CPC B23K 26/36 (2013.01) [E21B 10/567 (2013.01); B23K 2101/002 (2018.08)] | 18 Claims |
11. A method of reprocessing a cutting element, the method comprising:
removing a used cutting element from an earth-boring tool, the cutting element being formed from a superabrasive polycrystalline material in the presence of a catalyst;
grinding a cutting surface of the cutting table to substantially remove raised portions of the cutting surface of the cutting table;
polishing the cutting surface of the cutting table until the cutting surface of the cutting table is substantially smooth; and
treating the cutting surface of the polycrystalline superabrasive cutting table of the cutting element by non-thermal fracturing through pulsing a laser onto the cutting surface of the cutting table and vaporizing the catalyst remaining on the cutting surface after the grinding of the cutting surface of the cutting table and polishing the cutting surface of the cutting table;
wherein the laser is focused to have a cross-sectional diameter between about 20 μm and about 100 μm.
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