Abstract: A composite material comprising 50 to 95 mass % grains of primary material selected from the group consisting of talc, mica, graphite and hexagonal boron nitride, and 0.01 to 40 mass % fibers having a length of 0.05 to 20 mm, and a ratio of length to diameter of at least 5. The grains of the primary material have a mean size of 3 to 50 microns.

Abstract: An assembly for High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) synthesis of a superhard material. The assembly comprises a container comprising a first metal. A closure also comprising the first metal is sealed to the container using a sealant material. The sealant material comprises a second metal, the seal comprising a composition of the first and second metals formable below the melting point of the second metal. The container contains superhard material.

Abstract: A composite material comprising 50 to 95 mass % grains of primary material selected from the group consisting of talc, mica, graphite and hexagonal boron nitride, and 0.01 to 40 mass % fibres having a length of 0.05 to 20 mm, and a ratio of length to diameter of at least 5. The grains of the primary material have a mean size of 3 to 50 microns.

Abstract: An exemplary method of processing a polycrystalline diamond element is disclosed. According to the method, a protective layer may be formed over only a selected portion of a polycrystalline diamond element. The polycrystalline diamond element may include a polycrystalline diamond table. At least a portion of the polycrystalline diamond element may be exposed to a leaching solution such that the leaching solution contacts an exposed surface region of the polycrystalline diamond table and at least a portion of the protective layer. The protective layer may be substantially impermeable to the leaching solution. An exemplary method of manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing tool insert which includes the steps of: (a) providing a substrate (10) having a plurality of recesses (12) therein; (b) placing in each recess (12) an ultra-hard abrasive body (14) of substantially the same size and shape as the recess; (c) brazing the bodies to the substrate (10); and (d) cutting the substrate (10) through the recesses (12) containing the bodies to produce at least one tool insert comprising a section of the substrate (10) to which is bonded at least one ultra-hard abrasive body (14) at an edge thereof.

Abstract: A drill bit comprises a working end having a slot formed therein and an unbacked diamond insert located in the slot and bonded to the working end, typically by brazing. The diamond insert will present a cutting edge or point for the bit. The diamond insert may be made of CVD diamond or diamond compact.

Abstract: A layer of material is removed from a surface of a bonded abrasive product by directing a laser beam at the surface, causing the laser beam to traverse the surface to damage the surface to a desired depth and removing the damaged material remaining on the surface, for example by lapping. The bonded abrasive product is particularly a diamond compact.