What is the recommended practice when drilling stainless steel sheet material compared to aluminum alloy sheet?

When drilling stainless steel sheet material, the recommended practice generally involves drilling at lower speeds with more pressure. This approach is effective because stainless steel is a harder and tougher material compared to aluminum alloys. The lower speed helps to prevent the drill bit from overheating, which can lead to tool wear or damage. Increased pressure ensures that the drill bit makes effective cutting contact with the stainless steel, facilitating a more successful drilling process despite its hardness.

The structural integrity of stainless steel means it requires more force to penetrate effectively, while aluminum alloys are softer and can be drilled at higher speeds with less pressure. This fundamental difference in material properties is the reason for the variation in recommended drilling practices between the two types of sheet materials. Additionally, using coolant or lubricants can assist in the drilling process for stainless steel, but this would vary based on specific conditions.