How to Choose a More Durable T45 Retrac Button Bit
— Proven Results from Australian Mining Projects | XLG Drilling Tools
In hard rock drilling, T45 Retrac Button Bits are widely used for mining and tunneling thanks to their excellent energy transfer and directional stability.
However, depending on design and manufacturing quality, bit life can vary by over 30%.
At XLG, we are committed to improving structure, materials, and performance to help our clients achieve longer bit life, higher efficiency, and lower drilling costs.
⚙️ 1. Material & Heat Treatment Matter
Durability starts with the right foundation.
XLG uses premium tungsten carbide buttons (WC-Co) and vacuum heat treatment, achieving a hardness of HRC 50–55 while maintaining toughness to prevent chipping and fatigue cracking.
🌀 2. Retrac Design for Stability and Cleaning
Retrac designs help maintain stability in fractured formations and improve cuttings removal.
In a granite mine project in Western Australia, XLG’s deep face + high-button layout achieved:
- +12% drilling speed
- +28% longer bit life
🔧 3. Surface Strengthening & Anti-Seize Coating
Surface fatigue is a key reason for early bit failure.
XLG applies shot peening and anti-seize coating to reduce shank impact fatigue and extend service life under high-pressure DTH conditions.
🇦🇺 4. Case Study: Granite Mine, Queensland, Australia
- Formation: Granite (110–130 MPa)
- Product Used: XLG T45 Retrac Button Bit
📊 Results:
- Drilling depth per bit: +22%
- Bit replacement frequency: -30%
- Total drilling cost: -15%
💬 Client Feedback:
“After six weeks of continuous operation, XLG bits showed excellent wear resistance and lower energy consumption.”
💡 Conclusion
In today’s competitive mining environment, choosing the right bit isn’t just about cost — it’s about efficiency and performance.
XLG will continue to innovate and deliver durable, high-efficiency drilling tools trusted by professionals worldwide.
