Due to the progress in science and technology and the growth of industry, DTH drills, which serve as crucial rock drilling equipment, are primarily utilized in diverse projects such as mining, construction foundation excavation, water conservancy, building materials, transportation, and national defense construction. In contrast to conventional rock drills, they exhibit traits like deep drilling, substantial drilling diameter, heightened drilling efficiency, and broad adaptability.

The evolution of DTH drills dates back to the early 20th century. As technology has steadily progressed, the performance and efficiency of DTH drills have seen continuous enhancements. From the original simple structure to the current complex control system, DTH drills have undergone many improvements and developments.

In general, medium and high-wind-pressure open-pit DTH drills are widely utilized, with models such as Ingersoll Rand’s CM341, CM351, CZ200, and Atlas Copco’s ROC400 series, ROC460 series. Semi-hydraulic DTH drills are also prevalent, distinguished by using high wind pressure power solely in the rock drilling component, while other functions rely on hydraulic power. This design considerably reduces the parameters required for the air compressor, which only needs to supply compressed air of sufficient pressure and displacement, and the mechanical internal combustion engine provides the hydraulic driving force for rotation, propulsion, walking, and swing movements. Notable examples include Ingersoll Rand’s XZ200 and Atlas Copco’s ROC L8.

To address the challenge of increasing drilling depth while ensuring drilling accuracy, Sweden’s Luki Company developed a hydraulic DTH hammer. Initially tested in 1990 and mounted on an AMV drilling truck, by mid-April 1992, it had successfully drilled 100,000 meters. The company collaborated with Atlas Copco to develop a corresponding drilling rig, achieving commendable results.

Indeed, through decades of extensive practice and technological innovation, Atlas Copco’s DTH drills have evolved from simpler types to more sophisticated models, attaining high efficiency, reliability, safety, and low cost for DTH drills.

In recent years, prominent foreign manufacturers of DTH drills have introduced a range of new products, sharing a common characteristic— a growing emphasis on automation. The application of GPS technology realizes automatic positioning of the boom, saves time on on-site marking and positioning, improves operating efficiency, and allows the operator to concentrate on monitoring the drilling process.

With the advancement of science and technology, DTH drills are still undergoing technological innovation. For example, DTH drills that use environmentally friendly materials and energy-saving technology are more in line with the development of the times. DTH drills using artificial intelligence technology can achieve automated operation and intelligent control, improving production efficiency and quality. Moreover, adopting various working methods and structural forms in DTH drills expands their range of applications, enhancing market competitiveness.

In conclusion, DTH drills, serving as crucial rock drilling equipment, have found extensive applications in underground mines, tunnels, water conservancy projects, and various other fields. Fueled by the continuous progress in science and technology, coupled with shifts in the market landscape, DTH drills are perpetually undergoing technological innovation and embracing diversified development. In the future, as environmental awareness continues to grow and artificial intelligence technology develops further, DTH drills hold the promise of being more environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and intelligent.