How to maintain and store Diamond Engineering thin wall drill bits properly?

1. Cleaning Procedures

• Debris Removal: Use a stiff-bristle brush (e.g., brass or nylon) to dislodge concrete, stone, or metal particles from the diamond segments and flutes. Avoid metal brushes, which can scratch the steel body .
• Wet Drilling Residue: For bits used with water coolant, rinse thoroughly under running water to remove slurry. Use a compressed air gun to blow out trapped debris from the hollow core and segment gaps .
• Dry Drilling Residue: If dry drilling with wax lubricant (e.g., Bosch PRO Series), wipe the bit with a cloth to remove melted wax and dust. For stubborn residue, soak the bit in a mild detergent solution (1:10 ratio) and scrub gently .
• Ultrasonic Cleaning: For precision bits (e.g., electroplated glass bits), use an ultrasonic cleaner with a diamond-safe solution (e.g., water + mild surfactant). This removes embedded debris without damaging the diamond matrix .

2. Inspection for Wear and Damage

• Segment Wear: Examine the diamond segments for signs of wear. A healthy segment should have 60–70% of the diamond particles exposed. If segments appear smooth or “glazed” (due to overheating), they need re-tipping or replacement .
• Cracks and Loose Segments: Check the steel body and segment bonds for cracks, chips, or loose segments. Laser-welded bits (e.g., BOSUN models) should have seamless segment-to-body connections; any gaps indicate failure .
• Dimensional Accuracy: Measure the outer diameter (OD) with a caliper to ensure it meets specifications. A worn bit may have an OD tolerance exceeding ±0.1mm, affecting hole precision .

• Optical Profilometry: Use a 3D laser scanner (e.g., as described in ) to map wear patterns and calculate volume loss. This is ideal for high-value bits in geological or aerospace applications.
• Ultrasonic Testing: For critical applications (e.g., medical implants), perform ultrasonic 探伤 to detect internal cracks in the steel core .

3. Lubrication and Corrosion Prevention

• Apply a dry graphite spray (e.g., Molyslip® or Blaster 8-GS) to the shank threads to prevent galling and seize during installation. Graphite-based lubricants are ideal as they resist high temperatures (up to 550°C) and do not attract dust .
• Avoid oil-based lubricants, which can contaminate the diamond segments and reduce cutting efficiency.

• Short-Term Storage: Wipe the bit with a light coat of rust-preventive oil (e.g., WD-40 Specialist® Corrosion Inhibitor) if stored for less than 3 months. Focus on the steel body and threads .
• Long-Term Storage: For periods exceeding 6 months, wrap the bit in anti-corrosive paper (e.g., VCI paper) or place it in a vacuum-sealed bag with desiccant packs to eliminate moisture .

4. Storage Environment and Conditions

• Store bits in a climate-controlled environment with temperatures between 20–25°C (68–77°F) and relative humidity of 40–60%. High humidity (>60%) can cause rust, while extreme heat (>30°C) may degrade resin bonds .

• Cases and Organizers: Use padded aluminum cases with custom-cut foam inserts (e.g., as shown in ) to prevent collisions. For smaller bits, a plastic case with individual slots (e.g., VEVOR drill bit organizer) works well .
• Vertical Storage: Hang longer bits (≥200mm) vertically on a rack to avoid warping. Shorter bits can be stored horizontally in trays, separated by foam dividers .
• Avoid Stacking: Never stack bits directly on top of each other, as this can damage the diamond segments. Use spacers or racks to keep them separated .

5. Re-tipping and Replacement

• For sintered or brazed bits, worn segments can be replaced by a professional service (e.g., Husqvarna or Diamond Products). The old segments are removed, and new diamond segments are brazed onto the steel core, restoring 80–90% of original performance .
• Cost Savings: Re-tipping typically costs 25–50% less than buying a new bit, depending on size. For example, a 6″ diameter concrete bit retips for ~$150, while a new one costs ~$400 .

• Electroplated Bits: These cannot be re-tipped and should be replaced when diamond layers wear thin (≤0.2mm remaining).
• Severe Damage: Bits with cracked steel cores, irreparable segment loss, or dimensional inaccuracies beyond tolerance must be discarded .

6. Operational Best Practices to Extend Life

• Cooling Systems: Always use recommended cooling methods (wet or dry) to prevent overheating. For wet drilling, maintain a water flow rate of 1–2 L/min; for dry drilling, use bits with built-in wax inserts (e.g., Bosch DDB Series) .
• Speed and Pressure: Follow manufacturer RPM guidelines. For example, a 1″ OD concrete bit should operate at 1,600 RPM, while a 6″ bit requires 700 RPM to avoid segment burnout .
• Debris Evacuation: Retract the bit every 20–30mm during deep drilling to clear debris and reduce friction .

7. Compliance and Documentation

• Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhere to the specific maintenance instructions provided by the bit manufacturer. For example, BOSUN’s concrete bits require wet drilling only, while Eternal Tools’ glass bits must be cleaned with alcohol .
• Maintenance Log: Keep a record of cleaning, inspections, re-tipping, and usage details to track performance and predict replacement needs.

Conclusion