stories on hard material matters - Ceratizit S.A.

is extremely hard on the tip but rather tough on the
steel side. The gradient in the carbide combines two
characteristics: good wear resistance on the tip and a
stable welded connection with the steel shank. The solid
head drill with gradient zones which was developed by
HILTI and CERATIZIT together with the geometry C3X was
even awarded a prize at the EPMA conference 2006 in
Gent (EPMA = European Powder Metallurgy Association).
“The cooperation between HILTI and CERATIZIT also
includes basic elements such as the development of new
cutting materials“, says Dr. Till Cramer, Head of the Consum-
ables Development BU Drilling and Demolition at HILTI:
“HILTI strives for consistent differentiation in the market.
The cutting material represents the key technology
for the differentiation of a drill,“ says the drill expert. “We
really appreciate CERATIZIT’s extraordinary willingness to
implement such developments with us.” Vice President
Doongaji adds: “It has also to do with trust and tradition.
We have already developed several generations
of drills together, which enables us to move on to the
next level of competency together.”
HILTI, DRILL MANUFACTURER
focuses on high quality. Dr. Cramer says: “In addition
to drills HILTI also develops heavy duty hammers and
combi-hammers. In this way the two components, tool
and carbide bit, can be perfectly adapted to each
other. Those who drill several hundred holes a day realize
the difference.”
Drill production in Kaufering
The drills are actually not produced in Liechtenstein but
in Kaufering in Bavaria. HILTI’s drills range from diameter
5 mm (length 120 mm) up to diameter 40 mm (length
920 mm).
HILTI relies on innovative solutions for construction sites
HILTI as a brand name long ago became synonymous
with heavy duty drills and other tooling systems amongst
professionals; the company employs 20,000 people
and stands for innovative solutions for professionals at
construction sites. And the results are stunning. In 2007
the HILTI group showed a double-digit growth for the
fourth time in a row, launching more than 30 new
products on the market every year.
Demands on the carbide in the drilling industry
The demands on the carbide result from the drill itself,
and these demands are steadily increasing. The material
to be machined is becoming ever harder, and the
carbide bits are characterized by ever higher
performance capacity. CERATIZIT head of development
Böhlke says: „The demands on the carbide are basically
maximum wear resistance when drilling very abrasive
concrete and sufficient toughness when encountering
reinforcements in the concrete. This also requires a stable
welded connection with the steel shank of the drill.“ And
these capabilities are tested at HILTI in an exceedingly
demanding laboratory for new developments that HILTI drills with CERATIZIT carbide bits are supplied throughout the world.
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