Ceratizit’s New WTX-UNI Drill Range: Precision, Flexibility, and Sustainability Combined

Sheffield-based Ceratizit UK and Ireland Ltd has launched the WTX-UNI range of solid carbide drills, designed to bring reliable, precision drilling across steel, stainless steel, and cast iron while delivering outstanding cutting performance and impressive tool life. These cost-effective drills stand out not only for their flexibility and long life but also for their sustainable construction, offering manufacturers a highly efficient solution for machining multiple materials with fewer tool changes.

In today’s manufacturing environment, companies face the challenge of machining a diverse range of materials quickly and accurately. Frequent tool swaps and the need for specialised drills often drive up costs and reduce productivity. Ceratizit’s WTX-UNI range addresses this with a completely new geometry featuring patented innovations, enabling precision drilling across steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and even hardened steels up to 54 HRC — all with a single drill family.

“Thanks to its versatility and performance, the WTX-UNI range reduces the number of tools needed and increases machining efficiency,” explains Manuel Keller, Technical Product Manager at Ceratizit. “This lowers costs and boosts productivity.”

Made from Ceratizit’s most sustainable carbide grade to date — CT-GS20Y — the drills offer longer tool life and better cutting data than previous generations, marking a significant step forward in both performance and environmental impact.

The WTX-UNI drills come in diameters from 3 to 20mm, with hole depths of 3xD and 5xD, available with or without through-coolant and in several shank variants. Their patented convex main cutting edge and a 140° point angle deliver excellent self-centring and stability, while an expanding flute design ensures efficient chip evacuation, reducing risks of jams and breakage.

For deeper holes, Ceratizit offers the WTX-Quattro version with four guide lands and built-in coolant holes. These drills cover hole depths from 5xD up to 12xD, and feature a slightly modified 135° point angle on deeper versions to maintain stability and accuracy. This variety ensures that even specialised drilling tasks can be tackled with precision.

The WTX-Deep UNI line expands the capabilities further, focusing on maximum process reliability for deep hole drilling up to 50xD. Its polished chip spaces, four guide lands, and innovative DPX74-M coating increase chip flow, reduce hole deviation, and extend tool life—perfect for machining steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and heat-resistant alloys.

Importantly, the WTX-UNI drills are designed with sustainability in mind. Made from the upGRADE CT-GS20Y substrate, they offer not only excellent performance but also reduced environmental impact, complete with a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). Plus, these drills can be reground and recoated, extending their usable life and reducing waste.

“Our new WTX-UNI range updates our portfolio with a truly universal machining solution,” adds Keller. “Alongside these, our extensive range includes everything from micro drills and high-feed drills to specialist tools for aluminium and nickel alloys, ensuring we can meet nearly any machining challenge.”

For manufacturers looking to improve efficiency, cut costs, and operate more sustainably, Ceratizit’s WTX-UNI drills offer a versatile and powerful tool for today’s diverse machining demands.