Abstract: A hardmetal composite used as wear-resistant surfaces and inlays in earth-engaging equipment includes more than one hardphase. At least one hardphase has a high average particle size, for example, from 100 ?m to 2000 ?m. The hardphases vary in terms of particle size, hardness, and binder content, and at least one hardphase includes a particulate constituent capable of plastic deformation that comprises at least 1% residual porosity.

Abstract: A hardmetal composite used as wear-resistant surfaces and inlays in earth-engaging equipment includes more than one hardphase. At least one hardphase has a high average particle size, for example, from 100 ?m to 2000 ?m. The hardphases vary in terms of particle size, hardness, and binder content, and at least one hardphase includes a particulate constituent capable of plastic deformation that comprises at least 1% residual porosity.

Abstract: A turbine matrix sleeve in accordance with the invention includes an inner cylindrical structure made up of a first material. The inner cylindrical structure may include multiple blades and multiple channels running between the blades along an outside diameter thereof. The inner cylindrical structure further includes threads, such as right-hand or left-hand threads, on an outer surface thereof. An outer layer, made up of a second material different from the first material, is integrally bonded to the threads. This outer layer may be optionally embedded with hardened inserts or buttons, such as PDC inserts, diamond inserts, TSP inserts, or the like. The threaded surface on the inner cylindrical structure significantly improves the bond between the outer layer and the inner cylindrical structure and creates a mechanical lock therebetween.

Abstract: A hardmetal composite used as wear-resistant surfaces and inlays in earth-engaging equipment includes more than one hardphase. At least one hardphase has a high average particle size, for example, from 100 ?m to 2000 ?m. The hardphases vary in terms of particle size, hardness, and binder content, and at least one hardphase includes a particulate constituent capable of plastic deformation that comprises at least 1% residual porosity.

Abstract: A turbine matrix sleeve in accordance with the invention includes an inner cylindrical structure made up of a first material. The inner cylindrical structure may include multiple blades and multiple channels running between the blades along an outside diameter thereof. The inner cylindrical structure further includes threads, such as right-hand or left-hand threads, on an outer surface thereof. An outer layer, made up of a second material different from the first material, is integrally bonded to the threads. This outer layer may be optionally embedded with hardened inserts or buttons, such as PDC inserts, diamond inserts, TSP inserts, or the like. The threaded surface on the inner cylindrical structure significantly improves the bond between the outer layer and the inner cylindrical structure and creates a mechanical lock therebetween.

Abstract: A method of thermally treating a preform element, of the kind having a facing table of polycrystalline diamond bonded to a substrate of cemented tungsten carbide, comprises the steps of: (a) heating the element to a soaking temperature of 550-625° C., and preferably about 600° C., (b) maintaining the element at that temperature for at least one hour, and (c) cooling the element to ambient temperature. The resulting preform element has a substrate with a cobalt binder including a substrate interface zone with at least 30 percent by volume of the cobalt binder a hexagonal close packed crystal structure. This reduces the risk of cracking or delamination of the element in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a powder rod core comprising injecting a powder mix material into a mold, moving the mold to a curing station, and injecting material into a second mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a powder rod core comprising injecting a powder mix material into a mold, moving the mold to a curing station, and injecting material into a second mold.

Abstract: The present invention is a new method for forming a high density hard facing rod. The rod is particularly suitable for hardfacing downhole tools including both fixed cutter and rolling cutter drill bits, bias pads for downhole rotary steerable systems, and stabilizers, and for other types of tools requiring strong and wear resistant hardfacings. The method includes the steps of: preparing a powder mix comprising carbide and metal powders, a fugitive binder, and other additives to render a moldable rheology; forming the powder mix into a powder core encased with a metal sheath to form a core-sheath assembly; and isostatically compacting the core-sheath assembly to densify the core to at least 65% of theoretical density and mechanically attach the sheath. The core fugitive binder along with residual volatile constituents may be thermally removed with or without vacuum, reducing, or inert environment prior to weld application of the composite rod.

Abstract: A method of thermally treating a preform element, of the kind having a facing table of polycrystalline diamond bonded to a substrate of cemented tungsten carbide, comprises the steps of:

Abstract: Methods of forming a new wear and abrasion overlay formed with the steel surfaces of components for earth boring bits, and the components formed by the methods are disclosed. The overlay comprises a hard material particulate containing a metal carbide and an alloy steel matrix. The volume fraction of the hard material particulate in the overlay is greater than about 75%, the average particle size of the hard material particulate is between about 40 mesh and about 80 mesh, and the thickness of the overlay is less than about 0.050 inches. The process of manufacture includes the steps of fixing a monolayer of hard material particulate to the surface of a flexible mold, filling the mold with materials and powders, and CIP densifying to form a preform. The preform is then forged to near 100% density in a rapid solid state densification powder metallurgy process. The resulting bit component has an integrally formed overlay with superior physical properties.

Abstract: A steel tooth rolling cutter earth boring drill bit includes a bit body with a threaded upper end for attachment to the end of a drill string, and a lower end including three legs extending downwardly from the bit body and with a rolling cutter rotatably mounted on each leg. A layer of wear resistant material is applied to a portion of each rolling cutter and comprises wear resistant particles in a substantially steel matrix. The steel matrix is integrally formed with the cutter in a rapid, solid state densification powder metallurgy (RSSDPM) process, and includes a duplex microstructure comprising from about 10 to 40 volume percent austenite and from about 60 to 90 volume percent martensite. The duplex microstructure may be achieved by incorporating a minor fraction of pure nickel and/or manganese powder in the powder mix used in the process, thereby providing nickel or manganese enrichment of the austenitic zones of the matrix.

Abstract: Methods of forming a new wear and abrasion overlay formed with the steel surfaces of components for earth boring bits, and the components formed by the methods are disclosed. The overlay comprises a hard material particulate containing a metal carbide and an alloy steel matrix. The volume fraction of the hard material particulate in the overlay is greater than about 75%, the average particle size of the hard material particulate is between about 40 mesh and about 80 mesh, and the thickness of the overlay is less than about 0.050 inches. The process of manufacture includes the steps of fixing a monolayer of hard material particulate to the surface of a flexible mold, filling the mold with materials and powders, and CIP densifying to form a preform. The preform is then forged to near 100% density in a rapid solid state densification powder metallurgy process. The resulting bit component has an integrally formed overlay with superior physical properties.

Abstract: A steel tooth rolling cutter earth boring drill bit comprises a bit body with a threaded upper end for attachment to the end of a drill string, and a lower end comprising three legs extending downwardly from the bit body and with a rolling cutter rotatably mounted on each leg. A layer of wear resistant material is applied to a portion of each rolling cutter and comprises were resistant particles in a substantially steel matrix. The steel matrix is integrally formed with the cutter in a rapid, solid state densification powder metallurgy (RSSDPM) process, and comprises a duplex microstructure comprising from about 10 to about 40 volume percent austenite and from about 60 to 90 volume precent martensite. The duplex microstructure may be achieved by incorporating a minor fraction of pure nickel and/or manganese powder in the powder mix used in the process, thereby providing nickel or manganese enrichment of the austenitic zones of the matrix.

Abstract: A roller cutter drill bit (10) has separate bearing elements (82, 84, 86) positioned between a journal (20) and a roller cutter (60) mounted for rotation on the journal (20). The bearing elements (82, 84, 86) are formed of a superalloy material and the bearing surfaces of the bearing elements (82, 84, 86) have an aluminide coating applied thereon to form a bearing surface stable at operating temperatures over 500 F. and as high as 1000 F.

Abstract: A roller cutter (28) for a rotary drill bit (10) and method of making, utilizing an ion nitriding hardening process for the external surface (42) and the internal bearing surfaces (33, 34, 38) in the central cavity (30) of the roller cutter (28). The roller cutter (28) is made from a through hardenable steel and the ion nitrided hardened layer (77) has a total thickness less than around 0.030 inch. Hardened layer (77) has a relatively thick inner stratum (80) and a relatively thin outer surface stratum (78). The outer stratum (78) is formed of Fe.sub.4 N having a thickness no greater than around 0.0004 inch to form an outer surface which is ductile and has a relatively low friction coefficient.

Abstract: A rolling cutter (24) for a rotary drill bit (10) having cutting inserts or elements (52) mounted within sockets (54) in a so-called full shrink process. The rolling cutter (24) is heated to a temperature over around 500.degree. F. in a controlled inert atomsphere in an enclosed heat chamber (71) and the inserts (52) are positioned by gravity within the sockets (54) in a slip fit for retention in an interference fit by shrinkage of the cutter body (25).

Abstract: A roller cutter for a rotary drill bit comprising a conical roller cutter body of metal, and a plurality of cutting elements secured to the outer surface of the roller cutter body primarily by welding and being substantially free of mechanical interconnection to the roller cutter body. Each cutting element is an elongate member having a base portion at one end thereof engageable with the roller cutter body and a tip portion at the other end thereof engageable with the formation to be drilled for drilling the formation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming roller cutters and also for forming cutting teeth for rolling cutter bits, including cutter inserts, cutter teeth formed in place, or formed separately and welded in place, etc., by powder metallurgy as a densified powder metallurgical composite of at least two varying phases, the composite having a substantially continuous mechanical property gradient therethrough. The gradient is from one region having hardness or wear resistant properties to another region having toughness properties. The method comprises:providing a first powder mixture comprising a major proportion by volume of a powdered refractory compound and a minor proportion by volume of a powdered binder metal or alloy. Providing a second powder comprising a powdered binder metal or alloy or a mixture comprising a powdered refractory material and a powdered binder metal or alloy, present in a lesser proportion by volume than in the first powder.

Abstract: Cutting teeth for rolling cutter bits, including cutter inserts, cutter teeth formed in place, or formed separately and welded in place, etc., are formed by powder metallurgy as a densified powder metallurgical composite of at least two varying phases, said composite having a substantially continuous mechanical property gradient therethrough. One of said phases is preferably a refractory compound and another phase is a binder metal or alloy. The gradient is from one mixture of said phases in one region having hardness or wear resistant properties to another mixture of said phases in another region having toughness properties.