Inventors:
Michael Tomczak - Cypress TX, US
Vincente Salvo - Spring TX, US
Juan Rios - Houston TX, US
Bruce Jacobson - Katy TX, US
International Classification:
B22D 19/04, B22C 9/02, B22C 9/22, B22C 9/10
Abstract:
A mold usable to form a drill bit body and a method for forming such a mold are disclosed. A shell is provided, the shell having a cavity. Fusible material, such as foundry sand, is provided into the cavity, then fused to form a solid insert within the shell. The solid insert is then modified, such as by machining, to form a mold having features usable to form a drill bit body having desired characteristics. Materials for forming the drill bit body can then be provided into the mold, for heating and cooling. Then, the drill bit body and mold can be removed from the shell. The shell is thereby reusable, while the mold, being formed from inexpensive fusible materials, can be removed or destroyed, if necessary, to free the drill bit body.