Fein Launches KBM 80 Core Drilling Units

Fein has launched two core drilling units - the Fein KBM 80 U and Fein KBM 80 Auto - for core drills of up to 80mm. The Fein KBM 80 U features a manual drive and the Fein KBM 80 Auto comes with a fully automatic, digitally controlled drill feed. These units are said to guarantee constant drilling times and save time and money on large drilling jobs. The company said they also deliver increased work safety as operators do not have to manually intervene in the drilling process.

The Fein core drilling units cover all applications such as core drilling, twist drilling thread cutting, countersinking and reaming and are used in metal and steel construction as well as the construction of bridges, machines, ships and containers. Compared with twist drilling, core drilling is said to reduce working times by up to 40 per cent and is therefore a cost-effective drilling method. The FEIN KBM 80 auto is claimed to be the first core-drilling unit with fully automatic, digitally controlled drill feed.

A zero-maintenance and reliable stepping motor operates at a constant feed force. Depending on material, core drilling diameter and work step, the intelligent electronics automatically control the drill motor speed and feed speed. This is said to enable effective and constant work progress and also ensures low bit wear. The automatic drill feed starts when the handwheel is released. Once the material has been broken through, the rapid return action is automatically activated, the drill motor retracts from the drill hole and the tool automatically cuts out.

The Viseo Touch Pad operating element developed and patented by Fein, which features in the Fein KBM 80 core drilling units, is said to aid users. The five large controls are located on top of the drill motor, where they can be clearly seen by the user and reduce the risk of incorrect operation. An LED display warns the operator if the magnetic holding force is insufficient. The automatic variant, the Fein KBM 80 Auto, must be operated by hand in such cases. Core bits can be quickly and easily replaced without the need for a wrench using the tool-free Quickin Max quick-change system. The core-bit holder with polygon allows a higher torque to be transferred, resulting in a better transfer of force to the drill bit.

Should the core bit be overloaded or jam in the drill hole, an integrated torque slipping clutch prevents the core drilling unit from moving around on the worktop. A robust contact and swarf guard offers additional safety. Both core drilling units are fitted with an automatic coolant supply. A fluid pump integrated in the drill jog pumps the coolant straight to the drill's cutting points. Permanent cooling extends the tool life and allows the user to concentrate fully on the job in hand. Single-handed tool operation is therefore also possible. The Fein KBM 80 U and KBM 80 Auto core drilling units have a 2kW high-performance motor and a mechanical three-speed gearbox.

Weighing 25-26kg, the core drilling units are equipped with a robust and precise double dove-tail guide with large stroke range. Electronic speed reduction ensures an optimum cutting speed for the drilling, thread cutting, reaming and countersinking. It reduces the speed in a continuously variable manner up to a maximum of 40 per cent per mechanical reduction stage. During serial work requiring a reduced speed at all times, the memory function can be used to automatically activate the last speed used. A triple-coil electromagnet with a holding force of 18kN ensures optimum conversion of tool force into work effort. A fine adjustment option allows the tool to be aligned accurately when the magnetic foot is active. The range includes a transport case with wheels for mobile use at any location. Metal locks and reinforced hinges make the case robust, and it features a separate storage compartment with space for heavy accessories.

The Fein core drilling range now includes six different models - three assembly tools and three workshop tools - which are all specifically designed for certain areas of application, tasks and ways of working. The Fein KBM 32 Q is a compact core drilling unit for 12-32mm diameter installations. It is said to be ideally suited to vertical and overhead work. The Fein KBM 50 QX has a mechanical two-speed gearbox and covers diameters of up to 50mm. The lightweight two-speed KBM 52 U suits universal work such as on-site core drilling, twist drilling, thread cutting, countersinking and reaming.

The Fein KBM 65 Q and KBM 65 QF tools are designed for heavy duty use in the workshop and drilling work up to 65mm. The Fein KBM 80 U and KBM 80 Auto core drilling units bring two three-speed tools for the workshop to the Fein core drilling range and can operate with a core drill-bit diameter of up to 80mm. Core bits and system accessories are also available for the Fein core drilling units. The range also includes long-life carbide core bits, HSS core bits that are resistant to impact and shock, and accessories for thread cutting.