Effects of cutting parameters by the thermal drill method on holes and threads properties

The following article presents the results of research on the influence of selected cutting parameters in the process of drilling and non-cutting/chipless threading by using the thermal drill method with a flat thermal drill made of cemented carbide on the microhardness and roughness of the holes and the shape of the thread made in rectangular profiles. The following materials were used for the research: profiles with AlCuMg1 aluminium alloy, S235JR structural steel and 2 mm-thick X2CrNi19-11 stainless steel.The thematic articles were analysed by searching two scientific databases – Scopus and Web o Science (WoS). The qualitative analysis includes a review of the state of the art with the division of technology into traditional drilling and the use of thermal drilling technology in the process. The obtained research results were analysed for a 2 mm-thick profile produced from the following materials: AlCuMg1 aluminium alloy, S235JR structural steel and X2CrNi19-11 stainless steel.The result of the quantitative analysis of publications on topics related to the technology of machining holes by heat treatment indicates the greatest interest in the last 5 years in the process of using this technology in materials made of sections.The conducted review of thermal drilling technology indicates a rapid increase in industrial applications compared to traditional drilling of holes in elements made of sections. The observed growth trend is expected to continue, and the range of practical industrial applications will expand rapidly.The research on thermal drilling technology presented in the article may be useful for scientists looking for new research areas, as well as for entrepreneurs interested in implementing modern machining technologies in production.The value of the presented publication is the presentation of research in which particular attention was paid to the influence of thermal drilling on the microhardness of the surface, the stereometry of the surface of drilled holes and the size of the flash and the shape/outline of the thread after drilling.