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A new matrix specially designed for soft and abrasive ground has just been introduced on the market by Canadian manufacturer, Fordia.
Specializing in the manufacturing of diamond tools and equipment for the diamond drilling and geotechnical industries, Fordia has just recently caused a buzz with the launch of the HEROTM 7 matrix in June 2009. Popularized by an outrageous marketing campaign and a comic strip featuring a driller becoming a hero, this core bit series has left its mark.
The company is already expanding this new series with the HEROTM 3. According to the manufacturer, this matrix has been designed to address soft and abrasive ground types, which are usually rated between 3.5 and 5.5 on Moh’s hardness scale. These rock formations are mostly comprised of sandstone, shale or limestone.
Besides offering an excellent resistance to abrasion, HEROTM 3 also allows a smooth transition when drilling in various hardness levels, an almost unavoidable challenge considering the complexity of rock formations.
Drilling in northern Saskatchewan, Mike, a driller for Team Drilling, has quickly been impressed by the incredible penetration speed of the new HEROTM 3. While competing core bits offer a 4 in/min penetration rate, HEROTM 3 performed at least twice as fast in the same ground.
Brian, a driller for Major Drilling in West Wells, Nevada, tried the HEROTM 3 in an abrasive ground where the lifespan of core bits typically does not exceed 25 meters. He found the HEROTM 3 offered almost three times more lifespan!
With similar results registered in Mexico, Peru and Colombia, clearly the HEROTM 3 no longer has to prove itself. The shining commentaries of the many drillers who tried it prove that it has already won many enthusiastic fans.
Manufactured one by one with great care and precision, HEROTM 3 core bits are made of a unique blend of powders and a special alloy. Compliant with the HERO series, this new matrix comes standard with a 13 mm diamond impregnation height and offers an outstanding penetration to lifespan ratio.
Fordia recommends choosing a Pie-Shape configuration with this matrix, a smart move considering the ground type, because it allows a greater evacuation of drilling cuttings. Sedimentary rocks that can easily block waterways and slow down the work – optimal matrix and configuration choices can help reduce this possibility. HEROTM 3 is also available in Standard and Turbo-Pie-Shape configurations, as well as in Vulcan, with a 16 mm diamond impregnation height.
About Fordia
Fordia offers global drilling solutions to its customers in the mineral exploration and geotechnical industries. With a complete range of diamond tools, equipment and accessories, the company is a worldwide leader in the industry, distributing quality products that meet or surpass the specific requirements of drilling companies, while offering outstanding customer service and technical support.
Fordia’s culture fosters continuous improvement and centralizes its business practices on the values of communication, recognition, precision, growth and profitability.
Fordia employs approximately 150 people in Canada and throughout the world. The company has offices on all continents and is represented by its distribution network in more than 25 countries. For further information on Fordia, please visit www.fordia.com.
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For More Details
Hélène Coulombe, Marketing Director, Head Office, 514-336-9211, [email protected]; www.fordia.com
