Impegration Depth

The term "impregnation depth" refers to the thickness of the diamond impregnated matrix layer on a core bit crown as shown in the illustration to the right. The variable “y” is used to define the impregnation depth dimension for a particular core bit.

IDP offers many sizes of core bits with standard impregnation depths of 6 mm (0.24 inch), 9 mm (0.35 inch) and 12 mm (0.47 inch). Other customer defined impregnation depths are available on request. Unless otherwise specified, a standard 9 mm impregnation depth is supplied for most North American sizes of core bits while a standard 6 mm impregnation depth is supplied for all thin-walled metric “I”, “T”, “TT”, “T2” and “T6”-series core bits.

As the price of an impregnated core bit increases from a 6 mm impregnation depth through to a 12 mm impregnation depth, consideration should be given to the economics of selecting a particular impregnation depth. While the initial cost of a core bit with a 6 mm depth of impregnation is relatively low, the expected overall bit life will also be lower than that of a bit with a thicker impregnation depth. For this reason, a 6 mm impregnation depth is generally recommended for use in shallow drill holes or for non-Wireline applications where more frequent bit changes are not objectionable. Conversely, the higher initial cost of a core bit with a 12 mm impregnation depth is largely offset by its inherently long bit life when used to drill extremely deep holes. The cost saving benefit is realized through reduced down time on the drill rig that would otherwise be required for tripping the drill string for bit changes.

Impregnated diamond matrices with matrix layer

IDP manufactures a range of impregnated diamond matrices with matrix layer metal bonds that range from hard, abrasion-resistant types to soft, ductile types. In general, a hard, abrasion-resistant matrix would be used to drill a soft, abrasive, unconsolidated formation while a soft, ductile matrix would be used to drill an extremely hard, non-abrasive, consolidated formation. The idea is to match the bit matrix hardness to the formation hardness in order that the metal bond of the matrix layer will erode at a controlled rate during normal drilling operation. This controlled erosion of the matrix layer metal bond will in turn continually expose new layers of sharp synthetic diamonds until the matrix layer of the bit crown is totally consumed.

Construction of Impregnated Diamond Type

Impregnated Bits

The basic construction of Impregnated bits features a sintered powdered metal crown that is fused to a steel tool body or shank. The powdered metal crown is composed of two layers: the “matrix” layer which cuts the rock and the “backing” layer which connects the matrix layer to the steel tool body and serves to support the gauge diameter protection hard materials.

The cutting media that is used in impregnated bits is NATURAL diamond. The material has a distinct advantage over the natural mined industrial diamond that is used in surface-set bits in that it is an engineered material that has measurable, controlled physical properties, particularly in the areas of crystal friability and crystal geometry.

Impregnated Diamond Type

The impregnated diamond core bit has emerged as the most commonly used type in the mineral exploration industry. The advantages of using impregnated diamond core bits over bits manufactured with other cutting media include:

• An extremely wide range of application.
• A simple crown geometry that makes them less susceptible to in-hole damage than bits produced with other types of cutting media and as such are more tolerant of changing or banded geological formations.
• Their multi-layered cutter arrangement results in better overall bit life than bits produced with other types of cutting media. They are particularly well-suited for drilling in hard, consolidated, non-abrasive formations.

Their multi-layered cutter arrangement results in better overall bit life than bits produced with other types of cutting media. They are particularly well suited for drilling in hard, consolidated, non-abrasive formations..

Variety Of Synthetic Diamond Drill Bit At IDP

This group of products is used to cut cylindrical samples of geological formations.

The bit is the most complicated of the diamond tools as several factors influence its performance and life. If you are looking for diamond core bits, Ideal Diamond Products is the right place to find a wide range of diamond core drilling bits, reaming shells, drilling machines and equipment for all applications.

We also provide made to order drilling machines and equipment according to your requirements. All our drilling bits and equipment are according to international standards and offer high quality equipment. We offer true value for your money providing world class diamond core drilling equipment.