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Kutrite® Rods for Superior Performance

Kutrite® combines precision-graded tungsten carbide particles with tough matrix materials to deliver superior performance in downhole drilling tools, stabilizers, and high-wear industrial applications.

Kutrite Tungsten Carbide Rods


Kutrite® Nickel Silver (NS)

Aggressive tungsten carbide chips cast into rod form with a tough and durable Nickel Silver matrix.

Kutrite® Nickel Silver is perfect for applications involving downhole milling, rock drilling, or reaming. The multifaceted tungsten carbide chips provide aggressive cutting action while the tough Nickel Silver matrix ensures durability and ease of application.

Primary Applications:

  • Downhole milling of low-alloy steel
  • Rock drilling and core barrel shoes
  • Reaming and junk mill operations
  • Foundation and geothermal drilling

Key Advantage

Hand-weighed and handmade for consistent applications with no waste. Aggressive multifaceted chips provide superior cutting performance in the widest range of downhole applications.

Available Sizes

Micro: For smaller geometries and precision applications

Standard: For covering larger areas


Kutrite® Silicon Bronze (SB)

Aggressive tungsten carbide chips cast into rod form with a zinc-free, durable Silicon Bronze matrix.

An excellent replacement for applications where zinc-containing materials are a concern. Provides the same aggressive cutting performance as Nickel Silver Kutrite® while meeting environmental or service company specifications that require zinc-free materials.

Primary Applications:

  • Applications requiring near zinc-free materials
  • Service company specifications prohibiting zinc
  • Environmental compliance requirements

Key Advantage

Delivers the same aggressive cutting performance as Nickel Silver Kutrite® while meeting environmental or service company specifications that prohibit zinc-containing materials.

Available Sizes:

Micro: For smaller geometries and precision applications

Standard: For covering larger areas


Kutrite® Nickel Chrome Boron (NCB)

Blocky tungsten carbide chips cast into rod form with a wear-resistant NiCrB matrix.

Designed specifically for extreme wear applications. The blocky tungsten carbide particles are less sharp but pack tighter, creating maximum wear resistance. The proprietary matrix hardness of 35 HRc nominal provides exceptional durability in high-abrasion environments.

Primary Applications:

  • Stabilizers and wear pads
  • Extreme abrasion applications
  • High-impact, high-wear environments
  • Tools requiring maximum wear resistance

Key Advantage

Blocky particle shape allows crushed carbide to pack tighter and ultimately reduce wear compared to sharp, multifaceted chips.

Available Sizes:

  • Standard: For covering larger areas
  • Micro: For smaller geometries and precision applications

Kutrite® Insert Rod

Engineered tungsten carbide inserts aligned and cast into rod form with a tough and durable Nickel Silver matrix.

Inserts in rod form are faster and easier for operators to handle and place accurately. This means tools get built faster and get on-site quicker—reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.

Primary Applications

  • Tools requiring large-volume, large surface area insert placement
  • Precision placement on drilling/milling tools
  • Combination applications with composite rods
  • Available with Piranha patented geometry inserts for superior cutting performance in the most demanding downhole applications

Pre-aligned inserts eliminate the need for operators to handle individual inserts with tweezers, dramatically improving application speed and consistency.


Technical Specifications

ProductMatrix MaterialKey Characteristics
Kutrite® Nickel SilverNickel Silver alloyDurable, excellent flow, aggressive cutting
Kutrite® Silicon BronzeSilicon Bronze (zinc-free)Zinc-free compliance, same performance as Nickel Silver
Kutrite® NCBNickel Chrome BoronWear-resistant, 35 HRc nominal hardness
Kutrite® Insert RodNickel SilverHigh bond strength for insert retention

Tungsten Carbide Configurations

ProductTungsten Carbide TypeOptimized For
Kutrite® Nickel SilverMultifaceted aggressive chipsCutting, milling, reaming
Kutrite® Silicon BronzeMultifaceted aggressive chipsCutting (zinc-free)
Kutrite® NCBBlocky particlesExtreme wear resistance
Kutrite® Insert RodEngineered insertsPrecision placement

Available Sizes

Standard: For covering larger surface areas efficiently
Micro: For smaller geometries and precision applications

piranaha inserts hardfacing on drill bit

Foundation Drilling

Foundation drilling for piling, and coring applications benefit from Kutrite®’s ability to protect drilling tools in abrasive formations. The same tungsten carbide formulations used in oil and gas operations provide reliable performance in these demanding environments.

Weld-On Core Barrel Shoes: Tungsten carbide cutting edges that penetrate rock formations while preserving core sample integrity for geological analysis.

Geothermal Drilling

Drilling tools that utilize Kutrite® accel in abrasive geothermal drilling which utilizes high-friction cutting methods to penetrate tough, hot rock formations efficiently, enhancing heat extraction and sustainable energy production

Industrial facility emits thick white steam or smoke into the sky at sunset, with a mountain in the background and colorful clouds, with a geothermal energy plant in a rugged landscape.

Oil & Gas Drilling Operations

Kutrite® composite brazing rods were developed for the demanding requirements of downhole drilling tools where equipment protection directly impacts operational efficiency and cost per foot.

Junk Mills: Specialized tools that remove debris, broken pipe, and other obstructions from boreholes. Kutrite® NS provides the aggressive cutting action needed to mill through metal, composites, and hard ceramics.

Whipstocks: Kutrite® NS and Inserts provide the aggressive cutting action needed as whipstock mills redirect drilling by creating a controlled sidetrack to bypass problematic well sections

Stabilizers: Wear-resistant surfaces that ride along the borehole wall to stabilize the drill bit and prevent deviation. Kutrite® NCB with blocky tungsten carbide is specifically designed for these high-wear applications.

Wear Pads: Protective surfaces on bent housings for directional drilling and other tools experiencing sliding contact with the borehole wall.

Upward view from the base of an oil drilling rig with metal pipes and structures extending into the sky, framed against blue sky and clouds.

FAQs


What is the difference between Kutrite® NS and Kutrite® NCB

Kutrite® NS (Nickel Silver) uses aggressive, multifaceted tungsten carbide chips designed for cutting applications like milling and drilling. Kutrite® NCB (Nickel Chrome Boron) uses blocky tungsten carbide particles that pack tighter for maximum wear resistance in applications like stabilizers. Additionally, the NCB matrix is harder (35 HRc nominal) for extreme abrasion environments.


Do I need to use flux when applying Kutrite® rods?

Yes, high-temperature flux is essential. The flux cleans the surface, prevents oxidation, and promotes proper wetting and flow of the matrix material. Attempting to apply Kutrite® without appropriate flux will result in poor adhesion, and the deposit may fall off during service.


Can I use standard welding techniques to apply Kutrite®?

Kutrite® is applied using a brazing process, not welding. The goal is to melt the matrix material (nickel silver or bronze) without melting the base metal of your tool. You should use an oxy-acetylene torch with a neutral flame, heating the base metal until it’s hot enough to readily accept the braze filler metal.


Why do you offer “Micro” sizes?

Micro sizes are designed for applications with smaller geometries, tight clearances, or where precise placement is critical. They contain smaller tungsten carbide particles that allow for thinner deposits and more detailed coverage than standard rods.


When should I choose Silicon Bronze over Nickel Silver?

Choose Silicon Bronze when your application requires a zinc-free material due to environmental regulations or specific service company specifications. It provides the same aggressive cutting performance as Nickel Silver but uses a silicon bronze matrix that contains no zinc.


Can Kutrite® be ground after application?

Yes, Kutrite® deposits can be ground to achieve precise dimensions or a specific surface finish. The tungsten carbide particles are held securely by the tough matrix, allowing them to be ground without pulling out, provided the application was performed correctly. Please contact us for grinding wheel composition recommendations.


What makes Piranha different from standard insert rods?

Kutrite® Piranha uses a patented insert geometry that is specifically engineered for aggressive cutting. While standard insert rods provide excellent performance, Piranha’s unique design offers superior cutting efficiency for the most demanding downhole obstacles.