Support fixture for acid etching of PCD inserts

摘要

A fixture for etching PCD drill inserts is provided. The fixture design allows the fixture to be injection molded, significantly reducing costs and allowing the fixture to be disposed of after a single use. The fixture allows for faster use and more accurate etching of the PCD insert.

主权项

1. An etching system for etching cylindrical PCD inserts comprising:
a PCD insert having a generally cylindrical substrate and a layer of sintered polycrystalline diamond attached to an end of the substrate; an etching tank having acid disposed therein; an etching fixture body, the body having;
a bore therethrough with a diameter larger than the cylindrical PCD insert to provide a slip fit with the cylindrical PCD insert;a rib formed at the bottom of the bore and extending inwardly into the bore to form an opening with a diameter smaller than the PCD insert to cause an interference fit with the PCD insert;a base extending outwardly from the bottom of the body;feet extending downwardly from the base so as to elevate the base; and wherein the PCD insert is inserted into the body such that the substrate is disposed in the bore and a portion of the layer of sintered diamond passes through the opening formed by the rib and is exposed outside of the body; a cap inserted into the top of the bore to thereby seal the top of the bore; and wherein the fixture is placed in acid in the etching tank such that the feet hold the portion of the layer of sintered diamond apart from the etching tank and such that the acid contacts the portion of the layer of sintered diamond to etch the portion of the layer of sintered diamond.