Spherical Button Rock Drill Bits: Engineered for Extreme Hardness and Longevity in Granite Drilling

When drilling ultra-hard, low-abrasiveness rock like granite, gneiss, or basalt, tool life is everything. The spherical button rock drill bit is engineered to withstand massive compressive forces and thermal cycling, delivering exceptional longevity where other bits fail in hours.

Why Spherical Buttons Excel in Hard Rock

Spherical buttons have a rounded, dome-shaped contact surface that distributes impact stress evenly across the carbide insert. This design:

• Resists chipping and fracture under high thrust

• Minimizes heat buildup from friction

• Maintains cutting efficiency even after hundreds of meters

The bit face is slightly domed, with 7–9 large buttons (Ø14–16 mm) made from premium-grade carbide. Gauge buttons are reinforced to protect the bit body in narrow veins.

Built for the Toughest Environments

Spherical button bits are standard in:

• Deep-level gold and platinum mines

• Hydropower tunnel projects in crystalline rock

• Dimension stone quarries (granite blocks)

• Geothermal drilling in volcanic formations

In a South African gold mine, spherical bits averaged 1,200 meters per bit in 220 MPa quartzite—nearly triple the life of ballistic bits.

Maximizing Spherical Bit Performance

To get every meter from your spherical bit:

• Use high thrust and moderate rotation (80–100 RPM)

• Ensure consistent air pressure to cool buttons

• Avoid sudden shock loads—collar carefully

• Retip when buttons are 50% worn, not 100%

Litian’s spherical bits use advanced carburizing to further enhance thermal resistance.

Spherical vs Others: The Durability Champion

The spherical button rock drill bit is the marathon runner of hard rock drilling—slow and steady, but it finishes the race.