Laser Enhancement of Diamond Drill bit insert micro-geometries for Oil and gas Exploration (LEDDOE)

LEDDOE is aimed at developing a novel laser application which enhances the performance of polycrystalline diamond (PCD) composite drill bit inserts for oil and gas drilling applications. This will be achieved by using laser ablation to optimally profile the cutting edges to enhance drilling performance, thereby replacing the basic geometries with more complex, multi-faceted geometries. In addition, fracture attenuation will be achieved by the laser micro-drilling or cutting of specifically designed micro-patterns of optimised 3D shapes placed in strategic locations to better distribute the mechanical/thermal loads into the bulk PCD material during the drilling opeartions.