What machine is used to drill rocks? The machine commonly used to drill rocks is called a rock drill. There are several types depending on the job:
1. Jackhammer (Pneumatic Drill) – Handheld and often used in construction for breaking up concrete or rock.
2. Rotary Drill – Used in mining and oil drilling, this machine uses a rotating drill bit to bore through rock.
3. Percussion Drill – Works by hammering the drill bit into the rock while rotating, often used in hard rock drilling.
4. Drill Jumbo – A large machine used in underground mining or tunneling, equipped with multiple drill arms.
5. Blast Hole Drill – Used in open-pit mining to drill holes for explosives.
What is the best tool for drilling into rock?
The optimal tool depends on rock hardness, depth, and environmental constraints:
1. Diamond-Tipped Drill Bits
① Strength: Diamonds, the hardest natural material, excel in cutting through granite, basalt, and other igneous rocks.
② Use: Common in geotechnical surveys and precision drilling .
2. Tricone Rock Bits
① Design: Three rotating cones with teeth or tungsten carbide inserts.
② Efficiency: Suitable for medium-to-hard rocks in oil and gas drilling .
3. Electric Rock Drills (e.g., KHYD Series)
① Features: Explosion-proof motors, lightweight design, and adaptability to harsh environments like coal mines.
② Example: The 5.5 kW KHYD5 electric rock drill is favored for its reliability in tunneling and ventilation hole drilling .
4. Hydraulic Breakers and Drifters
① Power: High-impact hydraulic systems for large-scale mining and quarrying.
② Example: The "Sissi" drill machine used in the Gotthard Tunnel project demonstrated precision in hard rock excavation .
For hard rock drilling, a rotary hammer with a diamond-tipped or carbide-tipped bit is often the best combination of power and durability for most applications.
For professional or industrial drilling in deep or very hard rock, DTH hammers or diamond core drills are the top choice.