Method for identifying PCD elements for EDM processing

摘要

Methods of screening a polycrystalline diamond element for suitability for electrical discharge machining (“EDM”). The method includes providing a PCD element including a plurality of bonded diamond grains, determining at least one characteristic of the PCD table correlated to electrical conductivity of the PCD element, and EDM the PCD element if the value of the at least one characteristic correlates to an electrical conductivity above a threshold value.

主权项

1. A method of electrical discharge machining (“EDM”) a polycrystalline diamond element, the method comprising:
providing a polycrystalline diamond element comprising a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table, wherein the PCD table is formed by placing a layer consisting essentially of un-bonded diamond particles consisting of diamond adjacent to a carbide substrate and subjecting the layer and the carbide substrate to a high-pressure/high-temperature (“HPHT”) process; determining at least one characteristic of the PCD table that is correlated to an electrical conductivity of the PCD table; and EDM the PCD table only if the at least one characteristic of the PCD table is above a threshold value.