Micro drilling services are used when a part needs very small holes, tight positional control, a high depth-to-diameter ratio, or clean edges that conventional drilling may not produce reliably. The right supplier depends on more than its smallest published hole size. Material, thickness, hole geometry, tolerance, inspection method, and production volume all affect which process and provider will work.
This guide compares mechanical, laser, and EDM micro drilling, then profiles service providers with different capabilities. Use the selection criteria and RFQ checklist to narrow the list before requesting a quote.
- Start with the material, hole diameter, depth, tolerance, edge condition, and quantity, not the supplier's smallest advertised hole.
- Mechanical drilling, laser drilling, and EDM drilling solve different problems; no single process is best for every micro-hole.
- Confirm that a provider can inspect the required diameter, location, taper, and surface condition—not only produce the hole.
- Send a complete RFQ so the supplier can assess process limits, tooling, inspection, lead time, and production repeatability.
What Are Micro Drilling Services?
Micro drilling services create holes that are difficult to produce consistently with standard shop-floor drilling equipment. The term may refer to mechanical drilling with miniature cutting tools, non-contact laser drilling, or electrical discharge machining (EDM) for conductive materials.
The required process changes with the part. A through-hole in a thin polymer film, a deep cooling hole in a conductive alloy, and a precision orifice in a medical component may all be called micro drilling projects, but they create different risks around taper, burrs, heat effects, tool wear, flushing, and inspection.
- Hole geometry
- Specify diameter, depth, aspect ratio, entry and exit requirements, taper, roundness, and positional tolerance.
- Material behavior
- Hardness, conductivity, brittleness, reflectivity, and heat sensitivity influence process selection and edge quality.
- Verification
- The inspection plan must be able to verify the critical dimensions and conditions at the scale shown on the drawing.
Mechanical, Laser, or EDM Micro Drilling?
Choose the drilling method from the material and finished-hole requirements. A supplier with more than one process can be helpful when the design is still being evaluated, but the buyer should still confirm which process will be used for the quoted part.
| Process | Use it when | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical micro drilling | The part needs a mechanically cut hole in metal, plastic, or another machinable material, with close control of cylindrical form and surface condition. | Tool diameter, runout, burr control, coolant strategy, straightness, tool life, and how depth affects tolerance. |
| Laser micro drilling | The project involves very small holes, thin or delicate material, complex patterns, angled features, or high hole counts that favor non-contact processing. | Laser type and wavelength, heat-affected zone, recast or debris, taper, edge quality, fixturing, and material absorption. |
| EDM micro drilling | The workpiece is electrically conductive and difficult to cut mechanically, or the design needs a small, deep hole without mechanical cutting force. | Material conductivity, electrode size and wear, flushing, recast layer, achievable aspect ratio, surface finish, and inspection access. |
How to Compare Micro Drilling Companies
Published minimum diameters are useful screening data, but they are not universal guarantees. The achievable result depends on the material, thickness, geometry, tolerance, and quantity for the specific part.
| Provider | Primary process or focus | Published capability or project condition to check |
|---|---|---|
| Koyo High Precision | Mechanical micro drilling of difficult-to-machine materials | Examples include a 0.15 mm nozzle hole and a 0.2 mm through-hole with a depth of 40 mm; confirm the applicable tolerance and production volume for your part. |
| National Jet Company | Mechanical micro-hole drilling with in-house machines and microdrills | Publishes holes down to 0.0005 in. with ±0.0001 in. precision through most metals and plastics. |
| RIFF Company | Mechanical micro drilling across metals, plastics, and machinable ceramics | Publishes drilling down to 0.0015 in.; inspection and manufacturing are performed under climate-controlled conditions. |
| EDM Intelligent Solutions | Fine-hole EDM drilling for conductive materials | Publishes micro-EDM holes down to 30–40 µm, aspect ratios up to 38:1, and high-precision tolerances to 0.0001 in. (about 2 µm). |
| Proshort | Conventional, micro, and deep-hole drilling for metal parts | Defines microdrilling as holes below 0.020 in. (0.5 mm) and supports quantities from 1 to 50,000 pieces; confirm the actual minimum diameter for the job. |
| Gateway Laser Services | Laser micro drilling for polymers, metals, and ceramics | Publishes features down to 0.0002 in. (5 µm) and tolerances down to ±0.00004 in. (1 µm), subject to the application. |
| Ter Hoek | EDM and laser micro drilling | Selects between EDM and laser processing by material, diameter, and depth; publishes accuracy down to 1 µm. |
| DuPont™ Spectrum™ | Laser micro drilling, particularly for medical and polymer applications | Publishes holes down to 5 µm and drilling rates up to 1,000 holes per second or more for some applications. |
| Micro Tool Company | Mechanical micro-hole drilling integrated with CNC machining | Publishes holes down to 0.0004 in.; a medical orifice-plate case reports 0.0001 in. tolerances across runs of up to 10,000 parts. |
Do not compare minimum hole size in isolation. Ask whether the published result applies to your material, thickness, hole depth, tolerance, and production quantity.
Micro Drilling Companies to Compare
The providers below represent different combinations of mechanical drilling, laser processing, EDM, inspection, and production support. Company information and published capabilities can change, so confirm current details on each official website before placing an order.
Koyo High Precision
Koyo High Precision performs precision drilling in difficult-to-machine materials used in semiconductor and other high-technology applications, including tungsten, molybdenum, platinum, and ceramics. The company publishes machining accuracy of ±3 µm for qualifying work.
Its examples include a 0.15 mm nozzle hole and a 0.2 mm through-hole with a depth of 40 mm. The company also reports a production system capable of supporting volumes up to one million units per month, depending on the part and process.
Company Information
| Company Name | Koyo High Precision Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Location | Churaku, Tamaki-cho Watarai-gun, Mie 519-0412 Japan |
| Telephone | +81-596-58-2121 |
| Website | https://koyohighprecision.com/ |
National Jet Company
National Jet Company drills holes as small as 0.0005 in. (about 12.7 µm) with published precision of ±0.0001 in. through most metals and plastics. It manufactures many of its drilling machines and microdrills in-house, giving it control over the drilling, reaming, broaching, deburring, and inspection workflow.
The company states that its inspection equipment can view holes at up to 1,000× magnification. Buyers sourcing precision nozzles, die components, or similar parts should confirm the required hole geometry and inspection report with the RFQ.
Company Information
| Company Name | National Jet Company, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Location | 10 Cupler Drive LaVale, MD 21502 USA |
| Telephone | +1-301-729-2300 / +1-800-272-1930 |
| Website | https://www.najet.com/ |
RIFF Company
RIFF Company publishes micro drilling down to 0.0015 in. (about 38 µm) across materials that include copper, brass, medical-grade stainless steel, plastics, engineering plastics, and machinable ceramics. Its proprietary process is intended to produce burr-free parts.
Drilling and inspection are performed under climate-controlled conditions. RIFF also states that every drilled hole is checked for location and diameter, making the inspection approach a useful point to discuss for parts with large hole arrays or tight positional requirements.
Company Information
| Company Name | RIFF Company, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Location | 1484 Highland Avenue Cheshire, CT 06410 USA |
| Telephone | +1-203-272-4899 |
| Website | https://www.riff-co.com/ |
EDM Intelligent Solutions
EDM Intelligent Solutions uses fine-hole EDM drilling for small, deep features in electrically conductive materials. Its published capabilities include finished EDM-drilled holes from 0.3 to 4 mm, specialized fine-hole drilling down to 30–40 µm, and feature aspect ratios up to 38:1.
The company publishes high-precision tolerances as tight as 0.0001 in. (about 2 µm) and surface finishes down to 4 Ra µin. Advanced three- and five-axis equipment supports automated operation, while related micro milling, grinding, and 3D measurement services can support more complex manufacturing and inspection requirements.
Company Information
| Company Name | EDM Intelligent Solutions |
|---|---|
| Location | 1261 Humbracht Circle, Suite A Bartlett, IL 60103 USA |
| Telephone | +1-630-736-0531 |
| Website | https://www.edmdept.com/ |
Proshort
Proshort provides drilling for metal and plastic parts, including microdrilling and deep-hole work. The company defines microdrilling as drilling below 0.020 in. (0.5 mm) and deep-hole drilling as a hole depth greater than ten times the diameter.
Its process information emphasizes high spindle speeds, balanced toolholders, and monitoring of force, torque, vibration, and acoustic emissions. Proshort supports quantities from 1 to 50,000 pieces and offers related sheet-metal and finishing operations, but buyers should confirm the minimum achievable hole size for the specific material and geometry.
Company Information
| Company Name | Proshort Stamping Services, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Location | 6025 Route 219 Brockway, PA 15824 USA |
| Telephone | +1-814-371-9633 |
| Website | https://www.proshort.com/ |
Gateway Laser Services
Gateway Laser Services produces micro-holes and arrays in polymers, metals, and ceramics using precision laser drilling. Its published capabilities include features down to 0.0002 in. (5 µm) and tolerances down to ±0.00004 in. (1 µm), subject to the material and application.
Applications include catheter and hypotube components, drug-delivery parts, flow-control discs, filters, sensor components, contacts, masks, plates, and stencils. The non-contact process is intended for parts that require small features and controlled edge quality without a mechanical cutting tool.
Company Information
| Company Name | Gateway Laser Services, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Location | 2345 Millpark Drive, Suite A Maryland Heights, MO 63043 USA |
| Telephone | +1-314-785-6800 |
| Website | https://www.gatewaylaser.com/ |
Ter Hoek
Ter Hoek selects between hole-drilling EDM and laser drilling according to the material, diameter, depth, and required geometry. Its EDM process supports conductive materials such as steel, carbide, copper, and aluminum, while its laser option extends the material range to semiconductors and insulators.
The company publishes drilling accuracy down to 1 µm and operates a climate-controlled facility. Buyers with strict aerospace or other quality requirements can also review Ter Hoek's current AS9100 certification and confirm which process and facility controls apply to the quoted work.
Company Information
| Company Name | Ter Hoek Vonkerosie Rijssen BV |
|---|---|
| Location | Propaanstraat 1 7463 PN Rijssen The Netherlands |
| Telephone | +31-548-54-08-07 |
| Website | https://www.terhoek.com/ |
DuPont™ Spectrum™
DuPont™ Spectrum™ provides laser micro drilling for micro-holes, hole arrays, blind wells, and specialized portals. Published capabilities include holes as small as 5 µm, high-aspect-ratio holes of 10:1 or greater, and drilling rates up to 1,000 holes per second or more for some applications.
The company works with ceramics, glass, metals and alloys, polymers, and semiconductors. Its service information places particular emphasis on medical-device components, including catheter features, embolic filters, drug-delivery parts, biosensors, and flow-control orifices.
Company Information
| Company Name | PPC Industries, Inc. d/b/a Spectrum Plastics Group |
|---|---|
| Service Brand | DuPont™ Spectrum™ |
| Location | Multiple locations; confirm the servicing facility during the RFQ process. |
| Telephone | +1-404-564-8560 |
| Website | https://www.spectrumplastics.com/ |
Micro Tool Company
Micro Tool Company integrates precision micro-hole drilling with CNC machining and grinding. Its published minimum hole diameter is 0.0004 in. (about 10 µm), produced using proprietary equipment designed for accuracy and repeatability.
A published medical orifice-plate case describes concentric 0.0004 in. holes, tolerances down to 0.0001 in., and production runs of up to 10,000 parts. This combination is relevant when the project needs micro-hole drilling as part of a broader close-tolerance machined component.
Company Information
| Company Name | Micro Tool Company, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Location | Lehigh Valley Industrial Park IV 284 Brodhead Road Bethlehem, PA 18017 USA |
| Telephone | +1-610-882-3740 |
| Website | https://microtool.com/ |
How to Select a Micro Drilling Partner
Screen providers in the same order that the engineering risk appears: material and geometry first, process second, verification third, and production requirements last.
1. Define the hole and material
Document the material grade, thickness, hole diameter, depth, aspect ratio, angle, taper, roundness, positional tolerance, and entry and exit condition.
2. Match the process to the requirement
Use mechanical drilling, laser drilling, or EDM according to conductivity, heat sensitivity, edge-quality requirements, cutting-force risk, and hole geometry.
3. Review inspection and process control
Ask how the supplier measures diameter, location, taper, surface condition, and blocked holes. Confirm whether the quoted inspection method can resolve the drawing tolerance.
4. Confirm the production route
Check prototype support, expected yield, tooling or process-development charges, lot-to-lot controls, documentation, lead time, and capacity for repeat orders.
Questions to ask before shortlisting a provider
- Has the supplier drilled this material and thickness before?
- Does the published minimum diameter apply to this aspect ratio?
- What taper, burr, recast, debris, or heat effects should be expected?
- How are hole diameter and location measured?
- Can the process hold the requirement across the full lot?
- What design change would reduce cost or process risk?
- Which inspection records can be supplied?
- Which secondary cleaning or finishing steps are required?
What to Prepare Before Requesting a Quote
A complete RFQ helps the supplier determine whether the part is feasible and which drilling method, fixture, inspection plan, and production route to quote.
Micro drilling RFQ checklist
- 3D CAD data and a controlled 2D drawing
- Material specification, temper or condition, and acceptable alternatives
- Hole diameter, depth, angle, quantity, spacing, and pattern
- Diameter, position, roundness, straightness, and taper tolerances
- Entry and exit edge requirements, including burr or breakout limits
- Surface finish, recast-layer, heat-affected-zone, and cleanliness limits
- Part quantity for prototypes, first production, and expected repeat orders
- Inspection method, sampling plan, and reporting requirements
- Traceability, certification, packaging, and contamination-control requirements
- Target lead time and required delivery location
Mark truly critical dimensions clearly. Applying the tightest tolerance to every hole or feature can increase process-development time, inspection cost, and lead time without improving part function.
Micro drilling is one option within precision microfabrication. If the project also involves difficult-to-machine materials, microcomponents, semiconductor-related parts, or surface processing, compare suppliers by supported process, material experience, inspection capability, and production fit.
Use the processing-type comparison to narrow the partner category before sending an RFQ.
FAQ About Micro Drilling Services
- What is considered micro drilling?
- There is no single diameter that defines every micro drilling project. Suppliers use the term for holes that require miniature tooling, laser processing, EDM, specialized fixturing, or higher-resolution inspection than conventional drilling. The practical definition depends on the material, diameter, depth, tolerance, and process.
- Which process is best for micro holes?
- Mechanical drilling is often used for machined cylindrical holes, laser drilling for very small features, thin materials, patterns, or high hole counts, and EDM drilling for small or deep holes in electrically conductive materials. The finished-hole requirements determine the best process.
- How small can a micro drilling service make a hole?
- Some providers publish hole sizes in the single-digit or low-double-digit micron range, but those figures apply only under specific material and geometry conditions. Ask for a feasibility review based on the actual material, thickness, depth, tolerance, and edge requirements.
- Can micro drilling produce deep holes?
- Yes, but achievable depth depends on the diameter, material, process, flushing or chip evacuation, straightness requirement, and tool or electrode behavior. Include the required depth-to-diameter ratio in the RFQ and ask for the expected tolerance and surface condition through the full depth.
- How are micro holes inspected?
- Inspection may use optical measurement, microscopes, vision systems, pin or airflow methods, metrology equipment, or destructive sectioning, depending on the feature and requirement. Confirm that the proposed method can measure the specified diameter, location, taper, and internal condition.
- What affects the cost of micro drilling services?
- Cost is driven by process development, material, hole diameter and count, depth, tolerance, tool or electrode consumption, fixturing, inspection, cleaning, documentation, quantity, and yield. A small part can still be expensive when it requires slow processing or extensive verification.
- Can one supplier support both prototypes and production?
- Many providers support both, but prototype feasibility does not automatically establish production repeatability. Ask how the process will be transferred, monitored, inspected, and controlled across larger lots and repeat orders.
