Kondex Corporation

Mark More

Casey Placek

Keith A Johnson

Andrew J Theisen

Tina Giese

James Wessing

A boring bit such as for horizontal directional drilling is provided which includes a hard faced layer that is preferably made by a laser cladding bead. The laser clad bead may be applied in some regions to a greater extent and in other regions to a lighter extent and with thicker coverage or longer regions of application in different regions of the boring bit. Additionally, circumferential segments of the hard faced layer bead may be applied to impart a spiral path on the outer periphery of the boring bit which may be overlapped upon more general hard faced layer application. Further, the hard faced layer may be applied in substantially complete coverage over carbide insert teeth that are embedded within the steel base of the boring bit body.

Boring bit or other bit with hard face wear resistance material

A boring bit or other component for horizontal directional drilling is provided which includes a hard faced layer that is preferably made by a laser cladding bead. A subsequent or post heat treatment is applied to modify the heat affected zone (HAZ) to eliminate or reduce the hard brittle regions and/or softer regions in the base iron or steel material of the HAZ. Further, the hard faced layer may be applied in combination with carbide insert teeth that are embedded within the steel base of the boring bit body, such as by press fitting.

Boring bit component with hard face wear resistance material with subsequent heat treatment

A new horizontal directional drilling (HDD) bit comprising a bit body is provided with illustrated embodiments including a flat bit design and a cobble bit design. Cutter teeth may be cut (e.g. formed or machined) into the base steel material of the bit body. Additionally, a broken edge profile may be generated to avoid sharp corners for better receipt of hard facing material such as laser clad beads that may be applied in higher wear regions.

Enhanced drill bit profile for use in HDD

A hard facing is preferably accomplished with laser clad beads applied to horizontal directional drilling (HDD) component(s). These components may be subject to recirculating fluid regions associated to stepped geometries along a drill string, including various drill string coupling members. For example, laser cladding can be applied to a step region of the sonar housing and starter rod. A method applies a hard face coating such as laser cladding or other suitable hard facing in areas of tight geometric tolerances.

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West Bend, WI, United States of America

Mark More