The Cost and Comprehensive Analysis of Tungsten Carbide Drill Bits per Kilogram

Tungsten carbide drill bits are essential tools in various industries, including oil and gas exploration, mining, and construction. Their high hardness, wear resistance, and ability to withstand high impact make them suitable for drilling through hard rock formations. This article provides an in – depth analysis of the cost of tungsten carbide drill bits per kilogram, along with an introduction to different brands and models.

1. Cost Overview of Tungsten Carbide Drill Bits per Kilogram

The cost of tungsten carbide drill bits per kilogram can vary significantly depending on multiple factors such as the brand, model, grade of tungsten carbide, manufacturing process, and market demand. Generally, the price range is from around US$35toUS$55 per kilogram.

For instance, Zhuzhou Jinding Cemented Carbide Co., Ltd. offers tungsten carbide burrs at a price of US$35.00perkilogramwithaminimumorderquantity(MOQ)of1kilogram.Ontheotherhand,ZhuZhouHongTongTungstenCarbideCo.,Ltd.listsitstungstencarbidebuttonsfordrillingataFOB(FreeonBoard)priceofUS$50 – 55 per kilogram with an MOQ of 5 kilograms.

The cost differences are influenced by the quality of the raw materials used. High – quality, 100% virgin tungsten carbide material typically results in a higher – priced product. Additionally, the manufacturing process, including precision in shaping and heat treatment, can also impact the cost. Products that undergo more rigorous in – process and final inspections, such as ultrasonic testing to ensure no internal defects like pores, are likely to be priced higher due to the added quality control measures.

2. Brands and Models of Tungsten Carbide Drill Bits

2.1 ZhuZhou HongTong Tungsten Carbide Co., Ltd.

Brand Overview: ZhuZhou HongTong Tungsten Carbide Co., Ltd. is a high – tech joint – equity enterprise located at Liyu Industrial Park, Zhuzhou National High – tech Development Zone. It integrates R&D, production, and marketing of cemented carbide series products. The company has a well – established production and R&D base with an area of 7,000 square meters and a plant area of 4,000 square meters. It boasts a team of experienced technical personnel, including 5 engineers, 8 assistant engineers, and 29 staff with college degrees or above.

Models and Features:

• Model Range: The company offers a variety of models such as YG6, YG8, YG6X, YG16, and YG20. These models are designed to meet different drilling requirements based on the hardness of the rock formations.
• Grades and Properties:
  • YG6: It has a binder content of 6% (by weight), a density of 14.8 g/cm³, a hardness of 90 HRA, and a transverse rupture strength (TRS) of at least 1520 N/mm². This grade is suitable for medium – hard rock formations.
  • YG8: With an 8% binder content, a density of 14.7 g/cm³, a hardness of 89.5 HRA, and a TRS of at least 1750 N/mm², YG8 is ideal for harder rock formations compared to YG6.
  • YG6X: It has similar binder content to YG6 (6%) but a slightly higher density of 14.9 g/cm³, a hardness of 91 HRA, and a TRS of at least 1450 N/mm². This grade offers better wear resistance in certain applications.
• Shapes and Applications: The tungsten carbide buttons come in various shapes, including spherical, ballistic, conical, parabolic, and flat – top. These shapes are used to make rock drill bits that are widely applied in oilfield and mining operations. The company can also customize the size and grade according to customer requests.

2.2 Zhuzhou Jinding Cemented Carbide Co., Ltd.

Brand Overview: Zhuzhou Jinding Cemented Carbide Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer with 12 years of experience in producing all kinds of carbide products. It has a professional sales team and focuses on providing high – quality products at competitive prices.

Models and Features:

• Model Example: The JDMO52 is one of the models offered by the company. Although specific technical details about this model in terms of grade and properties are not as detailed as those from ZhuZhou HongTong, the company is known for its hot – selling products such as carbide rotary burrs and tungsten rotary burrs.
• Product Range: In addition to drill bits, the company manufactures a wide range of carbide products, including carbide cold heading dies, carbide wire drawing dies, carbide rods, carbide strips, carbide plates, carbide inserts, carbide rollers, carbide teeth, carbide drilling tips, carbide balls, carbide pins, carbide cutters, carbide die blanks, carbide mould blanks, carbide dies, carbide oilfield drill bits, carbide rings, carbide shear knives, carbide blades, and carbide rolling mills.
• Services: Zhuzhou Jinding offers services such as sample provision within 5 – 7 days, mass production within 15 – 35 days depending on the order quantity, and customization according to customer’s final drawings or approved samples. It also provides long – term after – sales service to help customers solve problems.

3. Factors Affecting the Cost of Tungsten Carbide Drill Bits

3.1 Raw Material Quality

The quality of the tungsten carbide powder used as the raw material is a crucial factor. High – purity tungsten carbide powder with consistent particle size distribution results in better – performing drill bits. Virgin tungsten carbide, which has not been recycled, is generally of higher quality and more expensive than recycled material. Some manufacturers use a blend of virgin and recycled materials to balance cost and performance, but this can affect the overall quality and price of the final product.

3.2 Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of tungsten carbide drill bits involves several steps, including powder mixing, pressing, sintering, and finishing. Advanced manufacturing techniques, such as precision pressing and high – temperature sintering under controlled atmospheres, can produce drill bits with better mechanical properties. For example, hot isostatic pressing (HIP) can eliminate internal porosity and improve the density and strength of the drill bits, but it also adds to the manufacturing cost.

3.3 Grade and Design

Different grades of tungsten carbide are formulated to suit specific applications. Higher – grade tungsten carbide with higher hardness and transverse rupture strength is more expensive but offers better performance in hard rock drilling. Additionally, the design of the drill bit, including the shape of the cutting edges and the overall geometry, can affect its drilling efficiency and lifespan. Complex designs that require more precise manufacturing processes are likely to be priced higher.

3.4 Market Demand and Supply

The market demand for tungsten carbide drill bits can fluctuate depending on the activity levels in industries such as oil and gas exploration and mining. During periods of high demand, prices may increase due to limited supply or increased production costs. Conversely, when demand is low, manufacturers may offer discounts to stimulate sales, resulting in lower prices.

4. Quality Control and Inspection in Tungsten Carbide Drill Bit Production

4.1 In – Process Inspection

During the manufacturing process, in – process inspection is carried out at various stages. For example, after powder mixing, the homogeneity of the mixture is checked to ensure consistent properties throughout the batch. During pressing, the dimensions and density of the pressed blanks are measured to meet the specified requirements. Sintering is a critical stage where the blanks are heated to high temperatures to achieve the desired mechanical properties. In – process inspection during sintering includes monitoring the temperature and time to prevent over – sintering or under – sintering, which can affect the hardness and strength of the drill bits.

4.2 Final Inspection

Final inspection is a comprehensive process that includes visual inspection, dimensional measurement, and non – destructive testing. Visual inspection is used to check for surface defects such as cracks, chips, or uneven finishes. Dimensional measurement ensures that the drill bits meet the specified size tolerances. Non – destructive testing methods, such as ultrasonic testing, are used to detect internal defects like pores or inclusions that may not be visible on the surface. Only drill bits that pass all the inspection criteria are shipped to customers.

5. Future Trends in Tungsten Carbide Drill Bit Industry

5.1 Technological Advancements

With the continuous development of materials science and manufacturing technology, new grades of tungsten carbide with improved properties are expected to be developed. For example, nano – structured tungsten carbide may offer higher hardness and better wear resistance compared to traditional tungsten carbide. Additionally, advanced manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing (3D printing) may be used to produce drill bits with complex geometries more efficiently, reducing production costs and lead times.

5.2 Environmental and Sustainability Considerations

The tungsten carbide drill bit industry is also likely to focus more on environmental and sustainability issues. Manufacturers may explore ways to reduce energy consumption during the manufacturing process and use more environmentally friendly raw materials. Recycling of used tungsten carbide drill bits will also become more important, as it can help conserve natural resources and reduce waste.

5.3 Customization and Personalization

As customers’ requirements become more diverse, there will be an increasing demand for customized and personalized tungsten carbide drill bits. Manufacturers will need to invest in flexible manufacturing systems and advanced design software to meet these demands. Customized drill bits can be designed to suit specific rock formations, drilling conditions, and customer preferences, providing better performance and cost – effectiveness.

In conclusion, the cost of tungsten carbide drill bits per kilogram is influenced by multiple factors, including brand, model, grade, manufacturing process, and market conditions. Different brands such as ZhuZhou HongTong and Zhuzhou Jinding offer a variety of models with distinct features to meet different drilling requirements. Quality control and inspection play a crucial role in ensuring the performance and reliability of these drill bits. Looking ahead, technological advancements, environmental considerations, and customization trends are expected to shape the future of the tungsten carbide drill bit industry.