Problems During Diamond Core Drilling and How to Solve Them
Diamond core drilling is the use of diamond core bits in drilling. Diamond is one of the strongest materials on earth, and can drill through almost any hard material. Diamond core bits are commonly used in concrete core drilling as they drill into concrete and reinforced concrete materials with little effort. Drill bits made from other materials such as aluminium can wear off quickly when used in reinforced concrete.
There are various problems that you can encounter during diamond core drilling. Understanding them and how to counter them is paramount to the success of a core drilling project. Here are some of those problems and their solutions.
The core bit not drilling
There are various reasons why the diamond core bit can fail to drill when the drill is powered. One of the reasons is using too much water during wet drilling. Also, you could be using a diamond drill bit with a hard matrix during concrete core drilling. Hard material requires diamond drill bits with a soft matrix. Also, ensure you use just enough water to form slurry on the concrete. If you use excess water, the drill bit may not be able to drill into the concrete.
Excessive wear of diamond core drill
Diamond core bits are meant to wear away as you drill, however, if they wear prematurely, the drill could be running on excessive motor power. Check the motor and adjust the power to match the core diameter. Also, if you use a hard diamond matrix with hard materials such as concrete, it will wear away quickly. A soft matrix should be used on hard material, while a hard matrix should be used on soft material.
Cracks in the drill bit barrel
Increased vibrations can cause cracks in the diamond drill bit barrel during drilling. This can be fixed by adjusting the core drilling system to the correct settings. Also, proper anchoring of the drill can help in reducing vibrations.
If the drill bit barrel you are using is too thin, continuous drilling operations can cause cracks. Inspect the drill bit barrel before core drilling, and replace it if it has any signs of damage. Alternatively, you can purchase a drill bit barrel with thicker walls to avoid cracking and subsequent replacement.
Core cutter jammed in the drill hole
One of the primary causes of a jammed core cutter is the failure to remove residues at regular intervals. As they accumulate, they block the core cutter, causing it to jam in the hole. To avoid this, you should clean the drill hole at regular intervals in between drilling to prevent accumulation of residue.
Problems during diamond core drilling can cause inefficiency or even halt your project. These solutions to common problems can facilitate the smooth running of your drilling project.