Carbide-Chip Core Bits

The cutting media used in this type of core bit are crushed tungsten-carbide chips that are suspended in a metallic alloy that is fused to the steel body of the tool. Typically, these tungsten carbide chips have a granular size of 0.08 to 0.20 inch (2 to 5mm) and have a totally random orientation within the bit crown. The face profile is somewhat irregular and the waterways are of the standard canal type (Style "W") design.

This type of core bit has considerably more cutting edges than the "saw-tooth" variety and as such has a wider range of application that includes slightly harder sedimentary formations. Carbide-chip core bits are also frequently used to clean steel fragments out of existing drill holes.

Carbide-chip core bits are similar to impregnated diamond core bits in that the bit crown is composed of several layers of cutting media. The bit face regenerates itself with new cutting edges by wearing away the metallic alloy during operation to continually expose new layers of carbide-chips until the bit crown is consumed.