IADC Codes make it easier for drillers to describe what kind of rock bit they are looking for to the supplier. Following the IADC bit classification system in which the first three digits classify the bit according to the formation it is designed to drill and the bearing/seal design used.
First Digit:
1, 2, and 3 designate STEEL TOOTH BITS with 1 for soft, 2 for medium and 3 for hard formations.
4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 designate TUNGSTEN CARBIDE INSERT BITS for varying formation hardness with 4 being the softest and 8 the hardest.
Second Digit:1, 2, 3 and 4 are further breakdown of formation with 1 being the softest and 4 the hardest.
Third Digit:This digit will classify the bit according to bearing/seal type
- - and special guage wear protection as follows:
1. Standard open bearing roller bit
2. Standard open bearing roller bit, air-cooled
3. Standard open bearing roller bit with gauge protection which is defined as carbide inserts in the heel of the cone
4. Sealed roller bearing bit
5. Sealed roller bearing bit with gauge protection
6. Journal sealed bearing bit
7. Journal sealed bearing bit with gauge protection
Fourth Digit:The following letter codes are used in the fourth digit position to indicate additional features:
A. Air Application
R. Reinforced Welds
C. Center Jet
S. Standard Steel Tooth
D. Deviation Control
X. Chisel Insert
E. Extended Jet
Y. Conical Insert
G. Extra Gage Protection
Z. Other Insert Shape
J. Jet Deflection
