Tungsten carbide is well known for its hardness. Compared to diamonds, which have a hardness rating of 10 on Moh’s hardness scale, tungsten features an impressive rating of 8.5 to 9. Available in multiple grades, styles, forms, and shapes, tungsten carbide is an ideal choice for cutting tools like drill bits for oil and gas or mining operations. The compound enables manufacturers to create durable, lasting bits that enhance drilling speed and depth capabilities.
Since 1965, Ultra-Met Carbide Technologies has specialized in manufacturing stock and custom tungsten carbide products. From our proprietary carbide grades, you can select the variety that optimally suits your unique cutting, drilling, or reaming application. Read on to learn more about the benefits of tungsten carbide bits and how the Ultra-Met team can support your oil and gas or hard rock drilling operations.
Why Use Tungsten Carbide for Oil and Gas Bits?
Given their hardness, tungsten carbide bits for oil and gas industry projects exhibit specialized cutting abilities, long-lasting durability, and exceptional performance. Part of this longevity, even in rugged applications, is also due to the material’s superior heat resistance.
Tungsten carbide bits are known to handle the rigors of extreme environments. Ultra-Met’s newly developed grades improve the longevity of the bit, enhance productivity, and are a cost-effective solution. Ultra-Met’s new grades are becoming the preferred choice for companies where time equals money. Lowering your risk of downtime and bit replacement, these bits simultaneously boost productivity. Our bits used to dig deep into the ground are ultimately invaluable tools for driving clients’ success.
Ultra-Met’s Custom Carbide Grades for Oil and Gas Drilling
With over 60 years of industry experience, Ultra-Met is the leading independent U.S. manufacturer of custom-molded, high-quality tungsten carbide made in Urbana, Ohio. Our proprietary carbide grades help guarantee maximum product performance and lifespan in bits for drilling, digging, trenching, and mining applications. We offer industry-standard, off-the-shelf options as well as custom products to meet the demands of your specific project, including:
- Carbide buttons (serrated or flat top)
- Carbide reamers
- Chisels
- Conicals
- Domes
- Drag bit inserts
- Geophysical inserts
- Roller reamer buttons
- Stabilizer wear pads
Ultra-Met prides itself on having a tungsten carbide grade to suit just about any market sector, meeting or exceeding our customers’ expectations. If, however, one of our standard grades doesn’t quite meet your needs, our expert team will work closely with you to develop a new, custom-blended formula to suit your unique application. We also have nickel, cobalt, and hybrid (nickel and cobalt) binders available to ensure the necessary performance in your operations.
How to Choose the Right Carbide Grade and Bit for Oil and Gas or Hard Rock Drilling
When selecting the optimal carbide grade for your oil and gas drill bits, you have multiple factors to consider. Ask yourself the following:
- What substrate(s) will you be drilling into with your bits?
- What are the hardness and other mechanical properties of the substrate(s)?
- Will the drilling process be fluid-assisted?
- What is the required life expectancy of the bits?
- What shape is necessary for achieving that lifespan, as well as maximum operational efficiency?
- What bit holder and shape will be involved in the application?
- How do you prefer to mount carbide bits to the holder? Brazed or Press-fit: Press-fit is a friction fit with high holding force, but difficult removal. Brazing simplifies the installation process, also making removal and replacement simpler, but has an increased risk of losing the bit during operations.
Carbide for Oil, Gas, Mining, and Earthworks at Ultra-Met
Have questions about Ultra-Met’s tungsten carbide grades or carbide bit options? Our customer service team is here to help. Contact us to learn more about the ability of tungsten carbide drill bits to surpass the capabilities afforded by traditional materials, or request a quote today to get started on your next project with Ultra-Met.