Process for laser hardfacing drill bit cones having hard cutter inserts

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Abstract of the Disclosure A cone blank (120) for a rotary cone rock bit is forged, rough machined, carburized and heat-treated followed by the formation of insert holes (146) therein. Inserts (142) are then pressed into the insert holes. The finished cone is subsequently sprayed with hardfacing cladding material (154) in powdered form. The powder is thereafter densified and fused with a laser source to give a hard, erosion-resistant clad layer (155) on the outer surface, including in the immediate vicinity of the inserts (142).