Abstract: A superhard cutting element having a polished, low friction 1 substantially planar cutting face with a surface finish roughness of 10 .mu. in. or less and preferably 0.5 .mu. in. or less. A chamfered cutting edge and side surface of the superhard material table of the same surface finish roughness are also disclosed. The surface roughness of the aforementioned superhard material table portions may be reduced by mechanically smoothing and polishing according to one of several variations of the method of the invention.

Abstract: A superhard cutting element having a polished, low friction substantially planar cutting face with a surface finish roughness of 10.mu. in. or less and preferably 0.5 .mu. in. or less. A chamfered cutting edge and side surface of the superhard material table of the same surface finish roughness are also disclosed. The surface roughness of the aforementioned superhard material table portions may be reduced by mechanically smoothing and polishing according to one of several variations of the method of the invention.

Abstract: A superhard cutting element having a polished, low friction, substantially planar cutting face with a surface finish roughness of 10 .mu. in. or less and preferably 0.5 .mu. in. or less.

Abstract: A diamond cutting element including a substantially planar diamond table having a periphery defined by a multiple chamfer. The angle of the outermost chamfer may be oriented to provide a bearing surface on the cutting element at the place of engagement with the formation being drilled.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit and process of fabrication in which internal fluid passages and watercourses of the bit are lined with a hard metal matrix material which renders the fluid passages more resistant to the erosive forces of the drilling fluid is provided. Also, elements such as lands for cutter element mountings, sockets, ridges, shoulders and the like on the exterior surface of the bit can be fabricated of a hard abrasion and erosion resistant material and incorporated into the bit body during fabrication. The process includes the steps of providing a hollow mold for molding at least a portion of the drill bit and positioning one or more flexible or moldable tubular elements which correspond to the internal watercourses in the mold. The elements are fabricated of a hard metal powdered material dispersed in a polymeric binder. A bit blank is then positioned at least partially within the mold and the mold packed with a metal matrix material which forms the body of the bit.