Using a drill lubricant before drilling is particularly important for which material?

Using a drill lubricant is particularly important when drilling titanium due to the material's unique properties. Titanium is known for its strength, light weight, and heat resistance, but it is also notoriously difficult to machine.

When drilling titanium, friction becomes a significant issue. The heat generated from friction can lead to rapid tool wear and can even cause the titanium to work-harden, making it even tougher to drill. A proper drill lubricant reduces friction, dissipates heat, and helps maintain the sharpness of the drill bit, which improves drilling efficiency and prolongs tool life. Additionally, effective lubrication minimizes the risk of chip welding, which is when small bits of material adhere to the cutting tool, further complicating the drilling process.

In contrast, while lubrication can be helpful with other materials like aluminum and steel, they do not present the same level of challenge as titanium during drilling. Plastic may not require lubrication at all, as it can be drilled effectively using other techniques or tools that reduce heat and prevent melting. Thus, the necessity for a lubricant is most acute when working with titanium.