This type of bit is primarily recommended for use in drilling relatively soft, abrasive, unconsolidated formations that are not effectively drilled by impregnated diamond bit. It is also recommended for use in drilling harder formations where the available rotary speeds and bit loads are insufficient to use impregnated diamond bits due to drilling equipment limitations.

In most cases, surface set diamond bits will provide higher rates of penetration than in softer formations due largely to the greater degree of exposure of the individual diamond crystals.

To choose a right surface set for the formations drilled, we need at least consider the following aspects: diamond size, diamond grade, profile design.