Methods for joining cutting elements or other components to earth-boring tools and related methods

Abstract

A method of joining a component, such as a cutting element, to another component or body of an earth-boring tool, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, includes disposing a third-body structure, which may comprise a braze material, between a surface of the component and a surface of the another component of the earth-boring tool. The component to be joined is then rotated relative to the surface of the another component to generate frictional heat in the third-body structure and to at least plasticize material of the third-body structure. After the rotation, the plasticized material of the third-body structure is compressed between the surfaces and then allowed to solidify, which bonds the component to the another component without deforming either the component or the another component.

Description

FIELD[0001]Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to methods of manufacturing earth-boring drill bits and other tools that may be used to drill subterranean formations. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods for attaching components of the earth-boring drill bit or other tool.BACKGROUND[0002]Earth-boring drill bits, such as rotary drill bits (e.g., a “drag” bit) and roller cone bits, are commonly used for drilling wellbores in earth formations. These drill bits include cutting elements secured to a face of the body of the drill bit, i.e., to the bit body. The cutting elements generally include a cutting surface formed of hard material, such as diamond material, which may be supported by a substrate. In forming a drill bit to include cutting elements, the cutting elements are often formed separately and then secured to the bit body of the drill bit with the cutting surface directed so that it will contact earthen material as the dri...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent describes a method of joining a cutting element to an earth-boring tool by using a third-body structure between the cutting element and the tool body. The third-body structure is heated and compressed to create a strong bond between the cutting element and the tool body. This method can also be used to join other components of the tool together. The technical effect of this patent is to provide a reliable and effective way to join components of an earth-boring tool together, which can withstand high temperatures and loads during use.

Problems solved by technology

The friction results in heating and at least plasticizing of the third-body structure.

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