Both high-strength and standard-strength drill rods are designed and manufactured with an emphasis on durability, weight reduction, and serviceability. Our drill rods are designed to be compatible with all of the raise drills operating around the world.
The threaded connections on the rods are cut to exacting standards and verified using precision gauges prior to leaving the factory.
The rods are also designed with features that contribute to long life and serviceability. Each connection is treated in a kemplating process that coats the threads with protection against galling. Anti-galling protection assists in the retention of thread lubricant and the prevention of metal-to-metal contact. With proper care and maintenance, the threaded connections are designed to provide years of trouble-free service.
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, sigh strength steel has very favourable hardening properties, combining high strength with high toughness.