Patent ID: 6651757
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: C04B,E21B

Abstract:
A rock bit, comprising:a body; at least one cutter rotatably mounted on the body; and at least one insert disposed in the at least one cutter, the at least one insert comprising an exposed surface having a contact portion thereon adapted to periodically contact earthen formation as the at least one cutter rotates, the contact portion comprising a polycrystalline diamond material, wherein the polycrystalline diamond material comprises a composite material comprising a first phase material comprising polycrystalline diamond, and at least 10 percent by volume of a second phase material selected from the group of oxide particulates, metal carbides, metallic particulates, nitrides, and mixtures thereof, the polycrystalline diamond having a hardness in the range of about 2000 Vickers Hardness Units to about 3000 Vickers Hardness Units.