Rock drill bits are specialized tools that are used to bore into rock and other hard materials. Typically, these bits are made of a durable material such as steel or tungsten carbide in order to withstand the high levels of heat and pressure generated during drilling.
Moreover, they must be sufficiently strong to cut through dense stone while also maintaining their sharp edge despite repeated impacts against the surface. Depending on the application, different types of rock drill bits may be used, including ones designed for cutting open tunnels or another for breaking up large chunks of rock.
Ultimately, though, no matter what type of bit is being used, its material properties are what determine its effectiveness in this challenging application.
The drill bit is a piece of equipment that cuts rock when drilling an oil well. It is located at the end of a drill string below the drill collar or drill pipe. Rock drill bits have sharp teeth and are typically made of hard materials. Industrial-grade carbon steel is the most commonly used type. Polystyrene is another material used for drill bits.
- Hardened drill inserts
Hardened drill inserts for rock drilling are designed with a cutting face that is harder than the surrounding rock. A circumferential band of decreasing hardness about the opening of the insert facilitates installation and helps minimize stress fractures and cracks in the cutting face. The cutting face typically has a hardness of 40 on the Rockwell C scale.
Generally, the width of the band should be narrower than the width of the cutting face. This minimizes the amount of erosion caused by eddy currents. In addition, the hardness of band B’ should decrease radially from the cutting surface 20. Ideally, the hardness of the wall of the opening 21 should be 40 or less on the Rockwell C scale.
- Industrial-grade carbon steel
Industrial-grade carbon steel rock drill bits feature a cylindrical shank and are made of high-strength steel. They are compatible with most current drilling machines. Rock drill bits are typically supplied with more than one piece per drill size and feature the diameter and length stamped on the shaft.
The coating on industrial-grade carbon steel rock drill bits adds corrosion resistance and wear resistance. It also reduces friction between the bit and the workpiece. This is particularly beneficial when drilling softer materials, like wood. But if you’re working on metals, black oxide bits may not be the right choice.
- Polystyrene
Rock drill bits are made of a variety of materials including metals, ceramics, and polystyrene. Typically, these bits are used for drilling holes with large diameters and for oil and gas drilling. Rock drill bits are made with a variety of different materials and have different levels of wear and tear. The most common types of wear and tear are abrasive, chemical, fatigue, and adhesive.
Some drill bits are made of titanium or stainless steel with a carbon or tungsten coating. These drill bits are generally less brittle than other drill bits. However, titanium drill bits are less durable and may lose their coating over time. Unlike their cobalt counterparts, titanium and carbide drill bits can cut through hard, softer materials like concrete and masonry.
- Tungsten carbide
These bits are made of high-quality tungsten carbide and premium alloy steel. They are individually ultrasonically tested and screened for inclusions and flaws. They are specially designed to fit the particular needs of any application. The bit’s design also incorporates advanced flow simulation, which improves chip removal and reduces noise.
Tungsten carbide drill bits are extremely hard, which makes them ideal for drilling rock and concrete. They also have great precision and can be used in very small diameters. In addition, they are highly resistant to wear and breakage. They can drill through almost any type of rock or material.
