Patent ID: 8991471
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: B22D,C21D,C22C,E21B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method of forming an earth-boring tool, comprising: introducing a first metal into a die configured to define at least a portion of at least one cutting element of an earth-boring tool, the die comprising at least one sidewall and a closed end; rotating the die about an axis of rotation while the first metal is in a molten state within the die to generate centrifugal forces on the molten first metal and form a surface of the molten first metal over the at least one sidewall and the closed end of the die, wherein the surface of the molten first metal over the at least one sidewall at least substantially covers the closed end of the die and intersects the axis of rotation; cooling the first metal in the die while the die is rotating and solidifying the first metal from the molten state to form at least a portion of the at least one cutting element of the earth-boring tool, the at least one cutting element having a surface intersecting the axis of rotation; introducing a second metal into the die adjacent the first metal, the second metal having a composition different from a composition of the first metal; rotating the die about the axis of rotation while the second metal is in a molten state within the die to generate centrifugal forces on the molten second metal and form a surface of the molten second metal over the at least one sidewall and the closed end of the die and intersecting the axis of rotation; cooling the second metal in the die while the die is rotating and solidifying the second metal from the molten state to fuse the second metal to the first metal and form an inner portion of the earth-boring tool from the second metal; and machining the second metal after cooling and solidifying the second metal.