Method and apparatus for the automated application of hardfacing material to rolling cutters of earth-boring drill bits
US8698038B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 18, 2009 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K9/044
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a system and method for automated or “robotic” application of hardfacing to the surface of a steel-toothed cutter of a rock bit. In particular, the system incorporates a grounded adapter plate and chuck mounted to a robotic arm for grasping and manipulating a rock bit cutter beneath an electrical or photonic energy welding source, such as a plasma arc welding torch manipulated by a positioner. In this configuration, the torch is positioned substantially vertically and oscillated along a horizontal axis as the cutter is manipulated relative along a target path for the distribution of hardfacing. Moving the cutter beneath the torch allows more areas of more teeth to be overlayed, and allows superior placement for operational feedback, such as automatic positioning and parameter correction. In the preferred embodiment, sensors provide data to the control system for identification, positioning, welding program selection, and welding program correction. The control system, aided by data from the sensors, manipulates the robotically held cutter while controlling the operation and oscillation of the torch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.