and used in:
- Medical parts
- Plane parts
- Parts for very hot places
PEEK has 70-85% machinability. For drilling it:
- Use sharp carbide bits
- Low feed rates to stop melting
- Clean cuts with no pushing
Nylon is tough and slick. Good for:
- Gears
- Bearings
- Wear parts
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber is very strong but light. It is used in:
- Race cars
- Bikes
- Sports gear
Carbon fiber is hard to drill well (30-50% machinability). You need:
- Diamond bits
- Low speeds to stop tearing
- Backing boards to stop splitting
Acrylic/Polycarbonate
Clear plastics like acrylic are good for:
- Windows
- Signs
- Clear parts
When drilling clear plastics:
- Go slow to stop cracks
- Use sharp bits made just for plastic
- Cool with air not water
Precision CNC-Drilled Components by Istar Machining
Industries We Serve
Technical Details
For those who want to know the specifics, here’s what powers our CNC drilling operations:
- Machine Types: Advanced turret-style CNC drills and vertical machining centers
- Spindle Speeds: 10,000-24,000 RPM for fast, clean drilling
- Tool Capacity: 20+ different bits ready to use on each job
- Material Compatibility: Works with nearly any material including:
- Aluminum and aluminum alloys
- Stainless steel
- Titanium
- Brass and copper
- Plastics and composites
- Hard and soft woods
Special Drilling Capabilities
- Deep Hole Drilling: Creating holes with depth-to-diameter ratios of 10:1 or greater
- Small Hole Drilling: Precise holes down to 0.2mm diameter
- Angled Drilling: Complex angle holes using our multi-axis systems
- Pattern Drilling: Multiple holes in exact patterns and arrays
- Counter-boring and Countersinking: For flush fasteners and specialized fits
- Tapping: Thread creation directly during the drilling process
Why Choose Istar Machining for CNC Drilling?
Unmatched Expertise
Our team has years of experience with precision machining across many industries. We know how to handle complex projects and solve tough drilling challenges.
Complete Solution
Beyond just drilling, we offer a full range of services including CNC milling and CNC turning to complete your parts under one roof.
Flexible Capacity
Whether you need one prototype or thousands of parts, our CAD/CAM integration and automatic tool changers help us scale to your needs quickly.
Quality Assurance
Our ISO 9001 certification means every part meets strict quality standards. We use advanced measurement tools to verify each hole's dimensions and position.
Material Experts
We understand how different materials behave during drilling. From tough aerospace alloys to delicate plastics, we adjust our approach for perfect results.
From Design to Finished Part
The journey from idea to perfect part is smooth with Istar Machining:
Design Consultation
We help refine your design for optimal drilling
Material Selection
Choose from our wide range of materials
Production Planning
We develop the most efficient process
Quality Verification
Every part is inspected to ensure perfection
On-Time Delivery
Your parts arrive exactly when promised
Get Started Today
Ready to experience the Istar Machining difference? Contact us for a quote on your CNC drilling project. Our team will help you choose the right process, material, and finishing options for your specific needs.
Whether you need prototype parts or full production runs, our automated drilling capabilities deliver consistent quality, on time and on budget. With our precision machining expertise and commitment to excellence, your project is in good hands.
Contact Istar Machining today and discover why leading companies trust us with their most demanding CNC drilling projects.
Key Features of Our CNC Drilling Services
Our machines work with amazing accuracy – down to ±0.001″! This means:
- Every hole is exactly where it should be
- Holes match perfectly with other parts
- Parts fit together perfectly the first time
For projects that need even more precision, check out our ultra precision machining services.
We offer both standard drilling and 5-axis drilling services, which means:
- We can drill at any angle
- We can reach hard-to-access areas
- We can create complex patterns of holes
- One setup can complete multiple operations
Our carbide/HSD drill bits stay sharp longer and can handle tough materials like:
- Stainless steel
- Titanium
- Hardened metals
- Composite materials
Plus, our automatic tool changers mean we can switch between different drill bits without stopping the machine, making your project faster and more cost-effective.
Our high-pressure coolant systems are crucial for success:
- Prevents overheating during drilling
- Helps remove chips from deep holes
- Extends drill bit life
- Improves hole quality and finish
We follow strict standards with our ISO 9001 certification:
- Every project is documented
- Quality checks happen at multiple stages
- All parts are fully traceable
- We meet or exceed industry standards
New Articles
When and Why You Must Use Fillets for Better Parts
Cheney
2025年7月18日
Small details can make a huge difference. One of the most important small details is the fillet. A fillet is a rounded inner
Corrosion vs. Oxidation vs. Rust: What’s the Real Difference?
Cheney
2025年7月17日
Understanding the difference between corrosion, oxidation, and rust is more than just being a science whiz. It’s about knowing how
The Best CAD and CAM Software for CNC Machining
Cheney
2025年7月15日
In this guide, we will look at the best CAD and CAM software. You will learn what you need. You
