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Countersinks

Countersinks for Automated Cells & Hand Assembly

PCD & Carbide solutions for aerospace, automotive, and general engineering.

Introduction to Countersinks

When flush matters, repeatability and quality take prime focus. Exactaform countersinks deliver chatter-free finishes, controlled depth, and repeatable angles in composites, aluminium, steels and titanium - all with the service and lead times production teams rely on.

Our countersinks cover automated machining, manual operations, and one-shot hole-making, giving manufacturers the flexibility to achieve perfect seats across different stages of production.

  • PCD-tipped and solid carbide options
  • Pilot-guided, NC-style, and form countersinks
  • Automated (CNC/robot) and manual/micro-stop compatible
  • One-shot drill-ream-countersink combinations for cycle-time gains

When selecting the right countersink, precision cutting performance depends on factors like cutting geometry, countersink angle, and material compatibility. Our range includes everything from 3 flute countersinks designed for smooth chip removal to fluted countersink cutters that produce a clean conical hole for an accurate screw head fit. With options available in high-speed steel and carbide, we deliver solutions for everything from pilot holes in composite stacks to high-performance drilling in stainless steel and titanium alloys. Whether you need a countersink set for manual use or tools optimised for CNC machines, Exactaform provides the technology to achieve consistent results.

Exactaform’s One-Shot Drill–Ream–Countersink Tools

Every extra tool change, retract, or pass adds up to longer cycle times and can result in potential error. That’s why we specialise in one-shot drill-ream-countersink solutions that combine multiple operations into a single, stable process.

By cutting the pilot hole, finishing the diameter, and producing the countersink together, we help manufacturers achieve:

  • Greater positional accuracy - everything is cut from one datum in one pass.
  • Reduced error stack-up - fewer tool changes mean fewer chances for misalignment.
  • Superior seat quality - matched geometries ensure a perfect flush fit for every fastener.

At Exactaform, we know that every minute saved and every tolerance held can make a measurable difference on the production line. That’s why we continue to invest in one-shot tooling innovation: to help our customers deliver parts faster, smarter, and with confidence.

Our countersinking systems are designed to integrate with precision HSS drill bits and counter sink drill bits for both manual and automated workflows. For demanding aerospace applications and the automotive industry, our tools ensure uniform seat quality and superior fastener performance. We also provide specialist configurations, including special countersinks and stop collars for adjustable depth stop control when working with multi-layer materials. By maintaining optimal cutting edges and engineered diameter pilot designs, our solutions reduce tool wear, improve feed rates, and deliver a consistent finish in even the toughest conditions.

Automated Countersinking (CNC & Robotic)

For high-volume and repeatable production environments, our automated countersinks are built to deliver precision angles at production speed.

  • PCD-tipped pilots for composite and stack drilling
  • Solid carbide NC countersinks for metals and alloys
  • Form countersinks & spotfacers for repeatable seat profiles

Manual Countersinking

In maintenance, repair, or final assembly, operators often need portability and consistency. Our micro-stop compatible tools combine pilot control with flute designs that reduce chatter on thin skins and profiles.

  • Smooth, low-thrust cutting for delicate laminates
  • Replaceable pilots available for oversize or tolerance control
  • PCD options to minimise fibre pull-out in CFRP
Manual Countersinking

Applications & Materials of Exactaform Countersinks

Exactaform countersinks are applied across a wide range of industries, from aerospace wing and fuselage skins, frame interfaces, and CFRP/Aluminium/Titanium stack drilling, through to lightweight automotive chassis, brackets, and trim fastening points. They are equally a great solution in general engineering environments, delivering precise results on plate work, valve bodies, machine covers, and complex fabricated assemblies.

Materials we cover:

  • Composites (CFRP, GFRP): PCD-tipped countersinks for minimal fibre pull-out and long tool life.
  • Aluminium & Non-Ferrous Alloys: High-performance carbide with anti-BUE coatings for smooth cutting.
  • Titanium & Steels: Robust carbide geometries with heat-resistant coatings to maintain accuracy under load.
  • Stack Materials: Hybrid solutions for CFRP/Al/Ti stacks, balancing wear resistance and surface quality.

By combining application-driven design with material-specific expertise, we ensure every countersink operation is precise, repeatable, and production-ready.

Recoules Cages: Benefits of using Recoules Cages with Exactaform countersinks

By combining Exactaform countersinks with Recoules Cages, manufacturers gain a robust, production-ready solution that delivers accuracy hole after hole. The system ensures precise depth control, keeping fasteners perfectly flush across skins and stacks, while providing the automated repeatability needed for CNC and robotic applications.

Built with high-strength materials, Recoules Cages paired with Exactaform countersinks deliver exceptional durability and extended system life.

Russ Byrne, Aerospace Technical Services Manager

Russ Byrne, Aerospace Technical Services Manager

"We’ve chosen to stock Recoules cages because they are the best on the market, offering exceptional performance and reliability for the aerospace sector."

Why Exactaform Countersinks

Countersink tools allow fasteners to sit flush with or below the material surface, which is essential for achieving aerodynamic performance, safe assemblies, and consistent surface finishes especially in structural and visible components.

The right countersink tool reduces burr formation, prevents fibre damage in composites, and minimises the need for rework. Exactaform countersinks are built for precision, longevity, and repeatability.

Our countersinks are manufactured to meet ISO standards, making them suitable for the most demanding requirements across the tool industry. From pilot-guided countersinks for perfect alignment to countersink sets engineered for multi-material drilling, every design focuses on performance and durability. Whether you are working with composites, alloys, or metals, Exactaform tools are built to withstand high cutting forces and extreme heat while maintaining precise geometry. For industries ranging from aerospace applications to automotive engineering, our cutting solutions deliver proven performance with repeatable accuracy and long-lasting tool life.

Service & Support

Application Engineering

Application Engineering

Our engineers work closely with you to review stack-ups, fastener specifications, and machine constraints. We’ll recommend the right tool geometry, speeds and feeds, and depth-control methods to optimise performance and eliminate rework.

Our Process
Trials & PPAP-support

Trials & PPAP-support

Before full production, we provide sampling and validation support with detailed performance data. This ensures your countersinking process is proven, repeatable, and ready to pass stringent PPAP and aerospace qualification requirements.

Our Guarantee
Retipping & Regrind

Retipping & Regrind

With our in-house retipping and regrind service, you can extend tool life significantly, reduce your cost per hole, and keep inventories lean. Every tool is restored to Exactaform quality standards, giving you consistent performance without the expense of buying new.

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FAQ’s