Kays Engineering introduces the Eldorado M75-30 gundrilling machine, featuring a custom design for its counter-rotation fixturing assembly. During the gundrilling process, the workpiece is held in a fixturing assembly that rotates the part in the opposite direction of the gundrill rotation. This counter rotation of the workpiece can improve the accuracy of the gundrilling process, the company says. The fixture design includes a gear motor assembly that is designed to be more powerful and durable than its previous design.

The Eldorado M75-30 has a maximum gundrilling diameter of 0.75" (19 mm) and a maximum drilling depth of 30" (762 mm). The machine features a box way design as opposed to linear guide ways. According to the company, this results in optimal vibration damping, extended tool life and improved surface finish. Eldorado machines are designed and manufactured in the U.S.

The company is also showcasing the DeHoff 25108, a BTA drilling machine used to manufacture helicopter tail rotor drive shafts. The shaft begins as a solid piece of high-strength alloy steel and is drilled in a single pass using the DeHoff machine. This can result in a weight reduction for the finished drive shaft.

The DeHoff 25108 has a BTA drilling diameter capacity of 2.5" (63.5 mm) and a maximum drilling depth of 108" (2743 mm). It features a 20 horsepower AC spindle motor and four-speed gearbox, intended to provide versatile drilling performance. The workpiece is counter-rotated in the opposite direction of the drill rotation, which can improve the accuracy of the drilled hole.