Centering deep hole drilling system with three oil films like centering rotating journal with oil films in bearing

Purpose This study and its centering device with Archimedes spirals designed on hydrodynamic lubrication aims to reduce the deviation of deep holes because the drill tube is long and easy to deviate in deep hole machining. Design/methodology/approach The centering device with Archimedes spirals was designed and fixed between the drilling tool and the drill tube. The wall of the deep hole and the novel centering device formed three wedge-shaped oil films. When the workpiece rotated relative to the centering device, pressure was generated in the oil films; therefore, three oil films supported drilling system as oil films support rotating journal in the full-film hydrodynamic bearing. Findings When the Boring and Trepanning Association (BTA) drilling system was equipped with the centering device, the cutting oil flowed smoothly and carried all the iron chips; the motors run normally; no additional vibration or sound was detected during processing; the surface of the centering device was smooth; and the deviation of the drilled deep hole decreased with a high probability. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no one has designed and made the centering device with Archimedes spirals to reduce the deviation of deep holes in deep hole machining. Three oil films formed by the centering device with Archimedes spirals support drilling system and prevent it from deviating, which has never appeared before and is creative.