Drilling Solutions Offer Longer Life, Cost Savings

Sandvik introduced the Alpha 360, a drilling tool system that complements the company’s Alpha 330. Alpha 360 offers a reinforced design, features double the standard thread life, and enables hole accuracy capable of ensuring higher productivity, the company reported. It is designed for 48- to 51-mm-hole sizes in face drilling and bolting. The short thread on the round rod gives superior resistance towards bending stresses, improved bit guidance and excellent energy transfer, Sandvik reported. The thread is guided inside the bit skirt, which enables high-precision collaring in complex rock formations and against uneven surfaces.
Separately, Sandvik released the Speedy bit. With 10% higher drilling speed over a standard bit with ballistic buttons, it is described as the fastest drill bit in the industry. The patented elevated front breaks the rock in two levels and improves the flushing flow, while large sludge grooves enable quick removal of large cuttings. It can save users one hour per day per rig, the company reported. The bits are available in three sizes: 45, 48, and 51 mm. The Speedy bit features one of the company’s two new Power Carbide grades.
The new grades, Gradient Carbide and Self-Hardening, released in December, extend grinding intervals and service life by up to 30% over standard carbides, the company reported. The grades offer lower cost per drilled meter, time savings on bit change outs, and improved safety. The Gradient Carbide grade was developed for abrasive ground conditions with high silica levels in the rock. The Self-Hardening grade was developed for hard, competent ground with homogenous properties throughout. It is so-named due to the enhanced deformation hardening making it more wear resistant as you drill, the company reported. The hard top never wears off.

http://www.sandvik.com