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Polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC cutter) originated in the 1970s. The American GE Company was the first manufacturer to introduce the production of composites. It announced the relevant technology in 1970 and formally commercialized its Compax product in 1972-1973, which was of epoch-making significance. In 1976, the company launched the Stratapax series products specifically for oil and gas, providing a good foundation for the development of drill bits.
Since then, many companies in other countries have also made significant progress in technological innovation. China began to develop diamond composites in the early 1980s. In 1975, Chengdu Tool Research Institute developed PDC for FJ series cutting tools; in 1979, Beijing Institute of Artificial Crystals developed JYF type PDC inserts; in 1981, Guiyang No.6 Grinding Wheel Factory developed JFS-F series PDC inserts; in 1987, Zhengzhou Abrasives Grinding Research Institute successfully developed PDC for oil drill bits; in 1988, small batch production was carried out, and the product code was JFZR; in 1990, Xinya Company was established to achieve large-scale production, which greatly accelerated the popularization and application of PDC in China. Up to now, domestic PDC has complete specifications and can meet the needs of national economic development.
PDC is sintered from diamond micro powder and cemented carbide substrate under ultra-high pressure and high-temperature conditions. It not only has the high hardness, high wear resistance, and thermal conductivity of diamond but also has the strength and impact resistance of cemented carbide. It is an ideal material for manufacturing cutting tools, drill bits, and other wear-resistant tools.