Creating holes in walls, ceilings and other building structures is a technically complex activity. This is especially true when the target structure is represented by a brick, stone or other solid material. But most often, builders are faced with the need to process concrete as the most common basis for walls. Drilling operations in such structures can be performed by diamond drilling in concrete, which is distinguished not only by its high mechanical effect, but also by the accuracy of edge formation.
What is special about the technology?
Compared to alternative methods of drilling and cutting building materials, diamond technology is distinguished by two fundamental points. First of all, this refers to the quality of the holes and openings formed. This feature is due to the use of special chisels and crowns, which gently invade the structure of the material, carrying out accurate and at the same time fast cutting. The second feature is the cleanliness that remains after diamond drilling has been done in concrete. The technology provides for the inclusion in the workflow of the systemcooling cutting elements with water. But, in addition to the function of a cooler, this device also performs a filtering role, instantly eliminating the dust that forms during drilling. Water is supplied through a pump or a special container. In cleanroom environments, an industrial vacuum cleaner and a sludge collector may be used to accomplish this task.
Where is diamond drilling used in concrete?
This cutting method can be used in the construction of private houses, and in reconstruction work, as well as in industrial-scale technical events. That is, in all areas where, in principle, drilling or cutting of concrete structures may be required. For example, common works include foundation chasing for the purpose of installing ventilation ducts, installing fire communications in ceilings, fastening fencing elements, etc. Often, diamond drilling of holes in concrete is used as part of electrical network renewal projects. For such operations, hand-held cutters with a small diameter are used. However, in creating openings for engineering communications in heating and gas supply systems, one cannot do without the use of large-format nozzles.
Diamond cutting equipment
Only a special tool can be used to implement diamond processing. Usually professional builders use whole complexes of machines and units. In any case, the main functions fall on the basic installation, whichprovides driving force. Crowns, in turn, directly implement diamond drilling in concrete. Equipment of this type is a core drill, which is driven by a unit equipped with a hydraulic or electric drill.
Hydraulic machines designed for drilling holes with large diameters are quite common. The most powerful equipment of this type resembles industrial units in terms of design and construction. This is due both to the requirements for energy supply, and to the technical device of the machine itself. Almost any diamond concrete drilling machine is equipped with a frame that allows you to attach the base structure to the working area. As for the power of the equipment, it varies on average from 1.5 to 3 kW. The most productive units are three-phase models with water-cooled asynchronous motors.
Technical support of the operation
First of all, drilling operations are impossible without the use of diamond segments. These are high-strength gear elements with diamond impregnations, which allow processing a wide range of building materials. In terms of shape, this equipment can be represented by both discs and ropes with a cutting edge. Diamond drilling in concrete is not complete without reliable fixation of equipment. It has already been noted that for this purpose the installations are equipped with special devices. The operator at the work site must properly secure the bed with anchor elements.or dowels.
Also, the work process is impossible without a source of water and electrical supply. As a rule, such a tool is powered by a 220 V network, although industrial units require a higher voltage. In accordance with the technology, diamond drilling of holes in concrete is carried out according to the “wet” method, that is, it is important to calculate a sufficient supply of water for the full maintenance of the procedure. So, for example, to drill a wall with a diameter of 10 cm to a depth of 50 cm, approximately 5 liters are consumed.
Hand diamond cutting
With all the advantages of massive rigs that perform the demanding tasks of cutting concrete structures, there remains a demand for more compact hand tools. The relevance of such cutters is due to their mobility, ease of use and the possibility of using them in hard-to-reach places. The package of such a tool also includes diamond core bits for drilling, but their performance is lower than in the case of full-sized installations. Typically, manual models are used in the formation of narrow straight seams, as well as small openings in ceilings and walls for the purpose of further laying engineering communications. By the way, the advantages of such cutters are not limited to ergonomics in operation. Depending on the conditions of use, they can provide fairly high accuracy and precision.
Tooth Selection Options
Practice shows that the quality of gating is not even affectedas much as the power of the equipment and the skills of the operator, as well as the suitability of the selected bit to the requirements of the task. Of course, all the nuances and installation conditions should be taken into account, but the choice of equipment directly determines the final result. So, crowns are selected according to such criteria as abrasiveness, reinforcement and diameter. Depending on the dimensions with which it is planned to carry out diamond drilling of concrete, not only the diameter of the nozzle is selected, but also the degree of graininess of the cutting crumb. Abrasiveness also affects the quality of drilling. The best option would be to use different devices. If it is planned to create a large hole in a thick wall, then the main chasing operation is first performed with a coarse-grained crown, and then its result is corrected with a less hard abrasive. The need for reinforcement of the working element should also be taken into account, although modern devices are almost never produced without additional strengthening of the structure.
Wire cutting technology
This is a rather specific type of diamond cutting, in which not crowns are used, but a rope with working segments fixed on its surface. The technical support of this technique involves the use of machines with electric motors and wheel clamps that implement the belt travel. The user can use the drive speed controls to select the optimal cutting parameters, as well as use automatic modes. Unfortunately, wire rope diamond cutting of concrete is notalways possible due to the large size of the equipment. In places where it was possible to implement this technology, there is a high cutting speed and noiseless operation of the units. By the way, the equipment itself wears out less during operation.
How much does diamond drilling cost?
In terms of the cost of processing, concrete is not the most expensive material. Usually in price lists it is placed between reinforced concrete and brick. Specific rates depend on many parameters, but the diameter is considered the main one. The general calculation is based on the depth to which holes are formed in concrete. Prices for 1 cm average 40-50 rubles. At the same time, a small diameter of 30 mm can cost 15 rubles, and for a 350 mm hole they ask about 100 rubles.
Conclusion
When choosing one or another method of solving a problem in construction and installation operations, engineers often face problems in maintaining the overall integrity of structures. High power mechanical impact provides the possibility of processing solid material, but such actions do not always remain without a trace for the structure as a whole. In this regard, diamond cutting of concrete is considered one of the safest technologies. Despite the intense force impact, the crown gently and without unnecessary vibrations invades the structure of the material. However, these qualities largely depend on the equipment used. The hand cutter, for example, is the most gentle tool of this type in terms of impact on neighboringdesigns.
