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The general rule for selecting the appropriate
diamond grade is that the harder the rock, the better
the diamond toughness and crystal geometry should be.
For example, the selection of the “AAA” or
“AA” grade would be appropriate for use in
a hard, consolidated granite formation while the selection
of the “P2” or “P3” grade would
be appropriate for use in a limestone or sandstone formation.
This is a special grade of diamond that
is applied exclusively as gauge diameter setting below
the bit face on surface-set diamond bits and casing
shoes. The inherently low crystal strength of Kicker
grade diamond makes it unsuitable for bit face setting
but is more than adequate for use in wear protection
applications on the set diameters of drill bits where
there is little load on the diamonds. Kicker grade diamonds
range in shape from angular or elongated to completely
amorphous. Their coloring is variable and they frequently
possess fissures, cracks and inclusions.
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