Construction methods and tools are continuing to advance and a good example is the use of diamond infused bits for drilling holes in hard material. Diamond drilling makes use of diamond infused drill bits on the end of hollow drill shafts. These bits come in a wide range of sizes capable of making very fine holes as small as 0.75 mm and as large as 1500 mm. Typically diamond drill bits do not come in sizes exceeding 1500 mm but if a larger hole is required, a technique called ‘stitch drilling’ can be used. This involves connecting a series of smaller drilled holes to form a larger opening. Stitch drilling does not work when a long, continuous hole is needed.
Diamond drills are typically a diamond tipped drilling bit on the end of a hollow tube or shaft. The hollow shaft allows for water to be pumped to the bit for cooling and lubrication. In some cases, drill waste can be removed through the hollow shaft with a suction system. There are generally two different types of bit; coated diamond drill bits and bonded diamond drill. The difference is that coated bits will have one layer of diamonds and bonded bits will have several layers of diamonds. As you might expect, bonded bits are far more expensive but will last much longer than a coated diamond bit. Diamond drilling has found many different applications in construction and industrial industries as well as specialised craftsmen industries, like jewellery.
Diamonds are the hardest material and as such, diamond bits are capable of boring holes in virtually any material with an accuracy that is unmatched with any other drilling technique. Their light weight, variety of diameters, low noise, low dust and zero impact make diamond drilling extremely versatile. Since the drill bit is independent of the drill, power source can be electric, air or hydraulic depending on the needs of the situation. These additional options just add to the versatility of diamond drill bits.
Since diamond drills have significant advantages over other techniques, the uses for them are many. Diamond drill bits excel in drilling holes through concrete and brickwork to install ducting or electrical cabling. Boring through earth where stone might be encountered is convenient as stone will not pose an obstacle for a diamond bit and the refuse can be vacuumed out through the hollow shaft. Bursting is a technique that makes use of diamond drill bits and involves drilling a series of pilot holes in concrete, stone or brick slated for demolition. After the holes are drilled, a hydraulic ‘burster’ is inserted and expands, thus breaking apart the concrete. This is a very effective and precise means of demolition.
Diamond drill bits also have application in jewellery crafting. The precision, small size and toughness of diamond drill bits make them the only thing that jewellers use for drilling into gemstones, as these stones are exceptionally hard. Other work requiring fine detail on hard substances make use of diamond drill bits.
It should be noted that while diamond drill bits can cut through anything, they are best suited to hard material. Soft material like wood or metal are not ideal since they are soft in comparison, and conventional drills are best used in these cases.
When needing specialty holes drilled, it is best to hire professionals with expert knowledge of the techniques and equipment necessary for the job. Please feel free to contact Drilltec for all your professional diamond drilling and cutting needs.
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