Abstract: Diamond bonded constructions comprise a polycrystalline diamond body having a matrix phase of bonded-together diamond grains and a plurality of interstitial regions between the diamond grains including a catalyst material used to form the diamond body disposed within the interstitial regions. A sintered thermally stable diamond element is disposed within and bonded to the diamond body, and is configured and positioned to form part of a working surface. The thermally stable diamond element is bonded to the polycrystalline diamond body, and a substrate is bonded to the polycrystalline diamond body. The thermally stable diamond element comprises a plurality of bonded-together diamond grains and interstitial regions, wherein the interstitial regions are substantially free of a catalyst material used to make or sinter the thermally stable diamond element. A barrier material may be disposed over or infiltrated into one or more surfaces of the thermally stable diamond element.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods of fabricating PCD materials by subjecting a mixture that exhibits a broad diamond particle size distribution to an HPHT process, PCD materials so-formed, and PDCs including a polycrystalline diamond table comprising such PCD materials. In an embodiment, a PCD material includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains that exhibit a substantially unimodal diamond grain size distribution characterized, at least in part, by a parameter ? that is less than about 1.0. ? = x 6 · ? , where x is the average grain size of the substantially unimodal diamond grain size distribution, and ? is the standard deviation of the substantially unimodal diamond grain size distribution.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a superabrasive element and/or compact are disclosed. In one embodiment, a superabrasive volume including a tungsten carbide layer may be formed. Polycrystalline diamond elements and/or compacts are disclosed. Rotary drill bits for drilling a subterranean formation and including at least one superabrasive element and/or compact are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming a PDC cutter having solvent metal catalyst located adjacent the diamond and/or in the diamond and a layer of reactive material on the layer of diamond, the layer of reactive material for promoting the flow of the solvent metal catalyst material from the layer of diamond under high pressure and high temperature. Compacts for producing polycrystalline diamond compacts, and related polycrystalline diamond compacts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polycrystalline superhard construction comprises a body of polycrystalline superhard material, and a substrate of hard material bonded thereto along an interface. The body of polycrystalline superhard material comprises a first region abutting the substrate along the interface and a second region bonded to the first region. The second region defines a rake face, a cutting edge, a chamfer and at least a part of a flank face, the cutting edge being defined by an edge of the flank face joined to the chamfer, the chamfer extending between the cutting edge and the rake face. The height of the chamfer in a plane parallel to the plane through which the longitudinal axis of the polycrystalline superhard construction extends is less than the thickness of the second region. The first region comprises a material having coarser grains than the second region. There is also disclosed a method of making the same.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond compact useful for wear, cutting, drilling, drawing and like applications is provided with a first diamond region remote from the working surface which has a metallic catalyzing material and a second diamond region adjacent to or including the working surface containing a non-metallic catalyst and the method of making such a compact is provided. This compact is particularly useful in high temperature operations, such as hard rock drilling because of the improved thermal stability at the working surface.

Abstract: Cutting elements for use in earth-boring applications include a substrate, a transition layer, and a working layer. The transition layer and the working layer comprise a continuous matrix phase and a discontinuous diamond phase dispersed throughout the matrix phase. The concentration of diamond in the working layer is higher than in the transition layer. Earth-boring tools include at least one such cutting element. Methods of making cutting elements and earth-boring tools include mixing diamond crystals with matrix particles to form a mixture. The mixture is formulated in such a manner as cause the diamond crystals to comprise about 50% or more by volume of the solid matter in the mixture. The mixture is sintered to form a working layer of a cutting element that is at least substantially free of polycrystalline diamond material and that includes the diamond crystals dispersed within a continuous matrix phase formed from the matrix particles.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods directed to polycrystalline diamond materials. In one embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond material can comprise sintered polycrystalline diamond and a binder alloy, where the binder alloy is a liquid at a sintering temperature of the polycrystalline diamond, forms an intermetallic compound at a low temperature below the sintering temperature, and is substantially all intermetallic phase.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides mechanical attachments of TSD body to a carrier or substrate sufficient to allow eventual conventional attachment of the TSD to a drill bit or other component. According to one aspect, the disclosure includes a composite assembly including a thermally stable diamond (TSD) body and a substrate with aligned holes and a joining pin located in the aligned holes to mechanically attach the TSD body and substrate. The composite assembly may lack any non-mechanical attachment between the TSD body and the substrate, or may lack particular types of non-mechanical attachments. The disclosure also provides drill bits and other devices containing such composite assemblies as well as methods of making such composite assemblies and drill bits or other devices.

Abstract: A superabrasive cutter including a superabrasive table having a cutting face in non-perpendicular orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cutter. A superabrasive cutter having a cutting face of a superabrasive table in non-parallel orientation to a back surface thereof.

Abstract: Cutting elements having a substrate and a layer of superhard material sintered to the substrate are disclosed. The layer includes a working surface at a first surface. From the interface of the layer with the substrate, a reaction zone extends into the layer toward the working surface and a binder metal depletion zone extends into the substrate toward a base surface. The layer of superhard material has a composition including chromium or an alloy thereof. Also disclosed is an abrasive compact having a body with a composition including (i) a superhard material, (ii) a metal from a grain growth inhibitor or a metal from a metallic carbide other than WC, and (iii) an iron group binder metal. Cutting elements incorporating the abrasive compact, and drill bits incorporating abrasive compacts and cutting elements are also disclosed as well as methods of manufacture and methods of cutting material.

Abstract: Cutting elements include an ultra-hard body, e.g., comprising diamond, that is attached to substrate, e.g., comprising a cermet. An interface exists between the body and the substrate, and an angle of departure as measured between the interface and a free edge of the cutting element within one or both of the body and substrate, is less than about 90 degrees to provide a desired stress reduction along the interface. The angle of departure can be from about 3 to 87 degrees. The desired reduced angle of departure is provided by a surface feature disposed along an outer side surface of the cutting element adjacent a free edge of the interface. The surface feature can in the form of a groove disposed circumferentially around the body and/or substrate outer side surface, that is configured to provide the desired reduced angle of departure within the body and/or substrate.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a superabrasive element are disclosed. In one embodiment, a substrate and a preformed superabrasive volume may be at least partially surrounded by an enclosure and the enclosure may be sealed in an inert environment. Further, the enclosure may be exposed to an elevated pressure and preformed superabrasive volume may be affixed to the substrate. Polycrystalline diamond elements are disclosed. In one embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond element may comprise a preformed polycrystalline diamond volume bonded to a substrate by a braze material. Optionally, such a polycrystalline diamond element may exhibit a compressive stress. Rotary drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation and including at least one superabrasive element are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing sintered superabrasive structures are disclosed. For example, a plurality of agglomerated granules comprising at least one superabrasive material may be provided and exposed to a pressure and a temperature sufficient to sinter the at least one superabrasive material. In another example, a plurality of agglomerated granules comprising diamond may be provided and exposed to a pressure and a temperature sufficient to form polycrystalline diamond. Articles of manufacture including at least one superabrasive material are disclosed. For example, a polycrystalline diamond compact may comprise a volume of polycrystalline diamond bonded to a substrate, wherein the volume of polycrystalline diamond includes a plurality of agglomerated granules which have been sintered.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to thermally-stable polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) elements, polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”), and methods of fabricating such PCD elements and PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a PCD body including bonded diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The PCD body includes a first volume having a first portion of the interstitial regions and a second volume having a second portion of the interstitial regions. The second volume is bonded to the substrate. At least one interstitial material is disposed in the first portion of the interstitial regions and a metallic infiltrant is disposed in the second portion of the interstitial regions. The at least one interstitial material exhibits a negative coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: PCD materials comprise a diamond body having bonded diamond crystals and interstitial regions disposed among the crystals. The diamond body is formed from diamond grains and a catalyst material at high pressure/high temperature conditions. The diamond grains have an average particle size of about 0.03 mm or greater. At least a portion of the diamond body has a high diamond volume content of greater than about 93 percent by volume. The entire diamond body can comprise high volume content diamond or a region of the diamond body can comprise the high volume content diamond. The diamond body includes a working surface, a first region substantially free of the catalyst material, and a second region that includes the catalyst material. At least a portion of the first region extends from the working surface to depth of from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mm.

Abstract: A roof-bolt drill bit may have a bit body rotatable about a central axis. At least one coupling pocket may be defined in the bit body. At least one cutting element may be at least partially disposed in the at least one coupling pocket. The at least one cutting element may include a cutting face, an element back surface, and an element side surface extending around an outer periphery of the cutting face. The element side surface may include a first element side surface abutting a first pocket side surface of the at least one coupling pocket and a second element side surface abutting a second pocket side surface of the at least one coupling pocket. At least one of the first element side surface and the second element side surface may have a substantially planar surface.

Abstract: A downhole tool may comprise a mechanical joint, and a diamond-like coating over at least a portion of a surface of at least one component of the mechanical joint, the diamond-like coating having a thickness greater than 10 micrometers. Methods of manufacturing a mechanical joint of a downhole tool may comprise disposing a diamond-like coating on at least a portion of a surface of a component of the mechanical joint of the downhole tool to a thickness of at least 10 microns and at a temperature less than about 200° C.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) includes a PCD table having a maximum thickness. At least a portion of the PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. The PDC includes a substrate having an interfacial surface that is bonded to the PCD table. The interfacial surface exhibits a substantially planar topography. Other embodiments are directed to methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.

Abstract: Cutting elements for use in earth-boring applications include a substrate, a transition layer, and a working layer. The transition layer and the working layer comprise a continuous matrix phase and a discontinuous diamond phase dispersed throughout the matrix phase. The concentration of diamond in the working layer is higher than in the transition layer. Earth-boring tools include at least one such cutting element. Methods of making cutting elements and earth-boring tools include mixing diamond crystals with matrix particles to form a mixture. The mixture is formulated in such a manner as cause the diamond crystals to comprise about 50% or more by volume of the solid matter in the mixture. The mixture is sintered to form a working layer of a cutting element that is at least substantially free of polycrystalline diamond material and that includes the diamond crystals dispersed within a continuous matrix phase formed from the matrix particles.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) includes a substrate and a pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to the substrate. The pre-sintered PCD table includes an upper surface, a back surface bonded to the substrate, and at least one lateral surface extending between the upper surface and the back surface. The pre-sintered PCD table includes a region including at least a residual amount of at least one interstitial constituent disposed in at least a portion of the interstitial regions thereof, and a bonding region. The at least one interstitial constituent includes at least one metal carbonate and/or at least one metal oxide. The region extends inwardly from the upper surface and the at least one lateral surface.

Abstract: Methods of forming polycrystalline diamond elements include forming a polycrystalline diamond compact comprising a cavity in a surface thereof. A catalyst is at least substantially removed from the polycrystalline diamond compact, and the polycrystalline diamond compact is secured to a supporting substrate. Cutting elements include a diamond table formed with a cavity in a back side surface thereof and a supporting substrate secured to the back side surface of the diamond table. Earth-boring tools comprise a bit body carrying one or more cutting elements including a diamond table, a supporting substrate and an adhesion layer comprising a superhard material between and bonding the cutting table and the supporting substrate.

Abstract: Fibers for diamond-impregnated cutting tools and their associated methods for manufacture and use are described. A matrix is formed that contains fibers made from carbon, glass, ceramic, polymer, and the like. The matrix is then sintered to form a cutting portion of a drill bit. The type and concentration of the fibers can be modified to control the tensile strength and the erosion rate of the matrix to optimize the cutting performance of the tools. Additionally, the fibers may be added to the cutting section to weaken the structure and allow higher modulus binders to be used for the cutting tools at a lower cost, allowing the amount of fibers to be tailored to retain the diamonds in the cutting portion for the desired amount. As the cutting portion erodes, the fibers may also increase the lubricity at the face of the cutting portion.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a super abrasive element containing a substantially catalyst-free thermally stable polycrystalline diamond (TSP) body having pores and a contact surface, a base adjacent the contact surface of the TSP body; and an infiltrant material infiltrated in the base and in the pores of the TSP body at the contact surface. The disclosure additionally provides earth-boring drill bits and other devices containing such super abrasive elements. The disclosure further provides methods and mold assemblies for forming such super abrasive elements via infiltration and hot press methods.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond elements and compacts using sp2-carbon-containing particles are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond element includes mixing a plurality of sp2-carbon-containing particles and a plurality of diamond particles to form a mixture. An amount of the plurality of sp2-carbon-containing particles present in the mixture is effective to increase a thermal stability of the polycrystalline diamond element formed at least partially from the mixture. The method further includes sintering the mixture in the presence of a catalyst material to form the polycrystalline diamond element.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include infiltrated diamond tools with increased wear resistance. In particular, one or more implementations of the present invention include a body comprising at least 10% by volume diamond particles that are infiltrated with a binder. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such infiltrated diamond tool, and methods of forming and using such infiltrated diamond tools.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a superabrasive element are disclosed. In one embodiment, a substrate and a preformed superabrasive volume may be at least partially surrounded by an enclosure and the enclosure may be sealed in an inert environment. Further, the enclosure may be exposed to an elevated pressure and preformed superabrasive volume may be affixed to the substrate. Polycrystalline diamond elements are disclosed. In one embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond element may comprise a preformed polycrystalline diamond volume bonded to a substrate by a braze material. Optionally, such a polycrystalline diamond element may exhibit a compressive stress. Rotary drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation and including at least one superabrasive element are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to PDCs, methods of fabricating PDCs, and applications for such PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a substrate and a pre-sintered PCD table including an interfacial surface that is bonded to the substrate. The pre-sintered PCD table may be substantially free of leaching by-products in a region at least proximate to the interfacial surface. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a PDC includes providing an at least partially leached PCD including an interfacial surface. The method includes removing at least some leaching by-products from the at least partially leached PCD table. After removing the at least some leaching by-products, the method includes bonding the interfacial surface of the at least partially leached PCD table to a substrate to form a PDC.

Abstract: Control of the carbide volume in the matrix in an impregnated bit is accomplished by coating the hard particles in the matrix to space them further apart to increase the soft binder percentage in a controllable manner. The softer binder due to lower volume content of hard particles allows more rapid matrix wear in the softer formations to allow more diamond grit to cut better before getting flat spots and to be replaced faster with additional diamond grit further into the matrix as the higher content of the softer binder and the softer coating on the hard particles in the matrix promotes more effective cutting with more frequent emergence of diamond grit on the bit face as cutting progresses.

Abstract: A diamond impregnated drill bit features layered encapsulation of the diamond grit where the innermost layer is hardest or most abrasion resistant while succeeding layers are generally softer and less wear resistant. This can be accomplished by manipulating several variables in the encapsulation layers such as particle size or hard particle concentration. The outer layers can have added binder to make them softer. The encapsulated grit can be sintered or pre-sintered to make it less friable when handled.

Abstract: An insert comprises a sintered polycrystalline diamond body bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate. The diamond body comprises a substantially conical shape with conical side wall terminating at an apex. The diamond body comprises a first region with a metallic catalyst dispersed through interstices between the diamond grains and a second region proximate the apex with the characteristic of higher thermal stability than the first region.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a plurality of continuous segments impregnated with diamond that are each mounted to form a corresponding blade. The regions between the blades define a plurality of fluid passages on the bit face. The blades extend radially outwardly to the gage. The continuous segments may be either straight or spiral in design. Furthermore, the design of the segments supports varying one or more of: diamond content, width, back rake angle and/or relief angle along a length of the segment.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a superabrasive element and/or compact are disclosed. In one embodiment, a superabrasive volume including a tungsten carbide layer may be formed. Polycrystalline diamond elements and/or compacts are disclosed. Rotary drill bits for drilling a subterranean formation and including at least one superabrasive element and/or compact are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a plurality of continuous segments impregnated with diamond that are each mounted to form a corresponding blade. The regions between the blades define a plurality of fluid passages on the bit face. The blades extend radially outwardly to the gage. The continuous segments may be either straight or spiral in design. Furthermore, the design of the segments supports varying one or more of: diamond content, width, back rake angle and/or relief angle along a length of the segment.

Abstract: A drill bit for cutting casing employing a plurality of discrete, abrasive particulate-impregnated cutting structures having cutting structures therein extending upwardly from abrasive particulate-impregnated blades, which define a plurality of fluid passages therebetween on the bit face. Additional cutting elements may be placed in the inverted cone of the bit surrounding the centerline thereof.

Abstract: Methods of forming cutting elements for earth-boring tools include providing a barrier material between a first powder and a second powder each comprising diamond grains, and subjecting the powders and barrier material to high temperature and high pressure conditions to form polycrystalline diamond material. The formation of the polycrystalline diamond material is catalyzed, and catalytic material may be hindered from migrating across the layer of barrier material. Cutting elements for use in earth-boring tools include a barrier material disposed between a first layer of polycrystalline diamond material and a second layer of polycrystalline diamond material. Earth-boring tools include one or more such cutting elements for cutting an earth formation.

Abstract: A segmental hard material insert for a working tool has a planar polycrystalline diamond layer (13) having, in its layer plane, a main cutting element (16, 36) and a contact edge (15) located opposite the main cutting element, with the main cutting element (16, 36) having two, facing outwardly, convex cutting sections (17, 27; 37, 47) and a smooth, facing outwardly, concave transitional region (19; 39, 49) connecting the two convex cutting sections (17, 27; 37, 47), and with the apex (20; 40) of the transitional region (19; 39, 47) being located on a central line of the main cutting element (16; 36).

Abstract: Diamond bonded constructions include a diamond body comprising intercrystalline bonded diamond and interstitial regions. The body has a working surface and an interface surface, and may be joined to a metallic substrate. The body has a gradient diamond volume content greater about 1.5 percent, wherein the diamond content at the interface surface is less than 94 percent, and increases moving toward the working surface. The body may include a region that is substantially free of a catalyst material otherwise disposed within the body and present in a gradient amount. An additional material may be included within the body and be present in a changing amount. The body may be formed by high-pressure HPHT processing, e.g., from 6,200 MPa to 10,000 MPa, to produce a sintered body having a characteristic diamond volume fraction v. average grain size relationship distinguishable from that of diamond bonded constructions form by conventional-pressure HPHT processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to boron carbide and to a method for making the same, as well as to a super-abrasive material and a machine device including said boron carbide. The boron carbide of the invention has the following formula BC5 and has a diamond-type cubic structure with a mesh parameter a=3.635±0.006 &angst. The boron carbide of the invention can particularly be used in the field of machining.

Abstract: A cutting element for a downhole cutting tool including a support element, a shearing element disposed on said support, wherein the shearing element is disposed proximal to a leading edge of the downhole cutting tool, and a retaining element overlaying at least a portion of said shearing element is disclosed.

Abstract: Polycrystalline compacts include non-catalytic, non-carbide-forming particles in interstitial spaces between interbonded grains of hard material in a polycrystalline hard material. Cutting elements and earth-boring tools include such polycrystalline compacts. Methods of forming polycrystalline compacts include forming a polycrystalline material including a hard material and a plurality of particles comprising a non-catalytic, non-carbide-forming material. Methods of forming cutting elements include infiltrating interstitial spaces between interbonded grains of hard material in a polycrystalline material with a plurality of non-catalytic, non-carbide-forming particles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tool component, which is typically a cutting element or a gauge stone in a rotary drill bit, including a layer of ultra-hard abrasive material bonded to a substrate, the layer of ultra-hard abrasive material comprising a pair of opposed end surfaces, an upper surface defined between the end surfaces, and at least one curved and tapered cutting edge defined at the intersection of the respective end surfaces and the upper surface. The respective cutting edges of the tool component and the respective end surfaces leading to the cutting edges are generally wedge-shaped, the upper surface of the layer following generally the same or a similar profile, at least in the region of the cutting edges.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond abrasive cutting element consists generally of a layer of high grade polycrystalline diamond bonded to a cemented carbide substrate. The polycrystalline diamond layer has a working surface and an outer peripheral surface and is characterized by having an annular region or a portion thereof adjacent the peripheral surface that is lean in catalysing material. A region adjacent the working surface is also lean in catalysing material such that in use, as a wear scar develops, both the leading edge and the trailing edge thereof are located in a region lean in catalysing material.

Abstract: Cutting elements have substrates including end surfaces. TSP material layers extend over only a portion of the end surfaces or extend into the substrates below the end surfaces. Bits incorporate such cutting elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to superabrasive materials, superabrasive compacts employing such superabrasive materials, and methods of fabricating such superabrasive materials and compacts. In one embodiment, a superabrasive material includes a matrix comprising a plurality of coarse-sized superabrasive grains, with the coarse-sized superabrasive grains exhibiting a coarse-sized average grain size. The superabrasive material further includes a plurality of superabrasive regions dispersed within the matrix, with each superabrasive region including a plurality of fine-sized superabrasive grains exhibiting a fine-sized average grain size less than the coarse-sized average grain size. In another embodiment, the superabrasive materials may be employed in a superabrasive compact. The superabrasive compact comprises a substrate including a superabrasive table comprising any of the disclosed superabrasive materials.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding by carbon pumping, and PCD and polycrystalline diamond compacts formed by such methods. In an embodiment of a method of fabricating PCD, a plurality of diamond crystals and a metal-solvent catalyst may be provided. The diamond crystals and metal-solvent catalyst may be subjected to a first pressure-temperature condition during which carbon is dissolved in the metal-solvent catalyst. After subjecting the diamond crystals and metal-solvent catalyst to the first pressure-temperature condition, the diamond crystals and metal-solvent catalyst may be subjected to a second pressure-temperature condition at which diamond is stable.

Abstract: A downhole drill bit includes, a body, a plurality of cutters attached to the body, and at least one prefabricated splitter having a proximal portion and at least one distal portion. The proximal portion is encased within the body and the at least one distal portion extends outwardly of the body. Further the at least one distal portion is in operable communication with at least one of the plurality of cutters such that the at least one distal portion bifurcates cuttings cut by the at least one cutter.

Abstract: A mixture for fabricating a cutting table, the cutting table, and a method of fabricating the cutting table. The mixture includes a cutting table powder and a binder. The binder includes at least one carbide formed from an element selected from at least one of Groups IV, V, and VI of the Periodic Table. The carbide is in its non-stoichiometric and/or stoichiometric form. The binder can include the element. In certain embodiments, the binder includes one or more of the cutting table powder and a catalyst. The cutting table is formed by sintering the mixture using a solid phase sintering process or a near solid phase sintering process. When forming or coupling the cutting table to a substrate, a divider is positioned and coupled therebetween to ensure that the sintering process that forms the cutting table occurs using the solid phase sintering process or the near solid phase sintering process.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a rotary drag bit has a bit body intermediate a shank and a working surface. The working surface has a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the working surface. At least one blade has a cutting element with a carbide substrate bonded to a diamond working end with a pointed geometry. The diamond working end has a central axis which intersects an apex of the pointed geometry such that the axis is oriented within a 15 degree rake angle.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a plurality of continuous segments impregnated with diamond that are each mounted to form a corresponding blade. The regions between the blades define a plurality of fluid passages on the bit face. The blades extend radially outwardly to the gage. The continuous segments may be either straight or spiral in design. Furthermore, the design of the segments supports varying one or more of: diamond content, width, back rake angle and/or relief angle along a length of the segment.