In energy exploration, it can cost millions when a component fails during a drilling operation. That’s why a leading downhole drilling company explored solutions with Oberg when it was engineering its #1 new product development initiative – a new steerable assembly for directional drilling operations. It needed high-performance, reliable components that wouldn’t fail in harsh underground environments.

Cutting the typical 3-year cycle development time in half, Oberg’s New Product Development team worked closely with the customer’s engineering group to provide Design-For-Manufacturing guidance on parts that would be reliable and manufacturable. Using its manufacturing horsepower, Oberg expedited iterations of prototype parts until designs were finalized in only 18 months. Through the development process, custom brazing and PCD diamond grinding techniques were created for this project. Oberg also sourced new coating suppliers.

The Results

Oberg quickly mobilized resources to create dedicated machining cells and allocated secondary operations within its facility to quickly ramp up production. Oberg was able to reduce the cost of the tool, improve component life, and minimize the need for tool maintenance by utilizing fewer moving parts.

Project Overview

  • Processes: 5-axis machining, grinding, prototyping, DFM expertise
  • Challenge: Develop high-performance, precision components for directional drilling operations
  • Solution: Oberg’s expertise in machining and manufacturability of hard materials provided successful production of critical drilling components.