Earth-boring tools and components thereof and methods of attaching components of an earth-boring tool
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorJames A. Oxford
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Abstract
Methods for welding a fixed-cutter bit body to a shank of an earth-boring bit are disclosed. An interface may be formed between the fixed-cutter bit body and the shank, and the interface may be friction stir welded. In some embodiments, the fixed-cutter bit body and the shank may overlap proximate to an exterior surface of the earth-boring bit. Methods for welding at least two portions of a bit body of a roller cone bit are also disclosed. An interface may formed between the at least two portions of the bit body of the roller cone bit and the interface may be friction stir welded. Earth-boring rotary drill bits formed using such methods are also disclosed.
Claims20
A method of forming an earth-boring drill bit, the method comprising:
- forming an interface between a bit body of the earth-boring drill bit and a steel shank of the earth-boring drill bit;
- and
- friction stir welding the steel shank to the bit body along the interface.
A method of forming an earth-boring rotary drill bit, comprising:
- forming at least two portions of the earth-boring rotary drill bit, each portion comprising a bit leg configured to carry a roller cone;
- assembling the at least two portions to form an interface between the at least two portions;
- and
- friction stir welding the interface to secure the at least two portions.
An earth-boring rotary drill bit comprising:
- a bit body;
- and
- a shank secured to the bit body along an interface between the bit body and the shank, the interface comprising a friction stir weld extending around an exterior portion of the earth-boring rotary drill bit.
An earth-boring drill bit, comprising:
- a body having at least two portions, each portion comprising at least one bit leg;
- a roller cone mounted to the at least one bit leg and rotatable on the bit leg about a rotational axis;
- and
- a friction stir weld proximate an exterior surface of the earth-boring drill bit along an interface between the at least two portions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.