Cutting matrix and method applying the same

Abstract

A method for applying cutting elements to a tool for cutting or milling a metal item in a well is disclosed, along with the cutting element used in the method. The tool can include one or more blades extending outwardly or downwardly from the tool for cutting a metal item such as the wall of a casing string, or for removing a predetermined length of a casing string in a cutting action. The blade or blades have cutting elements positioned on the leading faces of the blades to engage the casing string or other metal item in the bore hole. Each cutting element is composed of a plurality of effective cutting faces. Each cutting face can have a substantially triangular shape, or a substantially square shape, or some other geometric shape. The cutting elements can be arranged in a random pattern. Each cutting element can be oriented in a random orientation relative to the blade. The cutting elements are shaped so that, regardless of the positioning or orientation of a given cutting element, it will continually present a sharp cutting edge to the metal object being cut. Each cutting face of each cutting element can also have one or more surface irregularities to cause the metal chips cut from the casings to break off at short lengths.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.