TiN is a coating for a drill bit. It consists of Titanium and Nitrogen and is applied as a ceramic coating on the drill bits. Normally, TiN drill bits are gold in color. The tiN coat is applied on HSS Cobalt drill bits. The purpose of the TiN coating is to improve the durability of the drill bit, improve the thermal resistance and reduce the friction between the drill bit and material at high temperatures. TiN drill bits can be used on many materials, such as wood and metal. But it can be damaged or worn when it is used continuously.
What Is TiN Coating On Drill Bit?
A TiN drill bit is a type of Titanium drill bit. This type of steel drill bits and other machine equipment frequently have a strong ceramic coating called TiN applied to them. It looks like a golden color drill bit.
There are a few other drill point angles, but the most popular ones are 118o and 135o. The drilling point on less expensive general-purpose drill bits is typically 118 degrees. Mild steel, aluminum, and other soft metals are ideal for it. On the other hand, 135o is for harder materials like steel that have been hardened.
The 135° split point grinding tip on TiN drill bits guarantees precise centering and lower drilling pressure on harder metals.
The TiN coating is extremely resistant to wear and has an approximate hardness of 80 to 85 HRC.
Depending on the work you want to do, choose the suitable flute type. But mostly, TiN drill bit is twist or spiral flute type. And also, the double U shape flutes design of these drill bits clears chips effectively.
The common shank type is the straight shank type.
What material Can be Drilled Using TiN Coated Drill Bit?
TiN Drill bits are generally used for drilling metal and stronger alloys. Because of TiN’s poor thermal conductivity, more heat is transferred to the coolant and chips during drilling rather than the drill bit itself.
Speed and feed can be improved by 40–60% and 10–20%, respectively, above conventional HSS twist drill bits without appreciably affecting drill bit life. In other words, drill bits with TiN coating should last longer than drill bits without coating, and you can frequently drive them quicker too.
It prolongs edge retention and reduces friction, among other advantages.
In addition; it can effectively drill wood, plastic, and composite also.
It does have drawbacks. TiN-coated drill bits, for instance, cannot be used on aluminum. You can, but there is a chance that the drill bit will get covered in aluminum, which could affect its performance or cause other issues. Although there are workarounds for this, several manufacturers advise against using TiN drill bits on aluminum.
Why TiN Is Coated On Drill Bit?
The primary objective of coating a typical drill bit is to increase its efficiency and life. It also applies to TiN drill bits. Especially since TiN is heat resistant, it prevents the drill bit from breaking due to high temperature.
The coatings are helpful in giving a good finish to the drill bits.
TiN Drill Bit Geometry
Each manufacturer has their exclusive configurations, and there has “The United States Cutting Tool Institute Drill Standards.” When it comes to the performance and features of a drill bit, geometry is just as significant as the material and coating.
Under that, there are a few characteristics that have to consider. Those are;
- The rate of twist
- Point angle
- Lip angle
- Functional length
How Is TiN Coat Damaged?
TiN is a very hard compound that can be used as a coating. Although it will damage or remove because of hard drilling.
High-speed drilling is also a reason for the damage for the coat.
And also, the re-sharpening process is removes the coating from the drill bit, and it will become an HSS drill bit.
What Is HSS-TiN Drill Bit?
HSS means high-speed steel drill bit. TiN is an external hard compound coating. The combination of these two components makes an HSS-TiN drill bit.
HSS drill bits are versatile drill bit types. And it is a primary drill bit type that can use for drilling into metal and lots of common materials, such as; wood and plastic. It has four types of shanks. Such as;
- Straight,
- Reduced,
- Tapered, and morse taper.
What Is Cobalt-TiN Drill Bit?
A cobalt drill bit is a type of drill bit you can buy in the market. As the name suggests, this drill bit contains a certain percentage of cobalt. There are two types according to the percentage of content. Nearly it will take 5-8%.
Normally, cobalt drill bits are not coated. A cobalt bit is baked in an oven at the end of the manufacturing process to give the steel’s surface a dull gold appearance. The main purpose of this is to make identification by color simple.
Cobalt drill bits can drill more hardened metals, such as; bronze, cast iron, stainless steel, and titanium. The TiN coating will improve that ability.
Can You Sharpen TiN Coated Drill Bit?
Definitely, yes, but the re-sharpening process will remove or damage the coating. Therefore, the efficiency will decrease. Finally, only HSS drill bit will be left.
TiN vs. TiCN Drill Bits
| Characteristics | TiN | TiCN |
| The Coating | Titanium Nitride | Titanium Carbo Nitride |
| Color | Gold | Blue |
| ➤ It can be run faster than uncoated drill bits. ➤ Increased tool life. | ➤ TiCN has the highest lubricity of all the TiN coatings. ➤ Harder coating. ➤ More wear-resistant than other coatings. |
TiN vs. TiAlN Drill bits
| Characteristics | TiN | TiAlN |
| The Coating | Titanium Nitride | ➤ Titanium Aluminum Nitride |
| Color | Gold | ➤ Violet |
| ➤ It can be run faster than uncoated drill bits. ➤ Increased tool life. | ➤ High-alloy carbon steels. Nickel-based materials titanium. ➤ Cannot use for aluminum |
TiN vs. Cobalt Drill Bits
| Characteristics | TiN | Cobalt drill bit |
| Material | HSS with Titanium Nitride | Alloy steel with 5-8% Cobalt |
| Color | Gold | Dark color appearance |
| Materials can drill | Wood, Copper, Brass, Cast iron, Mild steel | Tough alloy, steel, Weld seems, Hardened steel |
