Abstract: Methods for at least partially relieving stress within a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table of a polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) include partitioning the substrate of the PDC, the PCD table of the PDC, or both. Partitioning may be achieved through grinding, machining, laser cutting, electro-discharge machining, or combinations thereof. PDC embodiments may include at least one stress relieving partition.

Abstract: Methods of laser cutting polycrystalline diamond tables and polycrystalline diamond compacts are disclosed. Laser cutting of the polycrystalline diamond table provides an alternative to electrical-discharge machining (“EDM”), grinding with a diamond wheel, or lapping with a diamond wheel. Grinding or lapping with a diamond wheel is relatively slow and expensive, as diamond is used to remove a diamond material. EDM cutting of the polycrystalline diamond table is sometimes impractical or even impossible, particularly when the cobalt or other infiltrant or catalyst concentration within the polycrystalline diamond table is very low (e.g., in the case of a leached polycrystalline diamond table). As such, laser cutting provides a valuable alternative machining method that may be employed in various processes such as laser scribing, laser ablation, and laser lapping.

Abstract: Methods for at least partially relieving stress within a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table of a polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) include partitioning the substrate of the PDC, the PCD table of the PDC, or both. Partitioning may be achieved through grinding, machining, laser cutting, electro-discharge machining, or combinations thereof. PDC embodiments may include at least one stress relieving partition.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods for at least partially relieving stress within a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table of a polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) by partitioning the substrate of the PDC, the PCD table of the PDC, or both. Partitioning may be achieved through grinding, machining, laser cutting, electro-discharge machining, or combinations thereof. PDC embodiments including at least one stress relieving partition are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) including a pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table that may exhibit a non-cylindrical-shaped geometry and/or may have been partially graphitized prior to bonding to a substrate in a high-pressure/high-temperature process (“HPHT”). The disclosed PDCs may be used in a variety of applications, such as rotary drill bits, mining tools, drill bits, bearing apparatuses, wire-drawing dies, machining equipment, and other articles and apparatuses.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements may include a bearing surface. At least one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements may include at least one texture feature that may be formed in a lateral surface thereof. The bearing assembly may also include a support ring that carries the superhard bearing elements.