The XT thread profile is based on the traditional trapezoidal “T” thread design and is therefore compatible with industry standard thread types such as T38, T45 and T51.  Thus, drillers can interchange and connect standard “T” style threaded components with the new XT thread.  For example, a T45 threaded bit or shank adapter can be connected to a XT45 threaded rod with full compatibility. “We specifically targeted to increase thread service life while enhancing drilling performance in extension drilling applications,” says Pejman Eghdami, executive vice president of Rockmore International. 

The dual cylindrical contact zones in the nose and rear of the XT threads significantly increase the lateral support between thread joints and stabilize the connections with more rigidity to provide better energy transfer. The enhanced thread support and geometry extends thread life and increases the overall component service life of the shank adapters, rods and bits with XT threads that comprise the Vector Rod System.

Because the XT thread guide feature improves thread alignment, the impact duration when “rattling” rods, as required in uncoupling connections, is minimized. This leads to lower wasted energy transmission, cooler couplings on rods and ultimately longer rod life.  Thread grease is also better retained on the thread pitches resulting from the new XT geometry, further increasing thread life in all XT components.

Another key advantage of the rod system over traditional threaded components is providing straighter holes and minimizing its deviation. The guided XT thread feature increases the rigidity and stability of the connections between the shank adapters, rods and bits so significantly that overall rod bending is minimized and borehole straightness improved.

The improvement allows for larger and deeper blast holes to be achieved using existing rod diameters, but only by converting to XT threaded components. In underground mining long-hole and production applications where up to thirty30 rod connections are common, hole deviation can be reduced substantially by using Vector Rods.

“As a major breakthrough for extension drilling systems, we have significantly improved drilling productivity and increased drill string lifetime by introducing new design features in the XT thread configuration,” Eghdami says. “And just as important, the new XT design is fully reverse compatible with industry standard “T” style threads, enabling the Vector Rod System to be truly remarkable, yet a practical choice for premium drilling tools.”

The system is offered in multiple configurations of button bits, MF rods, and shank adapters.  The drill string components are available in XT38, XT45, XT51 and XT60 thread types, designed to improve drilling productivity and reduce extension drilling operating costs in surface and underground percussive drilling. 

Rockmore International is a global manufacturer of premium rock drilling tools serving the mining and construction percussive drilling sectors for over 65 years. To learn more, go to www.rockmore-intl.com.