Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080206576 | Superabrasive compact including diamond-silicon carbide composite, methods of fabrication thereof, and applications therefor - Embodiments of the present invention relate to diamond-silicon carbide composites, superabrasive compacts including such diamond-silicon carbide composites, and methods of fabricating such diamond-silicon carbide composites and superabrasive compacts. In one embodiment, a superabrasive compact includes a substrate and a superabrasive table bonded to the substrate. The superabrasive table comprises diamond-silicon carbide composite including a matrix comprising nanometer-sized silicon carbide grains and micrometer-sized diamond grains dispersed through the matrix. In another embodiment, a method of fabricating a superabrasive compact is disclosed. An assembly comprising a mixture including diamond particles and silicon is formed. The silicon comprises amorphous silicon, crystalline silicon crystallized from amorphous silicon formed by a milling process, or combinations thereof. A substrate is positioned in proximity to the mixture. The assembly is subjected to heat and pressure to form a superabrasive compact comprising a superabrasive table bonded to the substrate. The superabrasive table comprises diamond-silicon carbide composite including diamond grains dispersed through a matrix of silicon carbide grains. | 08-28-2008 |
20090152015 | SUPERABRASIVE MATERIALS AND COMPACTS, METHODS OF FABRICATING SAME, AND APPLICATIONS USING SAME - Embodiments of the present invention relate to superabrasive materials, superabrasive compacts employing such superabrasive materials, and methods of fabricating such superabrasive materials and compacts. One or more embodiments of a superabrasive material include a plurality of first superabrasive regions characteristic of being formed at least partially from a plurality of agglomerates, with each first superabrasive region including a plurality of first superabrasive grains that exhibit a first average grain size, and a matrix through which the plurality of first superabrasive regions is dispersed. The matrix includes a plurality second intercrystalline-bonded superabrasive grains that exhibit a second average grain size. The superabrasive material exhibits one or more of the following characteristics: (1) the first average grain size being less than that of the second average grain size; (2) the plurality of first superabrasive regions exhibiting a selectivity to be preferentially removed from the matrix; or (3) a thermal stability of the plurality of first superabrasive regions being greater than that of the matrix. | 06-18-2009 |
20090260895 | Polycrystalline diamond materials, methods of fabricating same, and applications using same - Embodiments relate to methods of fabricating PCD materials by subjecting a mixture that exhibits a broad diamond particle size distribution to a HPHT process, PCD materials so-formed, and PDCs including a polycrystalline diamond table comprising such PCD materials. In an embodiment, a method includes subjecting a mixture to heat and pressure sufficient to form a PCD material. The mixture comprises a plurality of diamond particles exhibiting a diamond particle size distribution characterized, in part, by a parameter θ that is less than about 1.0, where | 10-22-2009 |
20100084196 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND, POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACT, METHOD OF FABRICATING SAME, AND VARIOUS APPLICATIONS - Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteads (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm | 04-08-2010 |
20100212971 | Polycrystalline Diamond Compact Including A Cemented Tungsten Carbide Substrate That Is Substantially Free Of Tungsten Carbide Grains Exhibiting Abnormal Grain Growth And Applications Therefor - Embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) including a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table that is substantially free of defects formed due to abnormal grain growth of tungsten carbide grains, and methods of fabricating such PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC comprises a cemented tungsten carbide substrate including an interfacial surface that is substantially free of tungsten carbide grains exhibiting abnormal grain growth, and a PCD table bonded to the interfacial surface of the cemented tungsten carbide substrate. The PCD table includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. At least a portion of the interstitial regions includes a metal-solvent catalyst disposed therein. The PCD table may be substantially free of chromium or the PCD table and the cemented tungsten carbide substrate may each include chromium. | 08-26-2010 |
20100225311 | METHOD OF CHARACTERIZING A POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND ELEMENT BY AT LEAST ONE MAGNETIC MEASUREMENT - In an embodiment, a method of characterizing a polycrystalline diamond element is disclosed. The method includes providing the polycrystalline diamond element, and measuring at least one magnetic characteristic of the polycrystalline diamond element. | 09-09-2010 |
20100307069 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACT - Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteads (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm | 12-09-2010 |
20100307070 | METHOD OF FABRICATING POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND AND A POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACT - Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteads (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm | 12-09-2010 |
20100310855 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND - Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteads (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm | 12-09-2010 |
20110017519 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS, METHOD OF FABRICATING SAME, AND VARIOUS APPLICATIONS - Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) includes a PCD table having a maximum thickness. At least a portion of the PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm | 01-27-2011 |
20110067929 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS, METHODS OF MAKING SAME, AND APPLICATIONS THEREFOR - In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) comprises a cemented carbide substrate including a first cemented carbide portion exhibiting a first concentration of chromium carbide and a second cemented carbide portion bonded to the first cemented carbide portion and exhibiting a second concentration of chromium carbide that is greater than the first concentration. The PDC further comprises a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to the first cemented carbide portion. The PCD table includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains exhibiting diamond-to-diamond bonding therebetween, with the plurality of bonded diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The PCD table includes chromium present in a concentration less than about 0.25 weight %. | 03-24-2011 |
20110189468 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACT AND METHOD OF FABRICATING SAME - Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteads or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm | 08-04-2011 |
20110258937 | METHODS OF FABRICATING A SUPERABRASIVE COMPACT INCLUDING A DIAMOND-SILICON CARBIDE COMPOSITE TABLE - Embodiments relate to superabrasive compacts including a diamond-silicon carbide composite table, and methods of fabricating such superabrasive compacts. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a superabrasive compact is disclosed. An assembly comprising a mixture including diamond particles and silicon is formed. The silicon comprises amorphous silicon, crystalline silicon crystallized from amorphous silicon formed by a milling process, or combinations thereof. A substrate is positioned in proximity to the mixture. The assembly is subjected to a high-pressure/high-temperature process to form a superabrasive compact comprising a superabrasive table bonded to the substrate. The superabrasive table comprises diamond-silicon carbide composite including diamond grains dispersed through a matrix of silicon carbide grains. | 10-27-2011 |
20110297453 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS AND RELATED DRILL BITS - In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) comprises a cemented carbide substrate including a first cemented carbide portion and a second cemented carbide portion bonded to the first cemented carbide portion and exhibiting an erosion resistance that is greater than the first cemented carbide portion. The PDC further comprises a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to the first cemented carbide portion. The PCD table includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains exhibiting diamond-to-diamond bonding therebetween, with the plurality of bonded diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. | 12-08-2011 |
20120011779 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND MATERIALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS - Embodiments relate to methods of fabricating PCD materials by subjecting a mixture that exhibits a broad diamond particle size distribution to an HPHT process, PCD materials so-formed, and PDCs including a polycrystalline diamond table comprising such PCD materials. In an embodiment, a PCD material includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains that exhibit a substantially unimodal diamond grain size distribution characterized, at least in part, by a parameter θ that is less than about 1.0. | 01-19-2012 |
20120138370 | METHOD OF PARTIALLY INFILTRATING AN AT LEAST PARTIALLY LEACHED POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND TABLE AND RESULTANT POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS - In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) includes forming a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table in the presence of a metal-solvent catalyst in a first high-pressure/high-temperature (“HPHT”) process. The PCD table includes bonded diamond grains defining interstitial regions, with the metal-solvent catalyst disposed therein. The method includes at least partially leaching the PCD table to remove at least a portion of the metal-solvent catalyst therefrom. The method includes subjecting the at least partially leached PCD table and a substrate to a second HPHT process under diamond-stable temperature-pressure conditions to partially infiltrate the at least partially leached PCD table with an infiltrant. A maximum temperature (T), a total process time (t), and a maximum pressure (P) of the second HPHT process are chosen so that β is about 2° Celsius·hours/gigapascals (“° C.·h/GPa”) to about 325° C.·h/GPa, with β represented as β=T·t/P. | 06-07-2012 |
20120181090 | ROTARY DRILL BIT INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE SUPERABRASIVE CUTTING ELEMENT HAVING A DIAMOND-SILICON CARBIDE COMPOSITE TABLE - Embodiments relate to rotary drill bits that employ superabrasive cutting elements including a diamond-silicon carbide composite table. In an embodiment, a rotary drill bit includes a bit body configured to engage a subterranean formation. The bit body includes a plurality of blades. The rotary drill bit further includes a plurality of superabrasive cutting elements. Each of the superabrasive cutting elements is attached to a corresponding one of the cutting blades. At least one of the superabrasive cutting elements includes a substrate and a superabrasive table bonded to the substrate. The superabrasive table comprises diamond-silicon carbide composite including a matrix comprising nanometer-sized silicon carbide grains and micrometer-sized diamond grains dispersed through the matrix. | 07-19-2012 |
20120228037 | SUPERABRASIVE ELEMENTS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING, AND DRILL BITS INCLUDING SAME - Methods of manufacturing a superabrasive element and/or compact are disclosed. In one embodiment, a superabrasive volume including a tungsten carbide layer may be formed. Polycrystalline diamond elements and/or compacts are disclosed. Rotary drill bits for drilling a subterranean formation and including at least one superabrasive element and/or compact are also disclosed. | 09-13-2012 |
20120241224 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACT INCLUDING A CARBONATE-CATALYZED POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND BODY AND APPLICATIONS THEREFOR - In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) includes a substrate and a pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to the substrate. The pre-sintered PCD table includes an upper surface, a back surface bonded to the substrate, and at least one lateral surface extending between the upper surface and the back surface. The pre-sintered PCD table includes a region including at least a residual amount of at least one interstitial constituent disposed in at least a portion of the interstitial regions thereof, and a bonding region. The at least one interstitial constituent includes at least one metal carbonate and/or at least one metal oxide. The region extends inwardly from the upper surface and the at least one lateral surface. | 09-27-2012 |
20120241226 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND, POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS, METHODS OF MAKING SAME, AND APPLICATIONS - Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDC”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to a substrate. At least a portion of the PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of interstitial regions includes a metal-solvent catalyst. The plurality of diamond grains exhibit an average grain size of about 30 μm or less. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit an average electrical conductivity of less than about 1200 S/m. Other embodiments are directed to PCD, employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies. | 09-27-2012 |
20120261197 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE TRANSITION LAYER AND METHODS FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT IN POLYCRSYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS - Embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) that are less susceptible to liquid metal embrittlement damage due to the use of at least one transition layer between a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) layer and a substrate. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a PCD layer, a cemented carbide substrate, and at least one transition layer bonded to the substrate and the PCD layer. The at least one transition layer is formulated with a coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”) that is less than a CTE of the substrate and greater than a CTE of the PCD layer. At least a portion of the PCD layer includes diamond grains defining interstitial regions and a metal-solvent catalyst occupying at least a portion of the interstitial regions. The diamond grains and the catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm | 10-18-2012 |
20130015001 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS, METHOD OF FABRICATING SAME, AND VARIOUS APPLICATIONS - Embodiments of the invention relate to a polycrystalline diamond compact. In an embodiment, the polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate and a polycrystalline diamond table including a first polycrystalline diamond layer bonded to the substrate and at least a second polycrystalline diamond layer. At least an un-leached portion of the polycrystalline diamond table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions and a metal-solvent catalyst occupying at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oe or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 G·cm | 01-17-2013 |
20130043078 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACT INCLUDING A CARBONATE-CATALYZED POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND TABLE AND APPLICATIONS THEREFOR - In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate and a preformed polycrystalline diamond table bonded to the substrate. The table includes bonded diamond grains defining interstitial regions. The table includes an upper surface, a back surface bonded to the substrate, and at least one lateral surface extending therebetween. The table includes a first region extending inwardly from the upper surface and the lateral surface. The first region exhibits a first interstitial region concentration and includes at least one interstitial constituent disposed therein, which may be present in at least a residual amount and includes at least one metal carbonate and/or at least one metal oxide. The table includes a second bonding region adjacent to the substrate that extends inwardly from the back surface. The second bonding region exhibits a second interstitial region concentration that is greater than the first interstitial region concentration and includes a metallic infiltrant therein. | 02-21-2013 |
20130105232 | ROTARY DRILL BIT INCLUDING POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND CUTTING ELEMENTS | 05-02-2013 |
20130156357 | BEARING ASSEMBLIES, APPARATUSES, AND MOTOR ASSEMBLIES USING THE SAME - 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. | 06-20-2013 |
20130187642 | METHODS OF CHARACTERIZING A COMPONENT OF A POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACT BY AT LEAST ONE MAGNETIC MEASUREMENT - In an embodiment, a method of characterizing a polycrystalline diamond compact is disclosed. The method includes providing the polycrystalline diamond compact, and measuring at least one magnetic characteristic of a component of the polycrystalline diamond compact. | 07-25-2013 |
20130205677 | METHODS OF FABRICATING A POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACT - In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond compact is disclosed. The method includes sintering a plurality of diamond particles in the presence of a metal-solvent catalyst to form a polycrystalline diamond body; leaching the polycrystalline diamond body to at least partially remove the metal-solvent catalyst therefrom, thereby forming an at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body; and subjecting an assembly of the at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body and a cemented carbide substrate to a high-pressure/high-temperature process at a pressure to infiltrate the at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body with an infiltrant. The pressure of the high-pressure/high-temperature process is less than that employed in the act of sintering of the plurality of diamond particles. | 08-15-2013 |
20130228383 | ROTARY DRILL BIT INCLUDING POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND CUTTING ELEMENTS - In an embodiment, a rotary drill bit includes a bit body having a leading end structure configured to facilitate drilling a subterranean formation, and a plurality of cutting elements mounted to the bit body. At least one of the plurality of cutting elements includes a polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) comprising a cemented carbide substrate including a first cemented carbide portion and a second cemented carbide portion bonded to the first cemented carbide portion and exhibiting an erosion resistance that is greater than the first cemented carbide portion. The PDC further comprises a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to the first cemented carbide portion. The PCD table includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains exhibiting diamond-to-diamond bonding therebetween, with the plurality of bonded diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. | 09-05-2013 |
20130264125 | METHODS FOR FABRICATING POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS USING AT LEAST ONE PREFORMED TRANSITION LAYER AND RESULTANT POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS - Embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) that are less susceptible to liquid metal embrittlement damage due to the use of at least one transition layer between a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) layer and a substrate. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a PCD layer, a cemented carbide substrate, and at least one transition layer bonded to the substrate and the PCD layer. The at least one transition layer is formulated with a coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”) that is less than a CTE of the substrate and greater than a CTE of the PCD layer. At least a portion of the PCD layer includes diamond grains defining interstitial regions and a metal-solvent catalyst occupying at least a portion of the interstitial regions. The diamond grains and the catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm | 10-10-2013 |
20140069022 | METHODS OF FABRICATING POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS - Embodiments relate to methods of manufacturing polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”). In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a PDC includes positioning a plurality of diamond particles adjacent to a cemented carbide material. The cemented carbide material includes one or more types of tungsten-containing eta phases. The method further includes subjecting the plurality of diamond particles and the cemented carbide material to a high-pressure/high-temperature process effective to sinter the plurality of diamond particles so that a polycrystalline diamond table is formed without tungsten carbide grains of the cemented carbide material exhibiting abnormal grain growth that project into the polycrystalline diamond table. | 03-13-2014 |
20140158437 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS - In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate, and a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to the substrate and including an exterior working surface, at least one lateral surface, and a chamfer extending between the exterior working surface and the at least one lateral surface. The PCD table includes bonded diamond grains defining interstitial regions. The PCD table includes a first region adjacent to the substrate and a second leached region adjacent to the first region and extending inwardly from the exterior working surface to a selected depth. At least a portion of the interstitial regions of the first region include an infiltrant disposed therein. The interstitial regions of the second leached region are substantially free of metal-solvent catalyst. The second region is defined by the exterior working surface, the lateral surface, the chamfer, and a generally horizontal boundary located below the chamfer. | 06-12-2014 |
20140215926 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE TRANSITION LAYER AND METHODS FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT IN POLYCRSYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS - Embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) that are less susceptible to liquid metal embrittlement damage due to the use of at least one transition layer between a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) layer and a substrate. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a PCD layer, a cemented carbide substrate, and at least one transition layer bonded to the substrate and the PCD layer. The at least one transition layer is formulated with a coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”) that is less than a CTE of the substrate and greater than a CTE of the PCD layer. At least a portion of the PCD layer includes diamond grains defining interstitial regions and a metal-solvent catalyst occupying at least a portion of the interstitial regions. The diamond grains and the catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm | 08-07-2014 |
20140367176 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS WITH PARTITIONED SUBSTRATE, POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND TABLE, OR BOTH - 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. | 12-18-2014 |
20140367177 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACTS WITH PARTITIONED SUBSTRATE, POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND TABLE, OR BOTH - 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. | 12-18-2014 |