QD Modular Drilling System
The QD modular drilling system combines reusable through-coolant drill bodies with interchangeable carbide cutting heads for productive CNC holemaking.
Instead of replacing the complete drill when the cutting edge wears, only the carbide drill head is replaced. The drill body remains in service, reducing replacement cost while allowing different diameters and cutting geometries to be used within the same modular platform.
Shop the QD System
Select the drill body by drilling depth and compatible head range, then choose the required QD replaceable carbide drill head.
QD Drill Body – 3×D
Short, rigid drill bodies for general production drilling where stability and compact overhang are priorities.
- 3×D drilling depth
- Through-tool coolant
- QD self-lock head connection
- Standard sizes stocked in Perth
QD Drill Body – 5×D
General-purpose reach for production drilling where additional depth is required while retaining useful system rigidity.
- 5×D drilling depth
- Through-tool coolant
- QD self-lock head connection
- Standard sizes stocked in Perth
QD Self-Centering Drill Heads – RA
Replaceable carbide drill heads with self-centering geometry and reduced axial drilling force.
- RA self-centering geometry
- Multiple diameters available
- Preferred for many 5×D and longer applications
- Common sizes stocked in Perth
How the QD System Works
Select the Hole Diameter
Start with the required finished hole diameter and select the corresponding QD replaceable drill-head size.
Match the Body Series
Each drill body accepts a defined range of compatible drill-head diameters. For example, a 10 Series body accepts compatible heads from Ø10.0 to Ø10.9 mm.
Select the Drilling Depth
Choose the shortest suitable drill body for the required hole depth. MachineryPLUS normally stocks 3×D and 5×D bodies.
Select the Head Geometry
RA self-centering heads are the primary MachineryPLUS stock geometry. Other QD head types are available for specific materials and applications.
Quick Head Replacement
The QD self-lock interface accurately locates and retains the replaceable carbide head while allowing the cutting head to be changed without replacing the drill body.
The self-lock connection diagram is included in the product gallery for visual reference.
QD Drill Body Range
QD drill bodies are available in multiple drilling-depth configurations. Use the shortest body that safely reaches the required hole depth to maximise rigidity and drilling stability.
| Drilling Depth | Typical Positioning | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5×D | Very short, high-rigidity drilling applications | Supplier stock / availability on request |
| 3×D | Short and rigid general production drilling | Standard sizes stocked by MachineryPLUS in Perth |
| 5×D | General-purpose production drilling depth | Standard sizes stocked by MachineryPLUS in Perth |
| 8×D | Longer-reach through-coolant drilling | Supplier stock / availability on request |
| 12×D | Long-reach drilling requiring careful setup and chip control | Supplier stock / availability on request |
Why Use a Replaceable-Head Drill?
Reusable Drill Body
The drill body remains in service while the worn carbide cutting head is replaced.
Quick Head Replacement
The QD self-lock connection allows cutting-head replacement without replacing the complete drill assembly.
Through-Tool Coolant
Internal coolant passages deliver cutting fluid toward the drill head and support chip evacuation.
Flexible Diameter Coverage
Compatible drill heads allow one drill-body series to cover multiple hole diameters.
RA Self-Centering Drill Heads
RA is the primary QD head geometry stocked by MachineryPLUS. Its self-centering geometry and reduced axial drilling force make it a practical choice for general steel drilling and particularly for many 5×D and longer drilling applications.
Common RA drill-head diameters are stocked by MachineryPLUS in Perth and can be matched directly to the corresponding QD drill-body series.
Other QD cutting-head geometries are available for cast iron, stainless steel, difficult-to-machine materials, flat-bottom holes, centering and broad multi-material applications.
QD Body & Head Compatibility
Each QD drill body is designed to accept a defined diameter range of compatible replaceable drill heads.
Always confirm the selected QD body size and drill-head diameter are compatible before ordering.
Coolant & Chip Evacuation
QD drill bodies incorporate through-tool coolant with dual coolant passages and polished flute surfaces to support cutting-edge cooling and reliable chip evacuation.
Coolant flow, pressure, chip formation and machine capability become increasingly important as drilling depth increases. Longer drill bodies should only be selected where the application requires the additional reach.
Machine & Setup Requirements
- Use rigid and accurate toolholding
- Keep drill runout as low as practical
- Use secure workholding
- Ensure suitable through-tool coolant supply
- Match cutting data to the workpiece material and drill-head geometry
- Use the shortest drill body that safely reaches the required hole depth
Ordering the QD System
A complete QD drilling setup normally requires:
- A QD drill body in the required body series and drilling depth
- A compatible QD carbide drill head in the required diameter
MachineryPLUS stocks common 3×D and 5×D drill bodies together with a broad range of RA self-centering drill heads in Perth.
For 1.5×D, 8×D or 12×D drill bodies, or alternative drill-head geometries, contact MachineryPLUS for current supplier availability and product selection assistance.