Cutting elements and methods of manufacture thereof

摘要

A cutting element for a rotary drill bit includes at least one insert of polycrystalline diamond of a kind incorporating a carbonate as a sintering binder-catalyst. The insert is mounted by being at least partly surrounded by a support body of conventional polycrystalline diamond of a kind incorporating a sintering binder-catalyst selected from cobalt and other iron group elements or alloys thereof. The insert and support body may be integrally bonded to a substrate during manufacture. Either the insert or support body may be pre-sintered or sintered during formation of the cutting element.