Drilling With Microwaves

Drilling With Microwaves FARM SHOP Tools 30-3-5 Eli Jerby and a research group at Tel Aviv University in Israel have developed and patented a new type of drill that uses microwaves to make holes in rock, concrete, ceramic, glass and wood. It totally eliminates noise, vibrations, dust and chips. In some materials, like ceramics, the process may even add strength to a hole by "welding" together the material as it cuts through. The Israeli inventors say the new drill will be used in building construction, geological engineering, and production of ceramic components for cars and planes. According to Jerby, the drill's bit emits microwave radiation from a needle-like rod, creating a target hot spot that measures above 2,000¦ F. This intense heat softens the material enough for the bit to penetrate and create a hole. Jerby says the person operating the drill is shielded from microwave radiation by a simple plate on the front of the drill. The invention doesn't work on steel because it conducts heat too well for a hot spot to form. Jerby says the drill is not expected to cost more than a conventional drill once it goes into mass production. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Professor Eli Jerby, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv 69978, Israel (ph +972-3-640-8048; jerby@eng.tau.ac.il; www.microwave-drill.com) Janis Schole, Contributing Editor

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