HELLER Pillar Drills: Precision and Versatility for the Metalworking Industry
In this article
The metalworking industry demands precision, strength and continuity in its drilling processes. Whether you are making structures, industrial components or fastening systems, pillar drills from HELLER are an essential tool in any metalworking workshop.
At Heller Maquinaria, we offer models such as the Heller M25R, B32IE and B35A, designed specifically to withstand intensive working conditions in industrial metalworking environments.
Why are pillar drills essential in metalworking?
- They drill steel of different thicknesses with millimetre precision.
- They are ideal for series production or repetitive work, keeping every part uniform.
- Their column design offers stability and rigidity, essential when working with hard materials such as structural steel or cast iron.
Specific applications in the metalworking sector
- Drilling structural sections
The H-, U- or L-sections used in metal structures need accurate holes for bolts or joints.
The Heller B35A can easily drill holes up to 35 mm in diameter in steel, ideal for bolted assemblies in heavy structures.
- Manufacturing metal components
When producing mechanical parts, frames, brackets or covers, it is common to drill holes for fasteners, anchors or shafts.
The Heller B32IE, with gear transmission and 12 speeds, lets you adjust the speed to each type of material and thickness, optimising performance in soft or hard steels.
- Preparation for welding or fixing
Before welding metal parts, pilot holes or vent holes often need to be drilled.
The Heller M25R, with its more compact design, is perfect for drilling tasks and auxiliary operations at welding benches.
- Production of dies and tooling
The manufacture of metal moulds, cutting tools or base plates also calls for deep, accurate drilling.
Both the B32IE and the B35A can work on hardened steel and very thick materials with stability and consistent accuracy.
- Drilling for threaded fixings
Many metalworking projects require tapped holes (internal threading).
All the models mentioned above have tapping capacity in steel, which cuts down the number of work steps and improves efficiency.
Technical comparison for metalworking
| Model | Capacity in steel | Max. tapping | Speeds (rpm) | Ideal metalworking application |
| HELLER M25R | 25 mm | M18 | 125–2825 (6 speeds) | Brackets, jigs, prototypes |
| HELLER B32IE | 32 mm | M22 | 125–3030 (12 speeds) | Components, tooling, structures |
| HELLER B35A | 35 mm | M22 | 75–2020 (12 speeds) | Structural sections, heavy production |
Conclusion
HELLER pillar drills are not just versatile tools: in modern metalworking they are an indispensable element for achieving precision, strength and speed in production processes. Choosing the right model will let you optimise times, reduce errors and maintain a professional standard in every part you make.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a pillar drill used in metalworking?
Because it can drill steel of different thicknesses with millimetre precision and maintain uniformity in series production or repetitive jobs. Its column design provides the stability and rigidity needed to work hard materials such as structural steel or cast iron, and it is used for structures, industrial components and fastening systems.
What are the differences between the Heller M25R, B32IE and B35A pillar drills?
They differ in capacity and speeds. The M25R drills up to 25 mm in steel, taps up to M18 and has 6 speeds, from 125 to 2825 rpm. The B32IE reaches 32 mm, taps up to M22 and has 12 speeds, from 125 to 3030 rpm. The B35A reaches 35 mm, taps up to M22 and offers 12 speeds, from 75 to 2020 rpm.
Which Heller pillar drill suits which job?
The M25R, more compact, is well suited to brackets, jigs, prototypes and auxiliary operations on welding benches. The B32IE, with gear transmission and 12 speeds, suits components, tooling and structures in soft or hard steels. The B35A is designed for H, U or L structural sections and for heavy production.
Can you tap with Heller pillar drills?
Yes. The Heller M25R, B32IE and B35A pillar drills have tapping capacity in steel, up to M18 for the first and up to M22 for the other two. Internal threading on the same machine reduces work steps and improves efficiency on projects that require threaded fastenings.
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