Effect of Heat Treatment on Surface Hardness of Dth Hammer - A Case Study

Abstract

This case study examines the effect of heat treatment on the surface hardness of a Down-The-Hole (DTH) hammer. The study involved subjecting the hammer to various heat treatment processes, including carburizing, quenching, and tempering followed by hardness testing to determine the resulting changes in surface hardness. The results of the study suggest that heat treatment significantly impacts the surface hardness of the DTH hammer, with quenching and tempering resulting in the highest surface hardness values (55-60 HRC). The study provides valuable insights into the optimal heat treatment processes for enhancing the surface hardness of DTH hammers, which could have important implications for the mining industry. Heat treatment is a critical process in the manufacturing of DTH (Down-The-Hole) hammers, as it improves the surface hardness of the hammer body and bits from 30-35 HRC to 55-60 HRC. The process involves heating the hammer components to a specific temperature and then cooling it at a controlled rate. This alters the hardness of the material. The type of heat treatment process depends on the type of material used and the desired properties. Common heat treatment methods used for DTH hammers include quenching and tempering, hardening, and tempering, and surface hardening. The end goal of heat treatment is to produce a DTH hammer that can withstand high impact loads, abrasion, and corrosion, ensuring high performance and longevity in drilling applications.