Very Unique Prototype Requirement - Cutting Holes in Tubing

[Ron Rompen]

I am making a few prototype parts to validate a new test method on our brazed tubing, and have run into a problem.

Our tubing is made from low-carbon steel with a 2-4micron copper plate, and run through a brazing operation and stress relief process, resulting in a hardness of ~55 on the 30T scale.

I need to create holes in a series of sample tubes; hole diameters (ideally) would be .005, .010, .015 and .020". Holes are to go through one wall only.

I had thought of laser-cutting as the ideal method for this, but everyone that I have contacted has said no. So, my appeal is out to the Cove membership; does anyone know of a (relatively) inexpensive method to create these holes? This will be a one-time deal, with probably a total of 30 tubes maximum being made.

Any assistance or advise is gratefully received.

[somashekar]

In Reply to Parent Post by Ron Rompen

I am making a few prototype parts to validate a new test method on our brazed tubing, and have run into a problem.

Our tubing is made from low-carbon steel with a 2-4micron copper plate, and run through a brazing operation and stress relief process, resulting in a hardness of ~55 on the 30T scale.

I need to create holes in a series of sample tubes; hole diameters (ideally) would be .005, .010, .015 and .020". Holes are to go through one wall only.

I had thought of laser-cutting as the ideal method for this, but everyone that I have contacted has said no. So, my appeal is out to the Cove membership; does anyone know of a (relatively) inexpensive method to create these holes? This will be a one-time deal, with probably a total of 30 tubes maximum being made.

Any assistance or advise is gratefully received.

High speed pneumatic drill with proper holding and stopper set. You may have burr on the inside of the tubing.

[pkost]

Did they explain why laser drilling wasn't suitable?

A search of google for "microdrilling" returns quite a few specialist firms