Abstract: A method of forming a cutting element may include placing a plurality of diamond particles adjacent to a substrate in a reaction cell and subjecting the plurality of diamond particles to high pressure high temperature conditions to form a polycrystalline diamond body. The polycrystalline diamond body may include a cutting face area to thickness ratio ranging from 60:16 to 500:5. The polycrystalline diamond body may have at least one dimension greater than 8 mm.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates in one aspect to a cutting element comprising a substrate and a cutting layer disposed on a surface of the substrate. The cutting layer comprises an ultra hard material. The substrate comprises tungsten carbide and a metal binder. The substrate has a magnetic saturation value in the range of from 80% to less than 85%. In another aspect, the magnetic saturation value may increase within the substrate along a gradient, wherein proximal to the interface with the cutting layer, the substrate has a magnetic saturation value in the range of from 80% to less than 85%. Also included are drill bits incorporating such cutting elements. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to methods of manufacturing cutting elements.

Abstract: Thermally stable polycrystalline constructions comprise a body having a polycrystalline ultra-hard phase and a plurality of empty voids. A population of the voids can be filled with a reaction product. The body is substantially free of a catalyst material. The construction comprises a first support member attached to the body by a first braze material. A second support member is attached to the body and the first support member by a second braze material. The construction may include a third support member attached to the body that is integral or separate from one of the other support members. The braze materials used to attached the support members can be the same or different, as can be the materials used to form the different support members.

Abstract: Thermally stable ultra-hard compact constructions of this invention comprise an ultra-hard material body that includes a thermally stable region positioned adjacent a surface of the body. The thermally stable region is formed from consolidated materials that are thermally stable at temperatures greater than about 750° C. The thermally stable region can occupy a partial portion of or the entire ultra-hard material body. The ultra-hard material body can comprise a composite of separate ultra-hard material elements that each form different regions of the body, at least one of the regions being thermally stable. The ultra-hard material body is attached to a desired substrate, an intermediate material is interposed between the body and the substrate, and the intermediate material joins the substrate and body together by high pressure/high temperature process.

Abstract: Ultrahard composite constructions comprise a plurality of first phases dispersed within a matrix second phase, wherein each can comprise an ultrahard material including PCD, PcBN, and mixtures thereof. The constructions are formed from a plurality of granules that are combined and sintered at HP/HT conditions. The granules include a core surrounded by a shell and both are formed from an ultrahard material or precursor comprising an ultrahard constituent for forming the ultrahard material. When sintered, the cores form the plurality of first phases, and the shells form at least a portion of the second phase. The ultrahard material used to form the granule core may have an amount of ultrahard constituent different from that used to form the granule shell to provide desired different properties. The ultrahard constituent in the granule core and shell can have approximately the same particle size.

Abstract: A drill bit including at least one stress-relieved cutting element, wherein the at least one cutting element is mounted on the drill bit, wherein the stress-relieved cutting element includes a substrate, at least one transition layer disposed upon the substrate and a polycrystalline diamond layer having a thickness of at least 0.008 inches disposed upon the at least one transition layer.

Abstract: PCD materials of this invention comprise diamond crystals that are bonded together with a catalyst/binder material. The PCD material is prepared by combining diamond grains with a catalyst/binder material either as a premixture or by infiltration during sintering. The PCD material comprises 15 percent by volume or less diamond grains sized 20 micrometers or less. The diamond grains are pressurized under elevated temperature conditions to form the desired PCD material. PCD materials of this invention can constitute the exclusive material phase of a PCD construction, or can form one or more material phase in a multi-phase material microstructure, wherein the multiple material phase can be arranged in an ordered/oriented or random fashion. PCD materials of this invention display improved properties of impact and fatigue resistance, and functional toughness, when used in complex wear environments, when compared to conventional PCs materials comprising intentionally added fine-sized diamond grains.