Which type of drill bit is typically used for drilling into titanium?

Cobalt drill bits are specifically designed to handle the challenges posed by hard materials like titanium. These bits are made from high-speed steel with cobalt added, which enhances their hardness and heat resistance. When drilling into titanium, which is known for its strength and toughness, using cobalt drill bits allows for efficient cutting and reduces the risk of bit wear or breakage.

The heat generated during drilling can be significant, and cobalt drill bits maintain their hardness better compared to standard high-speed steel varieties, making them a more effective choice for titanium. Their ability to withstand higher temperatures also helps in prolonging the life of the drill bit, making them ideal for this specific application.

In contrast to cobalt, high-speed steel bits may not be as effective due to lower heat resistance, while carbide-tipped bits, although strong, can be brittle and might not provide the best results when drilling titanium. Diamond-coated bits are typically used for very hard materials like concrete or stone and are not standard for metal applications like titanium.