Relevant Information: The components—PCD cutting tools with a body made from solid cemented tungsten carbide—were produced using Binder Jet Additive Manufacturing (BJAM). This technology employs layers of WC-Co powder that are selectively bonded with a special polymer binder. The presintered WC-Co powders have been engineered for optimal flowability, high green strength, and sufficient sinter activity, with special caution taken to avoid introducing imperfections, such as excessively large grains, into the powder particles. Process parameters are finely adjusted to ensure high resolution and to prevent defects. After printing, the components are cured, a step in which the binder is hardened. Then, the parts are depowdered—selecting the appropriate powders and printing parameters ensures the part is strong enough to be handled. The green strength is also critical for determining the achievable resolution, as small features can easily break. The next step is thermal debinding, where most of the polymer binder is removed, leaving the parts very fragile. The final step in the process chain is sintering, which determines the density, cobalt distribution, and other aspects of the microstructure, including the carbon balance. Careful execution of all steps ensures the production of near net shape parts with properties similar to those manufactured through traditional methods.

Finishing Process: The finishing of the tool is comparable to conventional PCD tools. After grinding the relevant surfaces, the PCD tips are brazed in the pocket seat and ground or laser finished to size, to ensure maximum precision.

Chemical Composition: WC-17Co