Fabrication method for rotary bits and bit components and bits and components produced thereby
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorRedd H. Smith
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of fabricating rotary drag bits for subterranean drilling by layering techniques such as are employed in rapid prototyping technology. Thin layers of powder may be sequentially deposited and fused or otherwise bonded to define the bit body, or thin sheets of material may be stacked, bonded and cut. Bit body components may also be formed by the method, and subsequently assembled with other components made in like manner or by other methods to produce a bit body. Bits fabricated according to the method are also disclosed.
Claims29
A rotary bit for drilling subterranean formations, comprising:
- a plurality of superimposed, primarily two-dimensional layers of matrix material;
- means securing adjacent superimposed layers together to define a bit body having a face thereon;
- a plurality of cutting elements secured to said bit face on said bit body;
- and
- a tubular;
- externally threaded bit shank secured to said bit body opposite said bit face.
A component for a rotary bit for drilling subterranean formations, comprising a plurality of superimposed, primarily two-dimensional layers of matrix material;
- and
- means securing adjacent superimposed layers together in a predetermined three-dimensional shape.
A rotary bit for drilling subterranean formations, comprising:
- a plurality of superimposed, primarily two-dimensional layers of matrix material secured together by a binder material to define a bit body having a bit face;
- a plurality of cutting elements disposed on and secured to said bit face;
- and
- a tubular, externally threaded bit shank secured to said bit body opposite said bit face.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.