Method for applying hardfacing to a matrix substrate of a drill bit

摘要

A method for hardfacing a drill bit includes applying a hardfacing material to a matrix metal forming the substrate of the drill bit. The hardfacing material is applied using a plasma arc welding process. A metallurgical bond is formed between the matrix metal and the hardfacing material. The matrix metal may include tungsten carbide and a braze filler metal.

主权项

1. A method for reinforcing a drill bit defining a gauge portion and having at least one blade defining a face and a backside, having a plurality of cutter pockets formed therein, and having a web portion formed between adjacent cutter pockets, comprising:
applying a hardfacing material, using a plasma arc welding process, to a substrate of the at least one blade, the substrate comprising a matrix metal, the hardfacing material applied to the web portion of the at least one blade; forming a metallurgical bond between the matrix metal and the hardfacing material; and after forming the metallurgical bond, securing a plurality of polycrystalline diamond compact cutters into the respective cutter pockets.