Abstract: A support structure (40) for a PCD element (10) comprises a support (42) into which a PCD element (10) is locatable and a sealing element (48) for location in the support structure (40) and configured to protect a non-leached portion of a PCD element (10) during a leaching process. The support (42) is formed from or coated with a polyketone based plastics material.

Abstract: A twist drill assembly (10) comprising a shaft (30) and a drill tip (20); the shaft having a single internal shaft conduit (34) for a fluid, extending between orifices (36, 37) formed into the shaft; the drill tip having an internal drill tip conduit (22) for the fluid, extending between orifices formed into the drill tip; the shaft and the drill tip configured such that the drill tip is connectable to an end of the shaft with the internal drill tip conduit in communication with the internal shaft conduit, allowing the fluid to be capable of flowing from the internal shaft conduit into the internal drill tip conduit; the internal shaft conduit having a spiral form aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the shaft, and configured to complement the arrangement of spiral flutes (38) formed on the shaft.

Abstract: A support structure (40) for a PCD element comprises a support (42) into which a plurality of PCD elements are locatable, and a plurality of sealing elements (48) for location in the support structure. Each sealing element (48) is configured to protect a non-leached portion of an associated PCD element during a leaching process, said support being formed from or coated with a polyketone based plastics material. A plurality of support structures (42) may be stacked on top of each other and a central support rod (52) is locatable in a central aperture (50) extending though the stack of support structures (42). A handle (54) may be attached to the central support rod (52) for ease of transporting the assembled support structure.

Abstract: A support structure (40) for a PCD element (10) comprises a support (42) into which a PCD element (10) is locatable and a sealing element (48) for location in the support structure (40) and configured to protect a non-leached portion of a PCD element (10) during a leaching process. The support (42) is formed from or coated with a polyketone based plastics material.

Abstract: A method of making a construction for an indexable cutter insert, the method including providing a wafer (20) comprising ceramic material, the wafer (20) being substantially unsupported by a cemented carbide substrate and having a mean thickness of at most 2 mm; providing an insert base (30) having proximate and distal major ends (33, 34) connected by peripheral sides (36), the proximate end (33) of the insert base (30) being configured to have at least two corners (35) defined by junctions of the peripheral sides (36); the wafer (20) being configured to have at least two corners (25) corresponding to the two corners (35) of the proximate end (33) of the insert base (30); the method including bonding the wafer (20) to the proximate end (33) by means of a bond material, the corners (25) of the wafer (20) being disposed adjacent the corresponding corners (35) of the proximate end (33) to provide the construction.

Abstract: A twist drill assembly (10) comprising a shaft (30) and a drill tip (20); the shaft having a single internal shaft conduit (34) for a fluid, extending between orifices (36, 37) formed into the shaft; the drill tip having an internal drill tip conduit (22) for the fluid, extending between orifices formed into the drill tip; the shaft and the drill tip configured such that the drill tip is connectable to an end of the shaft with the internal drill tip conduit in communication with the internal shaft conduit, allowing the fluid to be capable of flowing from the internal shaft conduit into the internal drill tip conduit; the internal shaft conduit having a spiral form aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the shaft, and configured to complement the arrangement of spiral flutes (38) formed on the shaft.

Abstract: A method of making a construction for an indexable cutter insert, the method including providing a wafer (20) comprising ceramic material, the wafer (20) being substantially unsupported by a cemented carbide substrate and having a mean thickness of at most 2 mm; providing an insert base (30) having proximate and distal major ends (33, 34) connected by peripheral sides (36), the proximate end (33) of the insert base (30) being configured to have at least two corners (35) defined by junctions of the peripheral sides (36); the wafer (20) being configured to have at least two corners (25) corresponding to the two corners (35) of the proximate end (33) of the insert base (30); the method including bonding the wafer (20) to the proximate end (33) by means of a bond material, the corners (25) of the wafer (20) being disposed adjacent the corresponding corners (35) of the proximate end (33) to provide the construction.