Choosing the right TBM cutter is not only about selecting a cutter size or material. A suitable cutter solution should be based on the TBM cutterhead design, ground conditions, rock strength, abrasiveness, tunneling distance, and the actual failure problems on site.
Qingyue provides cutter selection support for TBM and pipe jacking projects. By reviewing the geological information, cutter drawings, working conditions, and current cutter performance, we help customers choose suitable cutter types, cutter ring materials, bearing options, sealing systems, and related spare parts.
What We Evaluate
| Selection Factor | What We Check |
| Cutter Size & Type | 17 inch, 19 inch, single disc cutter, double disc cutter, center cutter, scraper or soft ground cutter |
| Ground Conditions | Rock strength, abrasiveness, quartz content, mixed ground, sand, pebble, mud or water pressure |
| Cutter Ring Material | H13 for hard rock and impact conditions; DC53 for abrasive ground and wear resistance |
| Bearing Configuration | Standard tapered roller bearing such as HH228340 / HH228310 or equivalent model; Timken bearing optional upon request |
| Sealing System | Metal face seal / floating seal for bearing protection against mud, water, sand and rock powder |
| Current Site Problems | Fast wear, chipping, cracking, bearing failure, cutter jamming, oil leakage or abnormal replacement frequency |
Our Selection Process
Project Information Review
We first check the TBM model, cutterhead diameter, cutter size, installation dimensions, geological report, and tunneling distance.
Failure Problem Analysis
If the customer has existing cutter problems, such as fast wear, chipping, cracking, bearing damage or oil leakage, we analyze the possible cause before recommending a new configuration.
Cutter Configuration Recommendation
Based on the working condition, we recommend suitable cutter type, cutter ring material, heat treatment direction, bearing option, sealing system and spare parts configuration.
Customized Solution Support
For special ground conditions or replacement projects, we can customize the cutter according to drawings, samples, original bearing model or customer-specified requirements.
Typical Selection Recommendations
Working Condition | Recommended Direction |
Hard rock or strong impact ground | H13 cutter ring, upgraded bearing, reinforced sealing system |
| Abrasive sandstone or pebble layer | DC53 cutter ring or wear-resistant solution, reinforced seal |
| Mixed ground with unstable impact | H13 cutter ring with hardness gradient heat treatment |
| Muddy, sandy or high-water-pressure condition | Reinforced metal face seal to protect the bearing |
| Long-distance tunneling project | Stable cutter ring material, premium bearing option and reliable sealing system |
| Frequent bearing failure | Check bearing model, sealing system, lubrication and assembly condition |
| Frequent cutter ring wear | Optimize cutter ring material, hardness and wear-resistant treatment |
| Frequent chipping or cracking | Improve cutter ring toughness and heat treatment matching |
Contact Us for Cutter Selection
Send us your cutter drawing, geological report and current site problem. Our team will help you evaluate the working condition and recommend a suitable TBM cutter solution.
During TBM tunneling, disc cutters are subject to continuous impact, rolling pressure, abrasive wear, and sealing challenges. Worn cutter rings, damaged bearings, failed floating seals, and loose internal components may lead to reduced cutting efficiency or unexpected downtime.
Based on cutter condition and project requirements, Qingyue can provide inspection, disassembly, cleaning, replacement of key components, reassembly, and performance checking for used TBM disc cutters.
Refurbishment Process
1. On-site Cutter Inspection and Removal
The refurbishment process usually starts with on-site inspection and cutter removal. Our technicians check the installation condition of the used disc cutters on the cutterhead, including cutter wear, locking condition, rotation status, and visible damage.
For cutters that have reached the replacement or maintenance standard, they are carefully removed from the cutterhead and prepared for further inspection and refurbishment.
2. Disassembly and Component Checking
After removal, the used disc cutter is disassembled for detailed checking. Key components such as the cutter ring, cutter hub, shaft, bearings, floating seals, O-rings, bolts, and internal fitting surfaces are inspected.
This step helps determine whether the cutter body can be reused and which components need to be replaced. Worn, damaged, or contaminated parts are separated before further maintenance.
3. Cleaning, Repair and Replacement Preparation
The cutter assembly is cleaned to remove mud, grease, metal particles, and worn residues. According to the actual condition, worn cutter rings, failed seals, damaged bearings, bolts, or other spare parts can be replaced.
For cutters requiring further repair, cutting, grinding, fitting adjustment, or surface treatment may be carried out before reassembly. The purpose is to restore proper assembly conditions and ensure stable cutter performance.
4. Reassembly and Final Checking
After the required parts are replaced, the disc cutter is reassembled with proper lubrication, sealing treatment, and fitting control. The refurbished cutters are then checked for rotation smoothness, assembly stability, sealing condition, and overall appearance.
Qualified refurbished cutters are arranged and prepared for reuse, helping tunneling projects reduce cutter replacement costs and improve maintenance efficiency.
Service Scope
Qingyue supports refurbishment and spare parts replacement for various TBM disc cutters, including single disc cutters, twin disc cutters, center cutters, and customized cutter assemblies.
Our supply scope includes:
Cutter rings
Cutter hubs
Cutter shafts
Bearings
Floating seals
O-rings
Bolts and fastening parts
Other customized cutter components
Why Refurbishment Matters
For many tunneling projects, cutter refurbishment is an effective way to reduce operating costs while maintaining cutter performance. Compared with replacing the complete cutter assembly, refurbishment can help reuse qualified cutter bodies and components, while replacing only the worn or damaged parts.
This is especially useful for projects with frequent cutter consumption, long tunneling distances, or limited replacement schedules.
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