SQP Engineering and Strada Percussion Drilling Systems

Strada Drill Bit CaliperGauging

SQP Engineering, based in Western Australia, has been a go-to supplier of precision-machined products for the mining, oil, and gas sectors since 2006. Their small but skilled team of ten has built a robust client list, including industry giants like BHP and Woodside. Notably, SQP was the first in Western Australia to purchase an FX20 printer, demonstrating its commitment to innovation.

One of SQP’s clients, Strada Percussion Drilling Systems, faced a recurring issue with hard-rock drilling: accurately measuring the wear on drill bits. Strada’s Chief Technology Officer, Taras Olijnyk, explains, “Drilling deep wells in hard rock means changing bits frequently due to wear. After use, we measure the bits to see how much they’ve worn down and replace them with smaller ones. As a result, the well narrows with each bit change.”

Traditionally, this measurement process involves using steel or aluminum rings, ranging in size from about 17.5 inches to 10 inches, in 3mm increments. These rings are slipped over the drill bit to gauge wear. However, this method is not only inaccurate but also susceptible to human error and doesn’t account for asymmetrical bits. This can lead to the dangerous mistake of inserting an oversized replacement bit, which risks jamming the drill string in the well.

The Solution

To tackle this longstanding problem, Taras Olijnyk devised an innovative solution: a precision caliper gauge designed with additive manufacturing in mind.

Instead of measuring from just two points, Olijnyk’s new gauge measures from three, providing a more accurate average of the drill bit's true size. This additively manufactured gauge can cover a range of 250mm to 450mm drill bits, effectively replacing multiple steel rings with a single, versatile tool.

The printed gauge offers several advantages over traditional metal rings. It is more portable, durable, and ergonomic. “It’s lighter and can be held in one hand. It’s cheap to air freight and can even be carried in your hand luggage. It’s rust and corrosion-proof and user-friendly,” Olijnyk noted.

By using additive manufacturing, they were able to reduce costs by 30%, cut lead times from two weeks to just two days, and slash overall production time by a factor of seven, all while eliminating machining time.

Thanks to SQP’s FX20 printer, Strada Percussion Drilling Systems developed a superior tool that saves time and money.

“What is awesome about 3D printing is that no detailed drawing is required, and a part can be designed and modelled one day, printed overnight, and assembled and tested the next day. It’s been invaluable.”

– Taras Olijnyk, CTO, Strada Percussion Drilling Systems Australia