Varel International - High Performance Drill Bits

Backed by years of field-proven technology and expertise, Varel is the leading provider of high performance drill bits. The company's technological advances embrace the use of highly sophisticated computer technology, premium raw materials and thousands of on-the-job man hours, all aimed at reducing customers' cost of drilling.

Three cone drill bits

Varel International is continually improving its series of three cone drill bits designed for the blasthole industry. The introduction of the patented Varel Ridgeback series produced the first generation of advanced technology features designed for longer life bearings, improved cutting structures, and the famous Ridgeback shirttail concept. All of these features greatly assist hole cleaning, resulting in extended bit life.

Building on the success of the patented Ridgeback Marathon™ series, the introduction of the new Ridgeback D-Force™ series combines many of the existing field-proven features, plus a new high load SP1 bearing package, reinforced gage and shirttail protection features.

Drill bits for highly abrasive and broken ground applications

The new D-Force series is engineered for highly abrasive and broken ground applications, often found in gold bearing formations as well as some copper and coal bearing formations.

Advancements in this series provide added durability and increased penetration rates in the most challenging blast hole drilling formations.

Features of the series include an advanced bearing package. The bearings are engineered to minimize heating, providing a longer bearing life under a wide variety of operating conditions.

Enhanced shirttail protection is also an advantage. Abrasion resistant semi-round top (SRT) inserts are set into the Varel Sidewinder design, or "S" pattern, in the leg. This insert design, coupled with the body of the D-Force bit, creates an extremely strong gage that is beneficial for holding gage while drilling ahead and effective in unstable / fracturing formations and collaring protection.

The series’ precision cutting elements are processed with Varel's patented High Energy Tumbling™ (HET) method, which produces a unique cutting structure surface that extends bit life and increases drilling rate.

Drill bits for high pull-down applications

Ridgeback Marathon products contain longer life bearings, additional gage protection, and improved cutting structure elements for use in high pull-down applications. These innovations produce larger cuttings, less dust and an increased rate of penetration.

Bearing thrust capacity is often the limiting factor in bearing life. Marathon bits feature an improved thrust face design which minimizes outward thrust wear to prolong bearing life.

Vented cones are standard in all Ridgeback Marathon series bits 9in and larger in diameter. These vented cones allow a continuous air flow throughout the bearing to provide better cooling and cleaning. An enhanced cutter design process provides the highest penetration rates and longest life available.

Advanced rock bit design

New advances in computer technology have allowed Varel to develop proprietary rock bit design software that enables design changes to be introduced rapidly. This exclusive software aids the engineer with bit design analysis and includes such factors as drill operating parameters, bit geometry and mine lithology. By using this software, Varel's engineers are able to predict the effects of design modifications and limit the risks associated with new product development.

About Varel

Varel International is the world's largest supplier of drill bits to the global mining and industrial drill bit market, providing a comprehensive suite of roller cone and fixed cutter drill bits. The company has manufacturing facilities in Carrollton, Texas; Houston, Texas; Matamoros, Mexico and Tarbes, France, as well as sales offices throughout the world.

Varel's proprietary design capabilities, efficient manufacturing, and global sales force uniquely position the company to provide high-quality drill bits that deliver excellent performance and value to its customers.