When the flow drill comes into contact with the material using high axial pressure and rotational speed, the heat generated by friction makes the material malleable enough to be formed and perforated.

The flow drill pushes into the heated surface wall. The displaced material forms a collar around the surface of the tubing exterior.

The remaining material forms a cone inside the tubing. The flow drill process takes no longer to drill than a normal hole.

The resulting collar and cone can be up to three times the original material thickness. The diameter of the cone is precisely determined by the diameter of the flow drill tool.

The process does not weaken the tubings internal structure.

The resulting cone is uncommonly strong and when flow tapped can provide high torque threaded surfaces with extremely high pull out strength characteristics. Once tubing is locked into place, it can be flowed and tapped without extra setup.