Sandvik has announced the release of a new range of drill bits for mining exploration, production and grade control applications that are claimed to deliver substantial increases in bit life, particularly in challenging ground conditions. Its new Diamond Enhanced (DE) Carbide range of drill bits offer far superior wear- and abrasion-resistant characteristics in difficult mining conditions, according to the company, which noted that the properties of DE Carbide bits have resulted in increases in bit life by a factor of three to five times—greatly reducing the need for multiple bit changes when drilling deep holes in abrasive formations. The new bits have been successfully trialed in a range of drilling applications, including DTH (down-the-hole), TH (top-hammer) and RC (reverse-circulation) drilling.
