Determination of twist drill bits wear: the effect of the composition and structure of the steels

The aim of the study was to relate the infl uence of the chemical composition, structure, and basic properties as hardness of the tested drill bits on resistance to their wear. The chemical composition of the drill bit was investigated using the electric excitation emission spectrometry method and EDS microanalysis. Metallographic specimens were prepared and observed to determine the structure of each tool. Hardness tests were carried out on the shank and the working part of the tools. Material wear tests were carried out on the basis of measuring the wear of the drill bit flank. It has been shown that the appropriate selection of the chemical composition and heat treatment has a signifi cant impact on the wear resistance of cutting tools, which directly translates into their quality.