Radial drilling machines for large and heavy workpieces
Radial drilling machines are proven drilling machines for workpieces that are too large or too heavy to move under a fixed spindle. The workpiece is clamped on the base plate, and the drill head is moved to each drilling position along a swivelling radial arm. Because of this pivoting arm they are also called radial arm drills. KNUTH offers several sizes, including robust designs for demanding mining, oil and gas, and heavy engineering conditions, from the compact radial drilling machine with a large reach to the heavy series with a far-reaching arm.
Design and function of a radial drilling machine
A radial drilling machine is built from a few robust assemblies that together provide flexible, accurate positioning:
- Machine base: the stable foundation that carries the workpiece and absorbs the forces during drilling.
- Column: carries the swivelling arm and sets the working radius.
- Radial arm: swivels around the column and adjusts in height, often with a powered height adjustment.
- Drill head: holds the spindle, drill chuck and feed, and traverses radially along the arm.
- Quill and spindle mount: guide the tool, with a manual or automatic quill feed.
This makes it possible to place holes anywhere on a large workpiece without reclamping the part. You will find the specific values for reach, drilling capacity and table size of the currently available machines in the product cards above.
Designs and equipment
The KNUTH programme covers the common requirements for radial drilling:
- Compact radial drilling machines: a large reach with a small footprint, with an automatic quill feed, ideal for workshops and one-off production.
- Proven series with a broad size range: infinitely variable spindle speed and a feed gearbox for different workpiece sizes.
- Servo-conventional radial drilling machines: a large touchscreen, infinitely variable speed and a servo quill feed, without the effort of full CNC programming.
- High-speed radial drilling machine: several work stations and quick, smooth positioning of the quill for higher throughput.
Applications and industries
Radial drilling machines are used wherever large or hard-to-move parts have to be drilled accurately:
- Mechanical engineering: holes in housings, frames and large assemblies.
- Steel construction: holes in heavy girders and welded structures.
- Mining and heavy engineering: rework and drilling on heavy plant, structures and equipment.
- Oil and gas: machining of heavy components and fabricated parts.
- Maintenance and repair: rework on large machinery, vehicles and plant parts.
Technical features
The value of a radial drilling machine is mainly decided by reach and drive. The key features are the arm reach, the drilling capacity in steel, an infinitely variable speed or fixed speed steps, the automatic quill feed and, depending on the task, a coolant system. Many models handle not only drilling but also tapping, reaming and countersinking. That makes the machine a versatile tool for metalworking.
Operation: manual or servo-conventional
Conventional radial drilling machines are set up and operated manually. That makes them quick to get running and easy to handle, an advantage in remote mining and field operations. Servo-conventional models support the operator with a touchscreen, infinitely variable speed and a servo quill feed, yet remain workable without demanding programming. KNUTH does not offer a pure CNC radial drilling machine range in this category. For fully programmed hole patterns in series, machining centres from the milling range are the right choice.
Accessories and tools
So the machine is productive straight away, KNUTH supplies the matching accessories from a single source: drill chucks and collets, twist drills and other drilling tools, taps and tapping attachments, machine vices, clamping claws and angle plates, as well as coolant. You will find an overview under drilling tools.
Why KNUTH
KNUTH is an established supplier of machine tools with a broad drilling range. You get quality tested to European standards, a well-considered product range and personal advice. Robust machines suit demanding conditions in mining, oil and gas, and heavy engineering, backed by local service partners across the region, along with matching tools and accessories. That gives you a durable drilling solution from a single source.
Service, spare parts and availability
Many radial drilling machines are available at short notice. Our service team and local service partners handle installation and commissioning on site and train your team on the machine. Technical support and the repair service cover the entire KNUTH range, and the spare parts supply keeps older machines running over the long term. You will find details on start-up services and repairs and spare parts.
Related categories
For smaller parts and holes in fixed positions, column drilling machines are suitable. For combined drilling and milling on large workpieces, conventional milling and boring machines are a good fit. The drilling machines category gives an overview.
Request a radial drilling machine from KNUTH
Would you like to know which radial drilling machine suits your workpieces? Request a non-binding quote. Our specialists advise you on the machine, reach and accessories and usually get back to you within one working day.
Further Machine Categories at a Glance
Here is an overview of our machine range. Select a category to learn more about individual machines and their technical data.
