On‐line temperature measurement of a micro drill bit

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a method and a system for measuring drill bit temperature on‐line in the micro drilling process and to characterize drilling processes via drill bit temperature. Design/methodology/approach The drill bit temperature measurement system was first established by the utilization of an infrared camera. Then the drill bit temperature in a drilling cycle was characterized. The temperatures of an ultra‐small micro drill bit and a coated drill bit were measured and compared. Findings The temperature of an ultra‐small drill bit can be measured on‐line via the proposed temperature measurement system. The drilling process can be characterized by the drill bit temperature. The drill bit temperature decreased when a coated drill bit was used. Originality/value The paper highlights key points for measuring the drill bit temperature on‐line by an infrared camera and characterizes PCB drilling processes by measuring the drill bit temperature.