Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of manufacturing preform cutting elements comprising the steps of forming, in a high pressure, high temperature press, an intermediate structure comprising superhard material bonded between two outer layers of less hard material, the outer layers providing opposed outer faces respectively of the intermediate structure, and then cutting the intermediate structure to provide at least two pieces, each of said two pieces including part of the superhard material and at least a major part of a respective one of the two outer layers.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of manufacturing preform cutting elements comprising the steps of forming, in a high pressure, high temperature press, an intermediate structure comprising superhard material bonded between two outer layers of less hard material, the outer layers providing opposed outer faces respectively of the intermediate structure, and then cutting the intermediate structure to provide at least two pieces, each of said two pieces including part of the superhard material and at least a major part of a respective one of the two outer layers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate structure is cut substantially symmetrically so that the two pieces are substantially similar.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the superhard material is in the form of a single layer of material, the intermediate structure being divided into said two pieces by a cut at least a portion of which has a component extending in the direction of the thickness of the intermediate structure so as to divide the superhard layer into two.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate structure is divided into said two pieces by a cut having a first part substantially parallel to one face of the superhard layer, a second part which passes transversely through the superhard layer, and a third part which is substantially parallel to the other face of the superhard layer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 4, wherein said first and third parts of the cut are spaced from the adjacent faces of the superhard layer respectively.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 4, wherein said first and third parts of the cut extend along the adjacent faces of the superhard layer respectively.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
72 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the superhard material is in the form of at least two layers of material which are spaced apart in the direction of the thickness of the intermediate structure, the intermediate structure being divided into said two pieces by a cut at least a portion of which has a component extending transversely to the thickness of the intermediate structure and between said layers of superhard material.