Precision counts when removing fasteners from high-value aircraft. Whether you’re dealing with state-of-the-art alloys or tight-tolerance structural panels, the right E‑Drill settings ensure maximum efficiency, safety, and repeatability. Here’s your guide to getting it right:
Start With the Built-In “Build Fastener” Tool
E‑Drill 2.0 systems include a built-in “Build Fastener” tool, allowing advanced users to create fastener profiles directly on the unit. This tool asks for a few key fastener dimensions from technical drawings, including:
- Head height
- Shank diameter
- Material type (titanium, aluminum, etc.)
- Radius between head and shank
- Head angle (for flush fasteners)
Based on this input, the E‑Drill will automatically recommend a starting electrode size and target cut depth tailored to the geometry of that fastener.
It’s a reliable way to get up and running quickly—especially when removing new or uncommon fasteners—but it depends on accurate inputs and appropriate user access. If you’re unsure how to use the tool, or want a visual walkthrough, check out our training resources or user documentation.
If you need a walkthrough, refer to our online training:
E‑Drill Academy: Build & Edit Fasteners
For Detailed Guidance, Refer to the E‑Drill User Guide
If you need more support during setup, our official E‑Drill User Guides include step-by-step instructions on how to use the Build Fastener tool, validate cut settings, and adjust parameters for advanced use cases.
You can find the latest versions of these guides—including ones for legacy systems—on our Documentation Page:
ppedm.com/support/documentation
Still Not Sure? Contact Our Specialists
Every organization’s needs are different. If you’re unsure which values to use, or if you want help dialing in performance for a specific application, our E‑Drill specialists can help.
Email info@ppedm.com with your fastener specs (including part numbers or measurements), and our team will get back to you with detailed suggestions for:
- Electrode sizing
- Cut depth
- Cycle time estimates
- Potential test procedures (coupon or sample cuts)
We’ll make sure you’re set up for success before you run your first production job.
Quick Recap: How to Get Recommended Settings
- Use the Build Fastener tool on the E-Drill to create a new fastener profile
- Refer to the User Guide via our Documentation Page for more detailed help
- Test a coupon cut to validate results in your environment
- Contact info@ppedm.com with fastener details for custom recommendations
With the right starting values and support from our team, your E‑Drill will remove fasteners quickly, cleanly, and safely—no matter the material or configuration.