The influence of uniformity of synthetic diamond grits on the drilling tool performance

For diamond powders with magnetic properties, which were prepared from diamond grains synthesized in the presence of ferrocobalt, a method is put forward that involves the grading of diamond grits by the degree of imperfection and additional classification to separate narrow 400/355 and 250/220 size ranges. This method is shown to provide elite diamond powders AS160-E through AS65-E that feature a great uniformity of strength and geometrical characteristics. The use of such powders in drilling bits improves the tool performance in hard rock drilling. The drill bit wear intensity is demonstrated to decrease with increasing strength and strength uniformity of AS160-E-AS65-E powders in combination with their improved linear-dimension uniformity.