PDC (Polycrystalline Diamond Compact) cutters, introduced into the oil and gas drilling industry in 1973, have dramatically transformed drilling operations. With their high rock-breaking efficiency, design flexibility, and exceptional durability, PDC cutters have swiftly become one of the most commonly used drilling tools in the oil and gas exploration sector.

Initially, the development of PDC bits was relatively slow, taking approximately 15 years to gain prominence. However, with the advent of innovations such as multilayer polycrystalline diamond layers, non-planar interface patents, anti-whirl technology, cobalt filtration processes, optimized hydraulics, and computer modeling, PDC bits have experienced rapid growth and increasingly widespread application. Currently, PDC bits account for approximately 90% of the footage drilled globally, making them an indispensable tool in oil and gas drilling.

The technological advancements in PDC cutters are primarily reflected in several areas:

Firstly, advancements in materials science have significantly enhanced the wear resistance and impact toughness of PDC cutters. By improving manufacturing processes and selecting higher-quality materials, the lifespan of PDC cutters has been extended, reducing the need for frequent bit replacements and lowering drilling costs.

Secondly, the design of cutters has evolved from flat surfaces to three-dimensional configurations. This transformation has not only improved the rock-breaking efficiency of the cutters but also enabled them to better adapt to variations in different formations during drilling, minimizing eccentric wear. In particular, various shaped cutters such as conical, axe-shaped, and biconvex have been widely used in drill bit designs for rock breaking, achieving significant speed improvements in specific formations.