Core drilling has become an indispensable technique in many labor-intensive industries, and there is a reason for this. Surely, we will discuss some of these reasons in this article. But before going into the reason for its soaring popularity and importance, we must understand what it is about and what labor-intensive means. Labor-intensive in this context entails a technique that demands effort; thus, we can describe core drilling as an effort-demanding technique. Core drilling or concrete core drilling, as it is fondly called, involves two specific terms: concrete or hard substance and drilling.
What Does Core Drilling Entail?
Of course, we already know what concrete and drilling are: When we add the two together, we get the perfect idea of what core drilling entails. Still, for clarity reasons, core drilling can be defined as creating holes or openings in hard surfaces or substances. Hence, from the definition, we should understand why core drilling is widely used in labor-intense industries (effort-demanding industries).
From the definition above, you should understand that Cote drilling is a functional technique that facilitates many activities and results in diverse industries. Hence, core drilling has diverse applications. But then, “What are some of these applications?” well, some of the industries where core drilling can be applied include the following:
- Construction industries: This is the most popular application, where it is used in remodeling buildings, structures, and concrete, resizing flat surfaces, walls, and beams, and creating openings like doors, windows, and more.
- Plumbing: This technique is adopted by plumbers when creating openings for pipes on hard surfaces.
- Electrical works: Like plumbing, core drilling creates openings for electrical fittings in a building or structure.
- Other applications: Core drilling is used when creating utility holes, installing sprinkler systems, and sometimes when exploring resources in the ecosystem.
We have seen some applications of core drilling. Still, the information is incomplete without knowing how core drilling works, its types and benefits, and tips for choosing the ideal core drilling company for your core drilling needs. As the title suggests, “core drilling explained;” thus, this article will provide information explaining what there is to know about core drilling.
How Does Core Drilling Work?
Core drilling is a technique used in creating openings in complex/dense surfaces and substances. This technique is performed using a unique tool called a core drill. The core drill consists of a rod laced with diamond chippings; this design enables it to pierce through hard and dense surfaces with ease.
However, the core drill range is in various sizes, but the sizes are generally classified into two, namely hand core and powered core drills. The handheld core drill is smaller and is used when drilling small surfaces. In contrast, the powered core drill is used for large surfaces and is either electric or hydraulic press-powered.
The core drill is not the only tool or equipment needed in core drilling, there are others, and they include:
- Safety equipment like nose mask, earbuds, helmet, and more.
- Power cable when using an electric-powered core drill
- Water and more.
Furthermore, the type of core drilling also influences the choice of the core drill, thus, bringing us to the types of core drilling. Core drilling is generally classified into two, wet and dry core drilling.
- Wet core drilling: a form of core drilling where water is a lubricant when cutting. Water is also used to prevent dust from rising and reduce heat generation when cutting. However, this core drilling has a limitation: it cannot be used on surfaces with electrical wires or outlets for safety purposes.
- Dry core drilling: This is the exact opposite of wet core drilling, where the cutting and coring are done without water. It is perfect for coring jobs where using water is dangerous.
Wet Vs. Dry Core Drilling: Which Is Better?
The obvious answer to the question above is wet core drilling because the water as a lubricant when coring or cutting makes the process easier with reduced risks. “But wet core drilling has the threat of being electrocuted when used in surfaces where electric outlets are present” True, but this hazard is avoidable. The dust generated when coring or core drilling is toxic to the skin and body when inhaled; thus, the need to wear protective gear.
However, wet core drilling reduces dust generated compared to dry core drilling, making the working environment safer and more conducive. Wet core drilling allows for better results because the constant rushing water reduces friction, making cutting more accessible and faster. The same cannot be said about dry core drilling. There is also the benefit of better results with wet core drilling because the reduced dust allows you to see your cut marks better, thus, allowing for better cuts translating to better results.
Benefits of Core Drilling
As mentioned earlier, many industries have adopted core drilling, and it has grown to become an indispensable tool and technique. These benefits best explain why, and they are:
- Less noisy: The irony is that we mentioned earlier that you need earbuds when core drilling. However, comparing the noise generated using core drills to traditional methods like hammers and chisels, core drilling generated less noise.
- Less messy: “Hello! It is like we forget the dust generated,” dust generated is particular to dry core drilling. However, it is less messy when we compare core drilling to traditional drilling methods.
- Precision: Core drilling provides higher precision allowing for efficient and accurate cuts to translate to better-looking results.
- Safety: Again, the comparison with the traditional method sets in; thus, core drilling is safer for cutting hard substances.
- Speed: Before the development of core drilling, coring and cutting through hard and dense substances demanded much time and effort using traditional methods. However, core drilling brings about speed when cutting through hard and dense substances; thus, it saves time.
Conclusion
Indeed, we have covered the major talking areas in core drilling, but then, the information is still not complete without a guide on how to get the best core drilling services or hire the best core drilling company. So, you should check the professional or company’s experience, license, insurance, and portfolio.
Of course, the first-hand experience can reveal how skilled or professional the company is in core drilling. However, you should also watch out for their license and insurance because a license certifies the company to be a recognized practitioner in core drilling. Insurance protects the client and the professional from unplanned events like accidents.
Finally, checking out their portfolio will allow you to see the jobs the company has handled to support their experience. Surely, all this is vital information to know about a core concrete drilling company before going ahead to hire them.
