Fiber-containing diamond-impregnated cutting tools and methods of forming and using same

Abstract

Fibers for diamond-impregnated cutting tools and their associated methods for manufacture and use are described. A matrix is formed that contains fibers made from carbon, glass, ceramic, polymer, and the like. The matrix is then sintered to form a cutting portion of a drill bit. The type and concentration of the fibers can be modified to control the tensile strength and the erosion rate of the matrix to optimize the cutting performance of the tools. Additionally, the fibers may be added to the cutting section to weaken the structure and allow higher modulus binders to be used for the cutting tools at a lower cost, allowing the amount of fibers to be tailored to retain the diamonds in the cutting portion for the desired amount. As the cutting portion erodes, the fibers may also increase the lubricity at the face of the cutting portion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cutting tool comprising a cutting section, the cutting section comprising:
 a matrix of hard particulate material;   a binder infiltrated therein the matrix of hard particulate material;   a plurality of cutting media dispersed within the matrix of hard particulate material; and   a plurality of metal fibers dispersed within the matrix of hard particulate material.