Carbide Buttons for Rock Drilling

Introduction

Carbide buttons are the cutting elements on rock drill bits. They crush and grind rock under high impact and abrasion, making tungsten carbide the ideal material.

Bit Types

Carbide buttons are used on button bits, DTH hammers, and roller cone bits. Different button shapes including spherical, ballistic, and conical are used for different rock types and drilling methods.

Grade Selection

Tough, shock-resistant carbide grades are used for drilling hard abrasive rock. The grade must resist both impact fracture and abrasive wear. Different button grades are available for soft, medium, and hard rock.

Manufacturing

Carbide buttons are pressed, sintered, and ground to precision shapes. They are inserted into bit bodies and secured with press fit or brazing. Button geometry affects drilling speed and bit life.

Performance

Quality carbide buttons enable fast penetration rates and long bit life. They reduce the cost per meter drilled by extending bit service and reducing rod handling time.

Conclusion

Carbide buttons are essential for modern rock drilling. Their combination of hardness and toughness makes them indispensable in mining, construction, and quarrying operations.

References

GB/T 7714: GUPTA R, SONG J. Powder metallurgy processing and mechanical properties of cemented tungsten carbide composites[J]. International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials, 2020, 91: 105246.

APA 7th: Gupta, R., & Song, J. (2020). Powder metallurgy processing and mechanical properties of cemented tungsten carbide composites.

MLA 9th: Gupta, R., and J. Song. "Powder Metallurgy Processing and Mechanical Properties of Cemented Tungsten Carbide Composites."