Abstract: Embodiments include superhard cutting elements and cutting tools including the cutting elements. In an embodiment, a cutting element includes a superhard table defining at least one cutting edge, a top surface at least partially defined by the superhard table, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, at least one lateral surface extending from or nearly from the top surface to or nearly to the bottom surface, and an opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface that is spaced from the lateral surface. The opening is at least partially defined by at least one shaft surface extending from or nearly from the bottom surface and at least one tapered countersink surface extending from or nearly from the shaft surface. The tapered countersink surface exhibits a countersink angle measured between opposing portions of the at least one tapered countersink surface that is greater than about 45°.

Abstract: PDCs, methods of fabricating the PDCs, and methods of using the PDCs are disclosed herein. The PDCs include a PCD table bonded to a substrate. The PCD table includes an upper surface having a plurality of recessed features formed therein. The plurality of recessed features are configured to attract at least some cracks that form in the PCD table. As such, the plurality of recessed features limit or prevent crack propagation into other portions of the PCD table and limit a volume of the PCD table that spalls. Methods of fabricating the PDCs include partially leaching the PCD table and, after leaching the PCD table, forming the plurality of recessed features in the upper surface thereof. Method of using the PDCs include rotating a PDC that has spalled relative to a rotary drill bit such that a portion of the upper surface of the PDC that has not spalled forms a cutting surface thereof.

Abstract: A cutting tool which may be used in machining various material may include a body and one or more cutting elements associated therewith. In one example, the cutting element(s) may comprise a superhard table, such as a polycrystalline diamond table. In some embodiments, the polycrystalline diamond table may have a diamond density of approximately 95 percent volume or greater. In some embodiments, the thickness of the superhard table may be approximately 0.15 inch. In some embodiments, the superhard table may include a chip-breaking feature or structure. Methods of shaping, finishing, or otherwise machining materials are also provided, including the machining of materials comprising titanium.

Abstract: PDCs, methods of fabricating the PDCs, and methods of using the PDCs are disclosed herein. The PDCs include a PCD table bonded to a substrate. The PCD table includes an upper surface having a plurality of recessed features formed therein. The plurality of recessed features are configured to attract at least some cracks that form in the PCD table. As such, the plurality of recessed features limit or prevent crack propagation into other portions of the PCD table and limit a volume of the PCD table that spalls. Methods of fabricating the PDCs include partially leaching the PCD table and, after leaching the PCD table, forming the plurality of recessed features in the upper surface thereof. Method of using the PDCs include rotating a PDC that has spalled relative to a rotary drill bit such that a portion of the upper surface of the PDC that has not spalled forms a cutting surface thereof.