Home / Knowledge / Kennametal KSEM vs Allied Machine Opening Drill
Kennametal KSEM vs Allied Machine Opening Drill
Kennametal KSEM and Allied Machine Opening Drill are documented holemaking systems with different product architecture and application priorities. KSEM is Kennametal's modular drilling system built around reusable drill bodies and replaceable carbide center inserts. Opening Drill is an Allied Machine adjustable indexable system for enlarging existing holes without a sequence of boring passes.
Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Kennametal KSEM | Allied Machine Opening Drill |
|---|---|---|
| System architecture | System architecture: machine-side drill body plus workpiece-side KSEM center insert, with compatibility controlled by diameter and insert seat size. | Diameter range: 50.80-142.75 mm (2.000-5.620 in). |
| Documented application focus | Modular production drilling where a reusable body and replaceable carbide cutting point are preferred. | Enlarging existing holes where eliminating multiple boring passes can reduce cycle time. |
| Technical selection detail | Official records identify bodies by depth ratio and shank style, including WN, WD, SS, SSF, and structural-steel SFP variants across the available range. | Four body series divide the diameter range from OP1 through OP4. |
| Primary documented constraint | A body and insert with similar nominal diameters are not necessarily compatible; insert seat size and current compatibility data control the assembly. | Opening Drill enlarges a pre-existing hole and is not a substitute for drilling from solid. |
| Manufacturer-guided selection | Capture both Kennametal material numbers and ISO/ANSI catalog IDs for the body and insert, plus depth ratio, shank, seat size, geometry, grade, and diameter. | Use Opening Drill when a prepared hole already exists and adjustable large-diameter enlargement is more efficient than repeated boring passes. |
Best fit by application
Kennametal KSEM
- Modular production drilling where a reusable body and replaceable carbide cutting point are preferred.
- Capture both Kennametal material numbers and ISO/ANSI catalog IDs for the body and insert, plus depth ratio, shank, seat size, geometry, grade, and diameter.
Allied Machine Opening Drill
- Enlarging existing holes where eliminating multiple boring passes can reduce cycle time.
- Use Opening Drill when a prepared hole already exists and adjustable large-diameter enlargement is more efficient than repeated boring passes.
Selection notes
Use KSEM when its documented application focus and technical configuration match the operation more closely; use Opening Drill when its documented architecture and constraints provide the better fit.
Compare complete configured assemblies and current manufacturer data rather than treating either family name as one universal item.
Variables to validate
- KSEM: A body and insert with similar nominal diameters are not necessarily compatible; insert seat size and current compatibility data control the assembly.
- Opening Drill: Opening Drill enlarges a pre-existing hole and is not a substitute for drilling from solid.
- Normalize diameter or cutter size, reach, interface, work material, machine conditions, coolant, and acceptance criteria before comparing performance or cost.
Official product references
We work to keep this information reliable, but specifications and availability can change. Verify critical details with the manufacturer through the official resources above.