IADC Code Explanation The first digit signifies the hardness of the rock formation targeted by the drill bit button. Each drill bit is tailored for a specific rock formation, categorized by its hardness. The tool receives a number from 1 to 8, reflecting the type of rock the drilling tool's teeth or buttons are designed for:
1, 2, 3: Indicates steel teeth. 1 is tailored for soft formations, 2 for medium formations, and 3 for hard formations.
4, 5, 6, 7, and 8: Represents tungsten carbide inserts (TCI). Within this range, 4 is allocated for softer formations, and 8 for the hardest formations.
The second digit provides further insights into the rock formation. Regardless of the tooth type, this digit considers all factors of the drill bit and ranks the rock formation best suited for drilling on a scale of 1 to 4. Soft formations are denoted by 1, escalating to 4 for the hardest formations.
The third digit signifies the type of bearing used in the drill bit. For instance, a tri-cone drill bit employs different bearings based on the material being drilled.
1, 2, and 3: Denote roller bearings. 1 represents standard roller bearings, 2 signifies air-cooled bearings, and 3 indicates open bearings with pressure gauge protection. 4 and 5: Indicate sealed roller bearings. 4 denotes standard sealed roller bearings, while 5 signifies sealed roller bearings with gauge protection. 6 and 7: Denote sealed journal bearings. 6 represents standard sealed journal bearings, while 7 signifies sealed journal bearings with instrument protection. The fourth digit is a letter indicating the drill's special properties.
