In mining, tunnel construction, geological exploration, and other industries, rock drill bits are critical rock drilling tools, and their performance and service life are directly related to construction efficiency and cost. Therefore, understanding the replacement cycle of rock drill bits is crucial for improving construction efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.

The functions and characteristics of rock drill bits

A rock drill bit is a tool used for drilling in rock and other hard materials. They play a pivotal role in construction, mining, tunnel construction, and other fields. Rock drill bits are made of materials such as carbide or high-carbon steel, which offer high wear resistance and hardness. At the same time, the design of the rock drill bit also fully considers the complexity of the construction environment, including factors such as rock hardness, humidity, and temperature, to ensure optimal performance under various conditions.

Factors affecting the service life of rock drill bits

Rock hardness: rock hardness is one of the critical factors affecting the service life of rock drill bits. In rocks with higher hardness, rock drill bits wear faster, and the frequency of replacement increases accordingly. Therefore, before construction, we should evaluate the rock hardness, select the appropriate rock drill bits, and make a reasonable replacement plan.

Drill bit type: different rock drill bits are available for different rock conditions. Using the appropriate bit can extend the service life.

Construction strength: construction strength is also an essential factor affecting the service life of rock drill bits. In high-intensity construction environments, rock drill bits must withstand higher impact and friction, leading to faster wear. Therefore, we must promptly repair or replace the rock drilling bit according to the construction conditions.

Reasonable operation: reasonable operation also has a definite impact on the service life of the rock drill bit. Correct operation can extend the service life of the rock drill bit, while incorrect operation may cause it to be damaged prematurely. Therefore, when using a rock drill bit, you should strictly follow the operating procedures to avoid excessive force or improper use.

Regular inspection: regular inspection and cleaning of the rock drill bit can maintain its good working condition and extend its service life.

How to judge whether the rock drill bit needs to be replaced?

Observe the wear condition: by observing the wear condition of the rock drill bit, you can initially determine whether it needs to be replaced. Generally speaking, when the wear exceeds a certain threshold (for example, if the diameter wear exceeds 10% of the original diameter), it is necessary to consider replacing the rock drill bit with a new one. At this time, you can judge by measuring the diameter of the rock drill bit or observing its surface wear.

Assess work efficiency: in addition to observing wear and tear, you can also judge whether the rock drill bit needs to be replaced by checking work efficiency. For example, when a rock drill bit experiences abnormal conditions such as breakage, cracks, or deformation, it should be replaced with a new one promptly to ensure construction safety and efficiency. Additionally, if there is noticeable vibration or noise during the use of the rock drill bit, it should be inspected and replaced as needed.

Recommendations for replacement intervals of rock drill bits

Since many factors affect the rock drill bits’s service life, it is not easy to establish a fixed replacement cycle. However, based on industry experience and practical experience, we can give the following suggestions:

1. Under normal working conditions, the service life of a carbide rock drill bit is usually several hundred to thousands of hours. However, its specific service life needs to be adjusted according to the nature of the rock, the actual situation, and other factors.

2. For rock environments with higher hardness, it is recommended to shorten the replacement cycle of rock drill bits to ensure construction efficiency and safety. Specifically, a reasonable replacement plan can be formulated based on the actual situation, such as a replacement after working for a certain period or after completing a certain amount of work.

3. During use, you should pay close attention to the wear of the rock drill bit and repair or replace it in time. At the same time, strengthening the training and management of operators is crucial to ensure they master the correct operating techniques, thereby reducing the wear of rock drill bits.

Precautions for rock drill bit replacement

When replacing a rock drill bit, we should choose one that matches the equipment model and specifications to ensure its stability and safety.

1. When replacing the drill bit, check whether the connection part is intact to avoid looseness or damage.

2. When replacing the drill bit, it’s pivotal to avoid violent disassembly by workers and instead use professional tools for disassembly.

3. Test-run the replaced drill bit to ensure it functions properly and meets the construction requirements.

Conclusion

The replacement cycle of rock drill bits is affected by many factors, and there is no fixed standard. Specific events still need to be decided according to the actual working conditions and the wear of the drill bits. In actual construction, we should pay close attention to the wear of the drill bits. Timely repair or replacement of the drill bits can enhance the efficiency of rock drilling and reduce costs. At the same time, when replacing the drill bit, we should pay attention to many matters to ensure construction safety and efficiency.