Our six-ribbed stabilisers are designed to stabilise and centralise the drill string. Ribbed stabilisers are critical for the reduction of vibration and to maintain pilot hole accuracy. The six-ribbed stabilisers also support and stabilise the cutting head in the reaming cycle. Typically, multiple stabilisers are positioned behind the bit reamer stabiliser during the piloting cycle. When the piloting tools are removed for the reaming cycle, the ribbed stabiliser is connected directly to the reamer.
Ribbed stabilisers are offered with spiral or straight ribs and either tungsten carbide inserts (TCI) or a re-buildable carbide hard facing. All ribbed stabilisers are finished to exact dimensions across the ribs to suit the pilot hole size for the purpose of achieving optimal stabilisation.
Raiseboring steel
The steel used in the production of our drill rods is vitally important because rods must be able to withstand tremendous loads. Understanding that not all steels of a specific grade are produced to the same quality level and knowing the catastrophic effects of a drill string failure, we are committed to providing value to you through high-quality products demonstrating durability and strength.
State-of-the-art specifications
Since the manufacture of the first raiseboring machines, we have been developing and refining the material specifications for steel used in the production of drill rods. With an uncompromising commitment to product quality, our engineers and metallurgists work directly with qualified steel mills to continuously refine the melting, ingot pouring, forming, heat treating, and testing processes. The result is a steel product that balances high strength and toughness, developed specifically for our customers in the raiseboring industry.
Two grades of steel available
Products are offered in two distinct grades of steel, according to the size of the drill and the size of the shaft. Standard-strength steel is an AISI 4145H modified grade with chemistry that has been altered to produce a deeper hardening level when heat treated. Standard-strength steel is formed by the rolling process and provides 758 Mpa (110,000 psi) minimum yield strength for machines using drill string up to 286 mm (11.25 in.) diameter.
High-strength steel is an AISI 4330 modified grade that is produced exclusively by open die forging. The forging process presses and forms the ingot, reducing the ingot diameter significantly. The forging process produces a highly refined grain structure in the steel that cannot be achieved from the rolling process. When quenched and tempered under closely controlled conditions, high strength steel has very favourable hardening properties, combining high strength with high toughness.