Industry-standard SDS drill bit (left) versus EJOT Vortex SDS
Fastener manufacturer EJOT is poised to introduce a modular drilling system to its UK accessory range, developed through knowledge pooled from the manufacturer’s traditional fastening division and its more recent metal anchoring capability.
EJOT vortex SDS is a high-end drilling system designed for ‘SDS Plus’ drills to effectively remove the potentially harmful dust and debris created when drilling concrete, brick and block substrates—before it reaches the air that we breathe.
What is an SDS drill?
‘SDS’ is German terminology and stands for Steck-Dreh-Sitz which translates as ‘Plug in-Twist-Retainer’. However, ‘Special Direct System’ is recognised internationally while in the UK the term ‘Slotted Drive System’ is also used, possibly because the SDS design utilises these slots to allow the drill’s hammer action to thrust the drill bit forward, retained within the slot by ball bearings.
The back and forth motion of an SDS drill increases the strength of its action while reducing friction within the drill’s mechanism. This plug and twist technology reduces time spent changing tooling as the operator does not have to release or tighten the drill chuck every time. The bottom line is that an SDS Plus is an essential piece of kit for any professional regularly drilling into concrete, brick or block substrates.
Dust hazards on building sites
These dense masonry substrates present a range of technical challenges but it is the airborne dust and debris that has become a focus of concern for the UK Government. The HSE’s CIS69 document provides guidance on choosing, using and maintaining on-tool extraction to control construction site dust.
More significantly the document highlights the legal responsibilities for employers to either prevent or adequately control ‘worker exposure’ to high levels of dust created by a variety of tasks that include cut-off saws, grinders, breakers and sanders. SDS drilling presents exactly the same potential hazard.
R&D solution: dust extraction at source
It was the HSE’s guidelines that inspired EJOT’s R&D team to work with industry partners to develop Vortex SDS. The result presents the professional installer with a modular drilling system engineered from high quality materials, that creates effective dust-removal at the drilling source.
The vented four-cutter design of each carbide drill tip initiates the powerful dust extracting ‘vortex’ created inside each operating component. An integral 16amp socket connector means that the dust extraction occurs instantly, as the drill is activated and continues to draw dust and debris for a full ten seconds after drilling has finished.
The full system comprises:
4 x standard carbide tipped drill bits
8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm and 14 mm diameters
70 mm, 95 mm, 120 mm and 145 mm lengths
1 x special drill-to-bit connector
1 x modular extension bar, 220 mm length
3 x modular carbide tipped drill bits, 40 mm length
Choice of 16 mm, 18 mm and 20 mm diameters
Optional extra extension bar offers 20 mm diameter holes at 450 mm depth
Components can be ordered individually on a replacement basis
The removal of dust has the further time-reduction benefits of reducing friction between substrate and drill bit, thereby speeding installation and creating a more accurate drill hole. This also virtually eliminates the need to blow dust from the hole when installing mechanical anchors.
Features
Modular system for wide range of hole diameters and depths
Drill bits engineered with high quality carbide tips
Unique four-cutter drill tip design
High grade material and carbide tip keep components cooler
Engineered ‘flats’ aid quicker component removal
Benefits
Dust removal at drilling source
Reduces the hazards to health
Instant dust removal reduces drilling time
Reduces time spent cleaning drill hole
Less debris means longer life of the drill bit
Modular means components can be ordered separately
Instant power connection between drill and vacuum
Extraction continues after drill trigger release
One trailing cable means less clutter on site
EJOT Vortex V Industrial Vacuum
The Vortex SDS drilling system can be attached to any H-class industrial vacuum cleaner. As part of the system offering EJOT has partnered international manufacturer Addex to provide a customised version of the MV-DV20 VAC.
