You were ever passed by a nice jewelry store, staring with utmost magnificence at the shiny gems and rare stones on a necklace piece, wondering how they got cut out so beautifully in the world? Perhaps your renaissance moment came when you were gifted an aesthetic ceramic piece. You just couldn’t get your mind off what expert tool carved it out so perfectly as your hands grazed the delicate edges. You should note some important things before getting a diamond drill bit. This post will teach you all the amazing and essential facts about diamond drill bits. Are you ready?
Table of Contents
- 1. What Are Diamond Drill Bits?
- 2. How Are Diamond Drill Bits Made?
- 3. What Are the Types of Diamond Drill Bits?
- 4. What Types of Materials Can It Drill?
- 5. What Makes Diamond Drill Bits Different from Other Drilling Tools?
- 6. How Do You Use A Diamond Drill Bit?
- 7. What Precautions Should Be Taken When Using A Diamond Drill Bit?
- 8. How Long Do Diamond Drill Bit Last?
- 9. How Do You Properly Maintain Your Diamond Drill Bit?
- 10. How Much Does Diamond Drill Bit Cost?
- 11. Where Can You Purchase?
- 12. Where is it Popularly Used?
- Conclusion
1. What Are Diamond Drill Bits?
A drill is not rare, as it is commonly used for boring holes into wooden surfaces. Drill bits are cutting tools that remove materials and create holes, mostly in a circular cross-section. However, a diamond drill is a convenient and unique tool because it is used to make fine holes in non-wood surfaces.
The first thing that may come to mind when you hear diamond drill bits is that they are shiny little diamond tools that beautify the workshop. But on the contrary, they are called diamond drill bits because they comprise little pieces of diamond powder embedded inside the parts. Diamond is one of the hardest substances in the world and can cut through basically anything, which explains the tool’s strength.
2. How Are Diamond Drill Bits Made?
To manufacture these drill bits, producers use a pressure of up to 1.5 GPa and a temperature of about 1250 degrees (Celsius). The makeup of these drill bits consists of real diamond powder pressed onto the steel using this very high pressure. Diamond, the hardest substance, still maintains its heavy cutting power after the process, and the drill bits come in different sizes. The smaller-diamond drill bits are specially for making small holes by those who make accessories like jewelry, wristwatches, and other beautiful ornaments we often see. The larger ones are for more rigorous drilling activity.
Here is a video link showing the manufacturing process:
3. What Are the Types of Diamond Drill Bits?
There are two basic types of diamond drill bits; the core drill bits and the blunt nose bits. Both drill bits are very effective, but they serve different purposes.
The core drill bits have diamonds along the edges of their tips and a little by the upside of the tips, which are hollow. These drill bits have a smaller surface area than the blunt nose drill bit, which is why they can drill a hole more quicker. They are sometimes called “hole saws” since you have to see a circle to create a hole. The bit does not see this circle at the full diameter of the tip. Rather, it saws it at the edge of the tip.
The blunt nose drill bit is different from the core drill because it is more effective in making smaller holes. They completely drill out the hole, unlike the core drill bits that drill out only a portion of the hole.
The real difference between these two bits is the type of material they can use.
4. What Types of Materials Can It Drill?
Diamond drill bits stand out from the rest because they are undoubtedly the strongest type of drill bits. They penetrate even the most seemingly impossible materials around. Knowing that there are two types of diamond drill bits, it is also vital to be aware of the kind of material each type can drill.
The core drill bits drill tough non-ferrous materials like porcelain, fiberglass, porcelain tiles, ceramics, glass, granite, limestone, and other stone materials.
The blunt nose drill bits drill very hard precious gems, a piece of dense sea glass, bone, antlers, and very hard shells.
5. What Makes Diamond Drill Bits Different from Other Drilling Tools?
It is important to note that the solidity of no other drilling tool matches that of the diamond drill bits. As said earlier, diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on earth. And is capable of boring into virtually any surface with precise accuracy and perfection.
In addition, diamond drill bits are less noisy than other drilling tools, they are lightweight, and they have varying sizes of diameters to suit different purposes.
Diamond drill bits are quite independent of the actual drill; hence, the power source differs, depending only on the needs of the material to be drilled and the situation surrounding it.
They also do not make any environmental impact while drilling and are extremely flexible and versatile.
6. How Do You Use A Diamond Drill Bit?
Diamond drill bits serve varying purposes depending on their type, but they all still have the same usage principle.
The material you’re drilling contributes majorly to how you drill. You cannot bore a hole into a precious stone the same way you’ll bore a piece of glass.
Improper drill bit use can cause damage, material breakage, and overheating. It is crucial to know the right way to use this power tool.
To properly use a diamond drill bit, you must know the right amount of lubrication, drill pressure, and drill speed used for the material you’re working with. Knowledge of these will allow the drill bit to function properly, eliminating any chance of overheating from the friction caused by the hard material you’re working on. A diamond drill bit in use should never be extremely hot. It can be warm, but getting hot indicates that the drill is heating up, which must be avoided at all costs.
When drilling a very hard material, it is safer to decrease the drill pressure and allow the tool to drill at its own pace.
An increased drill pressure to finish quickly can increase friction and lead to extreme heat, resulting in surface breakage.
As for drill speeds, knowing the exact speed for most materials is not possible; hence, it is always better to go for moderate drill speeds. A fast drill speed will lead to an increase in drill pressure, and this will lead to overheating, as mentioned before.
Lubrication (water or coolant)is important when drilling because it houses the drill tip. It helps reduce the amount of heat built up during the drilling process, thereby avoiding heat fractures and breakage in the material.
A good lubricant is important because it helps extend the drill bit’s lifespan. Reduced pressure, moderate speed, and enough lubrication can increase the lifespan of a diamond drill bit by a factor of 10.
7. What Precautions Should Be Taken When Using A Diamond Drill Bit?
Drill bits, as effective as they are, can also be dangerous and cause damage if not handled properly. These are the precautions to follow when your drill bit is in use:
i.Wear powerful gloves for a tight grip on the drill bit as there will be loads of vibrations from the drill. You don’t want your hands to lose balance, ruining your workpiece.
ii. Keep your hands away from the bottom section of the drill to avoid injury/trauma.
iii. Drill in a place with plenty of space so you can plant your feet firmly on the ground.
iv. Avoid wearing loose-fitting, baggy clothes, so they do not get in the way while you work.
v.Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying particles that are sure to be present during the drilling process.
vi. Always refer to the power drill manual for the exact type of machine to process.
vii. Use the drill bit at the appropriate speed, with decreased pressure and lots of lubrication.
8. How Long Do Diamond Drill Bit Last?
The first lifespan determinant of a diamond drill bit is its manufacturing company. It is important to buy from a reputable company as different companies have varying production methods. Some companies use poor-quality materials to make their tools, leading to the drill bit wearing out faster than that made by a high-quality company.
The lifespan also depends on its usage, that is, the speed, pressure, lubrication, and the type of material you use for the drill.
For example, drilling through a ceramic, a diamond drill bit can give 400 holes on average, but that same drill bit can give you 100 holes if you are drilling a dense stained glass.
The drill bit’s longevity majorly revolves around its usage and the type of material it drills.
9. How Do You Properly Maintain Your Diamond Drill Bit?
Proper maintenance increases the life span of your drill bit and helps you get the best from it. Your manual serves as your best maintenance guide, but you can also practice the following to give your drill bit adequate care;
i.Always sharpen your drill bits to maintain their precise edges.
ii. Be sure of the precise spot you want to bore a hole in to avoid realigning the drill bit once the drilling starts. If subject to improper interference, a diamond drill bit with a specific type of motion may lead to mechanical complications.
iii. Know your equipment. Do not assume that every drill bit has the same working principle; study your drill bit in-depth.
iv. Always dress the drill diamond section of your bit to expose new diamonds. If you notice that the diamond drill is losing its shape and rigidity, send it back to the manufacturer to be returned.
10. How Much Does Diamond Drill Bit Cost?
Our company specializes in making custom-made tools, depending on your taste. We’ll make your tools according to your requirements. Therefore, our prices also vary and depend on the specifications you give. We’ll offer you the best quality for your price.
11. Where Can You Purchase?
Technology has evolved, and you do not need to get out of bed to purchase a high-quality drill bit. Our company provides quality diamond drill bits that are certified for safe use. We are a reputable company with years of experience, and we manufacture our tools using the finest materials. High-level machines manufacture these tools in mass, and we can supply as many tools as needed.
We guarantee you a long-lasting experience with our products. Contact our support team for more information.
12. Where is it Popularly Used?
Many industries use diamond drill bits. They are more popular in mining to obtain core samples and oil well drilling in petroleum industries.
Jewelry, glass, and ceramic companies also use them to carve out beautiful gems and sculpt exquisite aesthetic pieces. If you also need to drill into a hard material at home and the normal drill bits aren’t cutting, you may turn to the diamond drill bits for solace.
Conclusion
It is safe to say that diamond drill bits are a tool of great importance. They are the most powerful drilling tool and can bore through any surface or material. Asides from being strong and wear-resistant, they are also an energy-saving tool with little environmental impact.
I’m sure you found this guide helpful and enlightening. Well, it’s time to act.
