R32 Thread Button Bit Description
RockHound R32 Thread Button Bits and R32 Retrac Button Bits are purpose-engineered for medium-hard to hard rock formations where consistent penetration rate and long service life must coexist. Every bit in this series is drop-forged from Acero de alta aleación 45CrNiMoVa — a material recognized industry-wide for its superior fatigue resistance and impact toughness — then loaded with YK05 premium tungsten carbide buttons selected for their high wear resistance in abrasive lithologies.
The R32 thread standard guarantees a precise, energy-efficient coupling with compatible drill rods and shanks, minimizing vibration losses and thread galling over the bit’s full service cycle. Two distinct face profiles are offered:
- Button (Standard Face) — a flat, multi-button layout optimized for straight, high-speed penetration in competent rock.
- Button/Flat/Retrac (Retrac Face) — a retraction-bevel geometry that prevents bit jamming in fractured or blocky ground, making retrieval faster and safer.
Both profiles are available in 51 mm, 54 mm, and 57 mm for the standard button, with 55 mm and 60 mm retrac options — covering the most common R32-compatible drifter requirements in mining, tunneling, and construction.
Looking for the science behind the material? Read our technical deep-dive: Material de la broca para taladro percutor superior: 45CrNiMoV & YK05
Material
| Componente | Especificación |
|---|---|
| Bit Body | 45CrNiMoVa high-alloy forged steel |
| Grado de carburo | YK05 tungsten carbide (high Co content, optimized for impact) |
| Tratamiento de superficies | Shot peening + anti-rust passivation |
| Thread Standard | R32 (ISO 10208 compliant) |
The 45CrNiMoVa steel body undergoes a 20-hour controlled heat treatment cycle — a process that builds a uniform tempered martensite microstructure, delivering Rockwell hardness in the optimal range for top-hammer impact loading without brittleness. Learn more: Tratamiento térmico de 20 horas en herramientas de perforación de rocas
YK05 carbide buttons feature a cobalt binder content engineered for the dynamic impact loads of top-hammer drilling, maintaining sharpness across abrasive formations while resisting chipping. This grade is manufactured to RockHound’s in-house quality protocol and inspected via density and hardness testing before pressing. Full manufacturing context: Proceso de fabricación de brocas para perforación de rocas
Características
Premium 45CrNiMoVa Steel Body
Drop-forged and heat-treated to achieve outstanding fatigue strength and impact toughness, this alloy is the industry benchmark for top-hammer bits operating in medium-hard to hard rock. The 20-hour heat treatment cycle ensures metallurgical consistency throughout the entire body cross-section.
YK05 Premium Tungsten Carbide Buttons
Each carbide insert is precision-ground to its rated spherical or ballistic geometry and press-fitted under interference tolerances that eliminate loosening under dynamic loading. YK05’s elevated Co binder content provides excellent fracture toughness without sacrificing abrasion resistance.
Retrac Face Option for Fractured Ground
The Button/Flat/Retrac profile incorporates a beveled gauge shoulder that enables the bit to retract freely from jointed, blocky, or collapsing rock, dramatically reducing the risk of bit and rod entrapment.
Scientifically Optimized Flushing Circuit
Multiple flushing holes are positioned to direct air or water flush directly across the cutting face, maximizing cuttings evacuation and preventing bit-face overheating in deep holes.
Standard R32 Thread Precision
Manufactured to tight thread-form tolerances, the R32 connection delivers consistent energy transfer with minimal power loss at the coupling interface, extending both bit and drill rod service life.
Shot-Peened Surface
Post-machining shot peening induces compressive residual stress at the bit body surface, significantly improving fatigue life under the high-frequency impact loading of top-hammer drilling.
Logotipos personalizados
OEM and private-label marking available. Maximum logo size: 100 × 100 mm. Contact us for branding specifications and minimum order quantities.
Understand how geometry and button shape affect performance: Los mejores tipos de brocas para taladro percutor: Diseño de la cara y forma de botón
Especificación
R32 Standard Button Bits
| Tipo | D (mm) | D (inch) | Botones del manómetro | Botones centrales | Ángulo del botón del manómetro | Hilo | Código del producto | Peso (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botón | 51 | 2″ | 6×10 | 3×9 | 35° | R32 | 173-5109-5465 | 1.1 |
| Botón | 54 | 2 1/6″ | 6×11 | 3×9 | 35° | R32 | 173-5409-5465 | 1.1 |
| Botón | 57 | 2 1/4″ | 6×11 | 3×10 | 35° | R32 | 173-5709-5465 | 1.2 |
R32 Retrac Button Bits (Button/Flat/Retrac)
| Tipo | D (mm) | D (inch) | Botones del manómetro | Botones centrales | Ángulo del botón del manómetro | Hilo | Código del producto | Peso (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Button/Flat/Retrac | 51 | 2 | 6×10 | 3×9 | 30° | R32 | 174-5109-5403 | 1.0 |
| Button/Flat/Retrac | 54 | 2 1/6 | 6×10 | 3×9 | 30° | R32 | 174-5409-5403 | 1.1 |
| Button/Flat/Retrac | 57 | 2 1/4 | 6×11 | 3×10 | 30° | R32 | 174-5709-5403 | 1.2 |
R32 Large-Diameter Retrac Button Bits
| Tipo | D (mm) | D (inch) | Botones del manómetro | Botones centrales | Ángulo del botón del manómetro | Hilo | Código del producto | Peso (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Button (Retrac) | 55 | 2 5/32″ | 4×14 | 1×12 | 40° | R32 | 173-5505-6404 | 1.1 |
| Button (Retrac) | 60 | 2 3/8″ | 3×14 | 2×12 | 40° | R32 | 173-6005-6464 | 1.2 |
Custom diameters and button configurations available on request.
Aplicaciones
RockHound R32 Thread Button Bits and Retrac Button Bits are deployed across the full spectrum of percussive top-hammer drilling operations in medium-hard to hard rock (UCS 80–200 MPa):
| Industry Segment | Typical Operations |
|---|---|
| Minería subterránea | Production drilling, development drifting, rock bolting, slot raising |
| Open-Pit Mining | Bench drilling, pre-split blasting, buffer drilling |
| Quarrying | Dimension stone extraction, aggregate production, secondary blasting |
| Civil Construction | Foundation drilling, rock anchoring, grouting holes, road cutting |
| Tunneling | Drift excavation, face drilling, perimeter blasting |
| Geotechnical | Slope stabilization, ground investigation, micropiling |
Recommended Rock Types: Granite, basalt, gneiss, quartzite, iron ore, limestone (hard), sandstone (dense), copper-bearing porphyry.
Field Test Report — R32 Button Bits at Iron Mine
| Parámetro | Detalle | Especificación |
|---|---|---|
| R32 Thread, 9-Button | Rock Type | Iron ore (hard) |
| Test Quantity | 5 pieces |
| Número de serie. | Vida útil / Metraje (m) | Modo de fallo |
|---|---|---|
| 1# | 348 | Normal Wear |
| 2# | 352 | Normal Wear |
| 3# | 363 | Normal Wear |
| 4# | 345 | Normal Wear |
| 5# | 356 | Normal Wear |
| Media | 352.8 m | — |
Data Source: RockHound internal field evaluation report #33.
📄 View additional field validation: R32 51mm Retrac Button Bit for Hard Rock at Copper Mine — Proven in Chile
How To Maintenance
Proper maintenance is the single most controllable factor in maximizing cost-per-meter performance. Follow these protocols for RockHound R32 bits:
Rebobinado de botones
Inspect gauge and centre buttons at regular intervals (every 50–80 m in very hard abrasive rock, or every 150–200 m in moderately hard formations). Regrind when button flat wear reaches approximately 1/3 del diámetro original del botón. Delayed regrinding accelerates bit body erosion (“snake-skin” cracking) and risks catastrophic body failure.
Flushing Hole Inspection & Cleaning
Before each shift, verify that all flushing holes are clear of cuttings, clay, or carbide debris. Blocked flushing causes localized overheating, which anneals the carbide binder and causes premature button loss.
Thread Cleaning & Lubrication
Clean R32 thread flanks and faces with a wire brush after every rod change. Apply a dedicated thread grease (moly-based lubricant preferred) to prevent galling and ensure easy break-out. Never use general-purpose grease, which degrades under percussion heat.
Pre-Use Visual Inspection
Check for: cracked carbide buttons, body cracking at the gauge shoulder, damaged thread crests, and blocked flushing ports. Remove any bit showing body cracks from service immediately.
Almacenamiento
Store bits vertically or horizontally in a dry, ventilated environment, applying a light rust-preventive oil to exposed steel surfaces. Avoid contact with corrosive chemicals or prolonged moisture exposure, which can initiate stress-corrosion cracking in the 45CrNiMoVa body.
For a complete lifecycle maintenance guide, see: Broca de botón Top Hammer: cómo funciona, usos y mantenimiento
Cómo elegir
Step 1 — Match the Thread
Confirm your drifter and drill rod adapter accept an R32 thread (also denoted as 32 mm rope thread). R32 is the standard for 25–35 kW top-hammer rigs drilling 45–65 mm holes.
Step 2 — Select the Diameter
Choose a bit diameter equal to or slightly larger than your rod’s outer diameter to prevent borehole collapse onto the rod:
- 51 mm — Tight, accurate holes in competent rock; minimal deviation
- 54 mm — General-purpose; best balance of penetration rate and straightness
- 57 mm — Higher production volume; suits slightly fractured formations
- 55–60 mm — Larger void volume, suited to higher air-flush flow rates
Step 3 — Standard Button vs. Retrac Face
| Condition | Cara recomendada |
|---|---|
| Competent, massive rock | Botón estándar |
| Jointed, blocky, or friable rock | Retrac Button |
| Re-drilling or reaming existing holes | Retrac Button |
| High-speed production drilling | Botón estándar |
Step 4 — Gauge Button Angle
- 35° gauge angle (standard button): optimized for aggressive penetration in hard, intact rock.
- 30° gauge angle (retrac): shallower angle provides a wider retraction shoulder for easier withdrawal.
- 40° gauge angle (large-diameter retrac): higher gauge contact area for abrasive, coarse-grained rock.
Step 5 — Confirm Flushing Medium RockHound R32 bits are compatible with both compressed-air and water flushing. For wet flushing, confirm your flushing hole diameter matches your pump flow rate (typically 200–400 L/min at 6–8 bar).
Still unsure? Consult our technical selection guide: Los mejores tipos de brocas para taladro percutor: Diseño de la cara y forma de botón
Producción conexa
R32 Cross Bits y R32 X Bits are specifically engineered for the most demanding top hammer drilling environments. Unlike standard button bits, the cross and X-type blade designs are the superior choice for fractured, fissured, or loose rock formations where “sticking” is a common risk.
PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES
RockHound R32 bits use a 45CrNiMoVa (also written 45CrNiMoV) drop-forged alloy steel body, heat-treated over a 20-hour controlled cycle for optimal hardness and toughness balance. Carbide buttons are YK05 grade tungsten carbide — a high-cobalt formulation selected for its combination of impact toughness and wear resistance in top-hammer applications. See our material overview: Material de la broca para taladro percutor superior: 45CrNiMoV & YK05.
R32 refers to the rope thread standard with a nominal diameter of 32 mm, as defined by ISO 10208. The "R" designates the rounded, helical thread profile used in top-hammer drilling couplings. R32 is one of the most widely adopted thread sizes globally, compatible with drifters in the 25–35 kW power class and drill rods designed for 45–64 mm boreholes.
Yes. RockHound R32 bits are manufactured to international standard ISO specifications. The precision-machined R32 threads ensure seamless compatibility with all major brands of top hammer drill rods and drifters (like Atlas Copco, Sandvik, or Epiroc systems).
It is available. The Retrac design helps to easily retract the drill rod in fractured rock formations, reducing the risk of drill bit loss.
The choice depends primarily on the rock formation:
R32 Button Bits: Best for medium to hard rock. They offer faster penetration rates and are more efficient in homogenous rock because the tungsten carbide buttons provide a higher impact force.
R32 Cross Bits: Ideal for fractured or fissured rock. The cross-design prevents the bit from "plugging" or getting stuck in cracks, providing better hole straightness in difficult geological conditions.
45CrNiMo1V is a premium high-strength alloy steel specifically chosen for its superior resistencia a la fatiga y resistencia al impacto. Compared to standard steel, it can withstand the high-frequency impacts of top hammer drilling without premature body breakage, ensuring a significantly longer service life and better ROI for your project.
Service life varies significantly with rock hardness, abrasivity, drilling parameters, and maintenance practice. In our internal field test at an iron ore mine, five R32 9-button bits averaged 352.8 meters of footage per bit under normal wear conditions. Properly maintained bits with timely regrinding can achieve significantly higher footage in less abrasive formations.
Regrind when visible flat wear on any button reaches approximately one-third (1/3) of the original button diameter. Delaying regrinding causes the buttons to "bottom out," transferring impact energy to the bit body face rather than the carbide, accelerating erosion and body cracking. A consistent regrinding schedule is the most effective single maintenance action to maximize bit cost-per-meter efficiency.