PDC OR PCD DRILL BIT ? WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE ?

PDC means Polycrystalline Diamond Composite or Compact.

PDC are made by combining some layers of polycrystalline diamonds (PCD) with a layer of cemented carbide liner at high temperature and high pressure. PDCs are among the most rigid of all diamond tool materials.

PCD simply means PolyCrystalline Diamond : PCD are normally made by sintering many micro-size single diamond crystals at high temperature and high pressure.PCD has good fracture toughness and good thermal stability, and is used in making geological drill bits.

PDC has the advantages of diamond’s high wear resistance with carbide’s good toughness.

PDC Cutters are made from carbide substrate and diamond grit. High heat of around 2800 degrees and high pressure of approximately 1,000,000 psi forms the compact. A cobalt alloy is also present and acts as a catalyst to the sintering process. The cobalt helps bond the carbide and diamond.

As a general rule, large cutters (19mm to 25mm) are more aggressive than small cutters. However, they may increase torque fluctuations.

Smaller cutters (8mm, 10mm, 13mm and 16mm) have been shown to drill at higher ROP than large cutters in certain applications. One such application is limestone for example.

Additionally, small cutters produce smaller cuttings while large cutters produce larger cuttings. Large cuttings may cause problems with hole cleaning if the drilling fluid cannot carry the cuttings up.