Patent Publication Number: US-9404308-B1

Title: Cutting element assembly including one or more superabrasive cutting elements and drill bit utilizing the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/914,413 filed on 10 Jun. 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/853,752 filed on 10 Aug. 2010 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,845 issued on 9 Jul. 2013), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/325,882 filed on 20 Apr. 2010, the disclosures of each of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Wear-resistant, polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) are utilized in a variety of mechanical applications. For example, PDCs are used in drilling tools (e.g., cutting elements, gage trimmers, etc.), machining equipment, bearing apparatuses, wire-drawing machinery, and in other mechanical apparatuses. 
     PDCs have found particular utility as superabrasive cutting elements in rotary drill bits, such as roller-cone drill bits and fixed-cutter drill bits. A PDC cutting element typically includes a superabrasive diamond layer commonly known as a diamond table. The diamond table is formed and bonded to a substrate (e.g. a cemented carbide) using a high-pressure/high-temperature (“HPHT”) process. The PDC cutting element may be brazed directly into a preformed pocket, socket, or other receptacle formed in a bit body. The substrate may often be brazed or otherwise joined to an attachment member, such as a cylindrical backing A rotary drill bit typically includes a number of PDC cutting elements connected to the bit body. It is also known that a stud carrying the PDC may be used as a PDC cutting element when mounted to a bit body of a rotary drill bit by press-fitting, brazing, or otherwise securing the stud into a receptacle formed in the bit body. 
     Conventional PDCs are normally fabricated by placing a substrate into a container with a volume of diamond particles positioned on a surface of the substrate. A number of such containers may be loaded into an HPHT press. The substrate(s) and volume(s) of diamond particles are then processed under HPHT conditions in the presence of a catalyst material that causes the diamond particles to bond to one another to form a matrix of bonded diamond grains defining a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table. The catalyst material is often a metal-solvent catalyst (e.g., cobalt, nickel, iron, or alloys thereof) that is used for promoting intergrowth of the diamond particles. 
     In one conventional approach, a constituent of the cemented-carbide substrate, such as cobalt from a cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide substrate, liquefies and sweeps from a region adjacent to the volume of diamond particles into interstitial regions between the diamond particles during the HPHT process. The cobalt acts as a catalyst to promote intergrowth between the diamond particles, which results in formation of a matrix of bonded diamond grains having diamond-to-diamond bonding therebetween, with interstitial regions between the bonded diamond grains being occupied by the solvent catalyst. 
     Despite the availability of a number of different PDCs, manufacturers and users of PDCs continue to seek cutting element assemblies and cutting elements that exhibit improved toughness, wear resistance, thermal stability, or combinations of the foregoing properties. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, a cutting element assembly includes an enclosure defining a recess, at least one cutting opening, and a longitudinal axis. A base is disposed in the recess, and a superabrasive cutting element is disposed in the recess between the enclosure and the base. The superabrasive cutting element is exposed through the at least one cutting opening. Rotation of the superabrasive cutting element relative to the enclosure may be restricted about the longitudinal axis of the enclosure. 
     In an embodiment, a cutting element assembly includes an enclosure defining a recess and at least one cutting opening. A base is disposed in the recess, and a superabrasive cutting element is also disposed in the recess between the enclosure and the base. The superabrasive cutting element is exposed through the at least one cutting opening in the enclosure. The superabrasive cutting element may be axially compressed between the base and the enclosure. 
     In an embodiment, a cutting element assembly includes an enclosure defining a recess, at least one cutting opening, and a longitudinal axis. The superabrasive cutting element further includes a base disposed in the recess, and one or more superabrasive cutting elements disposed in the recess between the enclosure and the base. The one or more superabrasive cutting elements are exposed through the at least one cutting opening and are also rotatable about the longitudinal axis. 
     In an embodiment, a cutting element assembly includes a base, a superabrasive cutting element positioned adjacent to the base and having at least one through hole extending thicknesswise therethrough, and a fastener. The fastener is inserted through the at least one through hole to mechanically connect the base to the superabrasive cutting element. In some embodiments, the base may be a separate structure that may be, for example, brazed to a drill bit body of a rotary drill bit. In other embodiments, a portion of the drill bit body of a rotary drill bit may serve as the base to which the superabrasive cutting element is directly fastened. 
     Other embodiments include methods of manufacturing and using the disclosed cutting element assemblies, and applications utilizing the disclosed cutting element assemblies in various articles and apparatuses, such as rotary drill bits, machining equipment, and other articles and apparatuses. 
     Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the invention, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical elements or features in different views or embodiments shown in the drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a cutting element assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is an assembled isometric view of the cutting element assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an embodiment of an enclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of another embodiment of an enclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of another embodiment of a cutting element assembly with three cutting openings. 
         FIG. 6  is a side cross-sectional view of the enclosure of  FIG. 5  taken along line  6 - 6  thereof. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a still further embodiment of a cutting element assembly with four cutting openings. 
         FIG. 8  is an assembled isometric view of a cutting element assembly according to yet another embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded isometric view of the cutting element assembly of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a cutting element assembly configured to limit axial rotation of a superabrasive cutting element. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded isometric view of another embodiment of a cutting element assembly configured to limit axial rotation of a superabrasive cutting element. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a superabrasive cutting element. 
         FIG. 13  is cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a superabrasive cutting element with a through hole. 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  are cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a cutting element with a counterbored through hole. 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a cutting element assembly including a superabrasive cutting element that is fastened to a base with a fastener. 
         FIG. 17  is an assembled side cross-sectional view of the cutting element assembly shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a cutting element assembly configured to limit axial rotation of a superabrasive cutting element. 
         FIG. 19  is an isometric view of an embodiment of a rotary drill bit that may employ one or more of the disclosed cutting element assembly embodiments. 
         FIG. 20  is a top elevation view of the rotary drill bit shown in  FIG. 19 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to cutting element assemblies including a superabrasive cutting element that may be axially compressed to enhance the damage tolerance thereof, enclosed in an enclosure that exposes the superabrasive cutting element therethrough, enclosed in an enclosure that restricts rotation of the superabrasive cutting element, or combinations of the foregoing. Additionally, some embodiments of the invention relate to cutting element assemblies in which a superabrasive cutting element is mechanically fastened to a base, such as a substrate or directly to a bit body of a rotary drill bit. Some embodiments of the invention also relate to cutting element assemblies including one or more superabrasive cutting elements that are rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the cutting element assembly, that may be axially compressed to enhance the damage tolerance thereof, that may be enclosed in an enclosure that exposes the superabrasive cutting element therethrough, or combinations of the foregoing. The disclosed cutting element assemblies may be used in a variety of applications, such as rotary drill bits, machining equipment, and other articles and apparatuses. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 1 and 2 ,  FIG. 1  is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a cutting element assembly  102  and  FIG. 2  is an assembled isometric view of the cutting element assembly  102  shown in  FIG. 1 . The cutting element assembly  102  includes an enclosure  150  defining a recess  151  having a superabrasive cutting element  110  and a base  130  disposed therein. An interfacial surface  136  of the base  130  may abut the superabrasive cutting element  110 . The superabrasive cutting element  110  may be compressed against the base  130  and/or may be bonded to the base  130  and/or the enclosure  150  via brazing or an HPHT bonding process. In embodiments in which the superabrasive cutting element  110  is not bonded to the base  130 , delamination of the superabrasive cutting element  110  from the base  130  may be eliminated. 
     Compressing the superabrasive cutting element  110  against the base  130  may improve the damage tolerance of the superabrasive cutting element  110  by inducing axial compressive stresses in the superabrasive cutting element  110 . For example, the axial compressive stresses in the superabrasive cutting element  110  may improve the damage tolerance thereof (e.g., the impact resistance) so that the ability of the superabrasive cutting element  110  to withstand environmental conditions and/or forces applied to the superabrasive cutting element  110  during drilling may be enhanced. Compressing the superabrasive cutting element  110  between the base  130  and the enclosure  150  may also limit and/or prevent axial and/or rotational movement of the superabrasive cutting element  110  during cutting operations. In other embodiments, the compressive stresses applied to the superabrasive cutting element  110  are sufficient to limit and/or prevent axial movement, while allowing the superabrasive cutting element  110  to still rotate about a longitudinal axis of the enclosure  150  during cutting operations. In some embodiments, the axial compressive stresses may be absent or negligible. In further embodiments, the superabrasive cutting element  110  may be interference fit with the enclosure  150  to prevent rotation about the longitudinal axis during cutting operations. 
     In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the superabrasive cutting element  110  (or other superabrasive cutting element in embodiments described hereinafter) may be formed from a number of different superabrasive materials, such as PCD, cubic boron nitride, combinations of the foregoing materials, or other superabrasive material. For example, PCD comprises a plurality of directly-bonded-together diamond grains exhibiting diamond-to-diamond bonding theretween (e.g., sp 3  bonding), with a catalyst/infiltrant material disposed in interstitial regions between the bonded diamond grains. For example, the catalyst/infiltrant material may be selected from a metallic material (e.g., iron, nickel, cobalt, copper, silver, tin, aluminum, gadolinium, gold, or alloys of the foregoing metals), a carbonate (e.g., one or more carbonates of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Li, Na, or K and/or sintering by-products thereof), a sulfate (e.g., one or more sulfates of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, or Ba) and/or derivatives thereof, a hydroxide (e.g., one or more hydroxides of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, or Ba), elemental phosphorous, a chloride (e.g., one or more chlorides of Li, Na, or K), elemental sulfur, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (e.g., naphthalene, anthracene, pentacene, perylene, coronene, derivatives of the foregoing, or combinations of the foregoing) and/or derivatives thereof, a chlorinated hydrocarbon (e.g., dichloromethane; 1,1,1-tricholorethane; derivatives of the foregoing; or combinations of the foregoing) and/or derivatives thereof, a semiconductor material (e.g., germanium or a germanium alloy), and combinations of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the catalyst/infiltrant material of the PCD may be fully or at least partially removed via, for example, acid leaching to form a so-called thermally stable PCD element (“TSP”). 
     In embodiments where the superabrasive cutting element  110  is bonded to the base  130 , the superabrasive cutting element  110  may be integrally formed with the base  130 , such as by sintering diamond powder on a cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide base in an HPHT process, or preformed and bonded to the base  130  by brazing or another HPHT bonding process. 
     The enclosure  150  and/or base  130  may be formed of various materials. For example, the enclosure  150  and/or base  130  may be formed of a cobalt-chromium alloy (e.g., Stellite®, etc.), cemented carbide materials (e.g., cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide), toughened ceramics, tungsten-cobalt alloys, steel, other materials, or combinations thereof. In embodiments where both the enclosure  150  and the base  130  are formed of Stellite®, the combination of the base  130  and the enclosure  150  are suitably strong to induce relatively larger axial compressive stresses in the superabrasive cutting element  110  than materials like steel. 
     The enclosure  150  that houses the superabrasive cutting element  110  may include at least one cutting opening  154  through which a portion of the superabrasive cutting element  110  is exposed. The at least one cutting opening  154  may expose a portion of an outer surface  124  and a cutting edge  126  of the superabrasive cutting element  110  to facilitate cutting of a subterranean formation or other surface. It is noted that the enclosure  150  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  with one cutting opening  154 . However, the enclosure  150  may include more than one of the cutting openings  154 . 
     The cutting opening  154  may be defined by an edge  158 . The edge  158 , shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , is generally planar. In other words, the edge  158  may be formed by a single straight cut or grind at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the enclosure  150 . In other embodiments, the edge  158  may be otherwise shaped or formed. 
     The enclosure  150  may include an interior engaging surface  152 . The engaging surface  152  may be configured to cooperate with the base  130  to retain the superabrasive cutting element  110  against the interfacial surface  136  of the base  130 . The base  130  may be likewise configured to cooperate with the engaging surface  152 . In the illustrated embodiment, the base  130  may include an engaging surface  132 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging surface  152  of the enclosure  150  and the engaging surface  132  of the base  130  may include threads for threadly connecting the enclosure  150  to the base  130 . In other embodiments, the engaging surfaces  132 ,  152  may include the same or different types of engaging surfaces and/or may include other engaging features, such as press-fitting surfaces, snap fitting surfaces, at least one connection protrusion (shown as element  458  in  FIG. 6 ), slidably engaging surfaces, other engaging features, or combinations thereof. The threads of the engaging surface  152  are shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  extending along only a portion of the engaging surface  152 . In some embodiments, the threads that extend along a portion of the engaging surface  152  (i.e. less than the entirety of the engaging surface  152 ) and the portion without threads may exhibit different interior diameters. In other embodiments, the entire engaging surface  152  may include threads, and the cutting opening  154  may remove and/or interrupt a portion of the threads. 
     The base  130  may further include a driving slot  146  or other feature located on a back end thereof that may facilitate applying stresses to the superabrasive cutting element  110 . For example, in embodiments where the engaging surface  132  of the base  130  and the engaging surface  152  of the enclosure  150  are threaded, the driving slot  146  may be used to thread the base  130  and the enclosure  150  together using, for example, a screwdriver in order to compress the superabrasive cutting element  110  therebetween to a sufficient level. In further embodiments, the torque applied between the enclosure  150  and the base  130  may be specified and/or monitored when assembling the cutting element assembly  102  for repeatability during manufacture and/or to help prevent overloading the superabrasive cutting element  110 . For example, the torque may be about 10 to about 150 foot-pounds (“ft·lbs”), such as about 10 ft·lbs to about 90 ft·lbs, about 50 ft·lbs to about 85 ft·lbs, or about 75 ft·lbs to about 100 ft·lbs. The resultant axial compressive stresses applied to the superabrasive cutting element  110  may be about 20 percent to about 90 percent of the compressive fracture strength of the superabrasive cutting element  110  as measured in a bend test, such as about 30 percent to about 75 percent or about 35 percent to about 50 percent of the superabrasive cutting element  110 . 
     The cutting assembly  102 , in some embodiments, may include a compressible element  160 . The compressible element  160  may be formed of copper, a copper alloy, or other compressible material such as a soft metal or alloy. The compressible element  160  may be disposed between the enclosure  150  and the superabrasive cutting element  110  and/or between the superabrasive cutting element  110  and the base  130 . The embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  with only one compressible element  160 , though more than one or no compressible element  160  may be used. 
     The compressible element  160  may be used to direct the induction of stresses in the superabrasive cutting element  110 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  the compressible element  160  may have a ring shape that has approximately the same outer diameter as an outer diameter of the superabrasive cutting element  110 , which may induce compressive stresses at or near the edge of the superabrasive cutting element  110  to enhance the damage tolerance of the edge or edge region of the superabrasive cutting element  110 . 
     The compressible element  160  may be otherwise sized and/or shaped. For instance, the compressible element  160  may be smaller and/or larger than the superabrasive cutting element  110 , may have a similar and/or different shape than the superabrasive cutting element  110 , may have a uniform and/or non-uniform thickness and/or cross-section, may have other variations, or combinations thereof. The variations in the compressible element  160  may facilitate specific induction of stresses at desired locations and/or in desired proportions with respect to areas where the compressible element  160  may not contact the superabrasive cutting element  110 . 
     The interfacial surface  136  of the base  130 , against which the superabrasive cutting element  110  may be retained, may directly abut the superabrasive cutting element  110 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In other embodiments, one or more of the compressible elements  160  and/or a spacing element may separate the superabrasive cutting element  110  from the base  130 . 
     The base  130  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  as being a separate component from a bit body of a rotary drill bit, and the enclosure  150  would be brazed to the bit body to secure the cutting element assembly  102  thereon. However, in other embodiments, the base  130  may be integrally formed as part of the bit body. In such an embodiment, the cutting element assembly  102  may be formed connecting the enclosure  150  with the superabrasive cutting element  110  disposed therein to the base  130 . In a further embodiment, the at least part of the enclosure  150  may form part of the bit body, and the cutting element assembly  102  may assembled on the bit body. 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an embodiment of an enclosure  250 . Like the enclosure  150 , the enclosure  250  may be used to house and retain a superabrasive cutting element (such as superabrasive cutting element  110  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) against a base (such as base  130  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The enclosure  250  may include at least one cutting opening  254  and is shown in  FIG. 3  with two cutting openings  254 . The cutting openings  254  may expose the superabrasive cutting element  110  therethrough to facilitate cutting of a subterranean formation or other surface for cutting. By having the superabrasive cutting element  110  exposed through two or more cutting openings  254 , when the portion of the superabrasive cutting element  110  exposed through one of the cutting openings  254  is worn and/or damaged, the enclosure  250  including the superabrasive cutting element  110  therein may be detached from a drill bit body and rotated so the unworn portion thereof exposed through the other cutting opening  254  may be used. For example, the enclosure  250  may be un-brazed from a drill bit body, rotated, and re-brazed to the drill bit body in the rotated orientation. 
     The cutting openings  254  may extend inwardly further toward a longitudinal axis of the enclosure  250  than the cutting openings  154  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Thus, the amount of the superabrasive cutting element  110  that is exposed through one of the cutting openings  254  may be larger than the amount of the superabrasive cutting element  110  exposed through the single cutting opening  154  of the enclosure  150 . However, the amount of the superabrasive cutting element  110  that is exposed through the cutting openings  254  may vary. For example, the cutting openings  254  may expose all but a portion of an outer surface (shown as  124  in  FIG. 1 ) of the superabrasive cutting element  110 . 
     The enclosure  250  may include an engaging surface  252 . The engaging surface  252  may be configured to cooperate with a base (such as the base  130  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to retain the superabrasive cutting element  110  against the base. In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging surface  252  of the enclosure  250  may be sized and shaped with respect to a corresponding base to press-fit, braze, solder, glue, or weld the base and/or superabrasive cutting element and the enclosure  250  together. In other embodiments, the engaging surface  252  may include the same or different types of engaging surfaces as a corresponding base and/or may include other engaging features, such as threaded surfaces, snap fitting surfaces, at least one connection protrusion (shown as element  458  in  FIG. 6 ), slidably engaging surfaces, other engaging features, or combinations thereof. 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a further embodiment of an enclosure  350 . The enclosure  350  may be used to house and retain a superabrasive cutting element against a base (such as the superabrasive cutting element  110  and the base  130  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The enclosure  350  may include at least one cutting opening  354  and is shown in  FIG. 3  with two cutting openings  354 . The cutting openings  354  may expose the superabrasive cutting element  110  to facilitate cutting of a subterranean formation or other surface for cutting. 
     The cutting openings  354  are similar to the cutting openings  154  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The cutting opening  354  may be defined by an edge  358 . The edge  358 , shown in  FIG. 3 , is generally planar. In other words, the edge  358  may be formed by a single straight cut or by grinding at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the enclosure  350 . In other embodiments, the edge  358  may be otherwise shaped or formed. 
     The enclosure  350  may include an engaging surface  352 . The engaging surface  352  may be configured to cooperate with a base (such as the base  130  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to retain a superabrasive cutting element  110  against the base. In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging surface  352  of the enclosure  350  may be sized and shaped with respect to a corresponding base to press-fit, braze, solder, glue, or weld the base and/or superabrasive cutting element to the enclosure  350  together. For example, an inner diameter of the enclosure  350  may be larger than an outer diameter of its corresponding base. In other embodiments, the engaging surface  352  may include the same or different types of engaging surfaces as a corresponding base and/or may include other engaging features, such as threaded surfaces, snap-fitting surfaces, at least one connection protrusion (shown as  458  in  FIG. 6 ), other engaging features, or combinations thereof. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 5 and 6 ,  FIG. 5  is an isometric view of another embodiment of a cutting element assembly  402  with three cutting openings  454  and  FIG. 6  is a side cross-sectional view of the enclosure  450  of  FIG. 5 . The enclosure  450  of the cutting element assembly  402  defines a recess  452  (see  FIG. 6 ) having a superabrasive cutting element  410  and a base  430  disposed therein. The superabrasive cutting element  410  may abut an interfacial surface  436  of the base  430  (see  FIG. 6 ). The superabrasive cutting element  410  may be retained against the base  430  by the enclosure  450  and/or may be bonded to the base  430  via brazing or an HPHT bonding process. 
     The enclosure  450  that houses and retains the superabrasive cutting element  410  and the base  430  may include at least one cutting opening  454 . As shown most clearly in  FIG. 5 , the at least one cutting opening  454  may expose a portion of an outer surface  424  and a cutting edge  426  of the superabrasive cutting element  410  to facilitate cutting of a subterranean formation or other surface for cutting. The enclosure  450  is shown in  FIG. 5  with three cutting openings  454 . However, the enclosure  450  may include more or fewer cutting openings  454 . 
     The cutting opening  454  may be partially defined by an edge  458 . The edge  458 , shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , is generally perpendicular to the outer surface  424  of the superabrasive cutting element  410  near the bottom and generally chamfered near the top of the cutting opening  454 . In other embodiments, the edge  458  may be otherwise shaped or formed. 
     The enclosure  450  may include an engaging surface  453 . The engaging surface  453  may be configured to cooperate with the base  430  to retain the superabrasive cutting element  410  against the interfacial surface  436  of the base  430 . The base  430  may be likewise configured to cooperate with the engaging surface  453 . In the illustrated embodiment, the base  430  may include an engaging surface  432 . 
     The engaging surface  452  of the enclosure  450  may include at least one connection member  458 . In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member  458  may be configured as a tab extending radially inwardly that may snap fit with the engaging surface  453 . The engaging surface  432  of the base  430  may simply be the bottom surface of the base  430 , which may engage the connection member  458  to thereby retain and axially compress the superabrasive cutting element  410  against the base  430  so that the damage tolerance of the superabrasive cutting element  410  is enhanced. As such, the enclosure  450  may be made of a suitably strong and ductile material, such as cobalt-chromium alloys (e.g., Stellite® or any other cobalt-chromium alloy), cemented carbide materials (e.g., cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide), tungsten-cobalt alloys, steel, other materials, or combinations thereof. However, the base  430  and/or the superabrasive cutting element  410  may still be brazed, soldered, glued, or welded to the enclosure  450  in addition to the snap fit, if desired or needed. Further, in some embodiments, the axial compression of the superabrasive cutting element  410  may be absent or minimal depending on the combined height of the superabrasive cutting element  410  and the base  430  relative to the length of the enclosure  450 . In some embodiments, the cutting element assembly  402  may be structured to prevent rotation of superabrasive cutting element  410  during use in a subterranean drill bit. 
     The interfacial surface  436  of the base  430  may directly abut the superabrasive cutting element  410 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . In other embodiments, a compressible element (e.g., the compressible element  160  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and/or a spacing element may separate the superabrasive cutting element  410  from the base  430 . 
       FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a still further embodiment of a cutting element assembly  502  with four cutting openings  554 . The cutting element assembly  502  includes an enclosure  550  defining a recess (not labeled) having a superabrasive cutting element  510  and a base  530  disposed therein. An interfacial surface  536  of the base  530  may at least partially abut against the superabrasive cutting element  510 . The superabrasive cutting element  510  may be retained against the base  530  and between the base  530  and the enclosure  550  and/or may be bonded to the base  530  and/or the enclosure  550  via brazing or an HPHT bonding process. 
     The enclosure  550  that houses and retains the superabrasive cutting element  510  and the base  530  may include at least one cutting opening  554 . The at least one cutting opening  554  may expose a portion of an outer surface  524  and a cutting edge  526  of the superabrasive cutting element  510  therethrough to facilitate cutting of a subterranean formation or other surface for cutting. The enclosure  550  is shown in  FIG. 7  with four cutting openings  554 . However, the enclosure  550  may include more or fewer cutting openings  554 . 
     The cutting opening  554  may be partially defined by an edge  558 . The edge  558 , shown in  FIG. 5 , is generally perpendicular to the outer surface  524  of the superabrasive cutting element  510  near the bottom and generally chamfered near the top. In other embodiments, the edge  558  may be otherwise shaped or formed. 
     The enclosure  550  may include an engaging surface (not shown). The engaging surface may be configured to cooperate with the base  530  to retain the superabrasive cutting element  510  against the interfacial surface  536  of the base  530 . The base  530  may be likewise configured to cooperate with the engaging surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the base  530  may include an engaging surface (not shown). The engaging surface  552  of the enclosure  550 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , may be sized and shaped with respect to base  530  to press-fit the base  530  and the enclosure  550  together, weld the base  530  and the enclosure  550  together, braze the base  530  and the enclosure  550  together, glue the base  530  and the enclosure  550  together, solder the base  530  and the enclosure  550  together, thread the base  530  and the enclosure  550  together, or combinations of the foregoing. In other embodiments, the engaging surfaces may include the same or different types of engaging surfaces, such as at least one connection protrusion (shown as  458  in  FIG. 6 ), other engaging features, or combinations thereof. 
     The interfacial surface  536  of the base  530 , against which the superabrasive cutting element  510  may be retained, may directly abut the superabrasive cutting element  510 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . In other embodiments, a compressible element (e.g., the compressible element  160  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and/or a spacing element may separate the superabrasive cutting element  510  from the base  530 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 8 and 9 ,  FIG. 8  is an assembled isometric view of a cutting element assembly  602  and  FIG. 9  is an exploded isometric view of the cutting element assembly  602  of  FIG. 8 . The cutting element assembly  602  includes an enclosure  650  defining a recess (not labeled) having a plurality of superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  in the form of respective circular disks and a base  630  disposed therein. Three of the superabrasive cutting elements  610  are shown the illustrated embodiment. However, in other embodiments, less or more than three of the superabrasive cutting elements  610  may be provided. The superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  may be retained against an interfacial surface  636  of the base  630  by the enclosure  650 . Each of the superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  includes an upper surface  624 , a lower surface, and a cutting edge  626 . The base  630  may include a superabrasive compact, such as PDC. In other words, the base  630  may include a PCD table that is, for example, integrally formed on and bonded to a substrate. The substrate may be formed from a cemented carbide material, such as cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide or other suitable cemented carbide material. 
     The enclosure  650  that houses the superabrasive cutting element  610  and the base  630  may include at least one cutting opening  654 . As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the at least one cutting opening  654  may expose a portion of the superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  and the base  630  therethrough to facilitate cutting of a subterranean formation during drilling operations. The enclosure  650  is shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  with one cutting opening  654 . However, the enclosure  650  may include more cutting openings  654 . The cutting opening  654  may be defined an edge  658 . The edge  658 , shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , is generally planar. In other words, the edge  658  may be formed by a single straight cut or grind at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the enclosure  650 . In other embodiments, the edge  658  may be otherwise shaped or formed. 
     The upper surface  624  and the lower surface  626  of each of the superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  and the interfacial surface  636  of the base  630  may each be polished to exhibit a substantially mirror finish or other smooth finish. By polishing the upper surface  624  and the lower surface  626  of each of the superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  and the interfacial surface  636  of the base  630 , the superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  and the base  630  may rotate freely about the longitudinal axis of the cutting element assembly  602  to help average the amount of wear on the superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  and the base  630  during cutting operations. The superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  may function as the primary cutting structures, with the base  630  serving as a back-up cutting structure should the wear flat extend all the way to the base  630 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the cutting element assembly  602  may include a backing element  668 . The backing element  668  may be used to retain the base  630  and the superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  within the enclosure  650 . For example, the backing element  668  may be bonded to the enclosure  650  and/or base  630  in addition to or in place of the enclosure  650  and the base  630  being bonded together. In some embodiments, the combination of the enclosure  650  and the backing element  668  may apply axial compressive stresses to the superabrasive cutting element  610   a - 610   c  having any of the axial compressive stress values disclosed herein. 
     The backing element  668  may be bonded to the enclosure  650  to retain the superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  and the base  630  in the enclosure  650 . For example, the backing element  668  may be inserted into the enclosure  650  to compress the superabrasive cutting element  610  and the base  630  between an interior of the enclosure  650  and the backing element  668 , and bonded to the enclosure  650  via brazing, soldering, gluing, welding, or other suitable joining process in the compressed configuration. In other embodiment, the backing element  668  may threadly connected to an interior of the enclosure  650 . The backing element  668  may be made of similar or dissimilar materials than the enclosure  650  and/or the base  630 , such as cobalt-chromium alloys (e.g., Stellite® or other cobalt-chromium alloy), cemented carbide materials (e.g., cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide), tungsten-cobalt alloys, steel, other materials, or combinations thereof. The material of the backing member  668  may be selected to ensure sufficient strength to withstand forces generated during the bonding process and generated during cutting operations. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the backing element  668  may have an outer diameter dimensioned to be received by the enclosure  650  (i.e., slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the enclosure  650 ). However, in another embodiment, the backing element  608  may have substantially the same outer diameter and/or footprint as an outer diameter and/or footprint of the enclosure  650 . In another embodiment, the backing element  668  may be configured as a shallow cup that receives a portion of the enclosure  650 . 
     In some embodiments where the enclosure  650  slidably engages the base  630 , the enclosure  650  and base  630  may be bonded together. For example, the enclosure  650  and base  630  may be welded, adhesively bonded, brazed, soldered, press-fit together, otherwise bonded, or combinations thereof. In such an embodiment, only the superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  would rotate about the longitudinal axis during cutting operations and the base  630  would remain stationary. 
     In a further embodiment, one or more polished superabrasive spacer elements (e.g., one or more PCD disks) may be disposed between the base  630  and the backing element  668  along with the base  630  being disposed between one or more of the superabrasive cutting elements  610  and the one or more polished superabrasive spacer elements. In such an embodiment, the one or more polished superabrasive spacer elements further helps the one or more superabrasive cutting elements  610  and the base  630  rotate freely about the longitudinal axis during cutting operations. 
     The interfacial surface  636  of the base  630  may indirectly abut the superabrasive cutting element  610   a . For example, the superabrasive cutting element  610   a  may be spaced from the interfacial surface  636  by the superabrasive cutting elements  610   b  and  610   c  or more than two or less than two spacing elements may be used. Instead of using the superabrasive cutting elements  610   b  and  610   c , compressible or substantially incompressible spacing elements may be used. Although the superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  are described above as being rotatable, in other embodiments, one, two or all of the superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  may be configured, in combination with interior geometry of the enclosure  650 , to prevent rotation about the longitudinal axis of the enclosure  650  during cutting operations. For example, one, two or all of the superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  may include a notch, flat, or other feature configured to prevent rotation in combination with the enclosure  650 . However, in other embodiments, one, two or all of the superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  may exhibit a circular-disk configuration and rotation thereof may be restricted due to the configuration of the enclosure  650  and the superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  (e.g., being interference fit with the enclosure  650 ), due to the superabrasive cutting elements  610   a - 610   c  being brazed to the interior of the enclosure  650 , due to axial compression between the enclosure  650  and other components, or combinations of the foregoing. 
       FIG. 10  is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a cutting element assembly  702  configured to limit axial rotation of a superabrasive cutting element. The cutting element assembly  702  includes an enclosure  750  defining a recess  751  having a superabrasive cutting element  710  and a base  730  disposed therein. The superabrasive cutting element  710  includes an outer surface  724  and a cutting edge  726 . The cutting edge  726  and an exterior  727  of the enclosure  750  may substantially define a circumference of a circle (e.g., a radius of the cutting edge  726  may substantially match an outer radius of the enclosure  750 ). An interfacial surface  736  of the base  730  may abut the superabrasive cutting element  710 . The superabrasive cutting element  710  may be retained against the base  730  by the enclosure  750  and/or may be bonded to the base  730  via brazing or an HPHT bonding process. 
     The enclosure  750  that houses the superabrasive cutting element  710  and the base  730  may include at least one cutting opening  754 . The at least one cutting opening  754  may expose a portion of the outer surface  724  and the cutting edge  726  of the superabrasive cutting element  710  to facilitate cutting of a subterranean formation or other surface for cutting. The enclosure  750  is shown in  FIG. 10  with two cutting openings  754 . However, the enclosure  750  may include one or more cutting openings  754 . 
     The enclosure  750  may include an engaging surface  752 . The engaging surface  752  may be configured to cooperate with the base  730  to retain the superabrasive cutting element  710  against the interfacial surface  736  of the base  730 . The base  730  may be likewise configured to cooperate with the engaging surface  752 . The base  730  may include an engaging surface  732 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure  750  may include one or more connecting members  758  (e.g., arms) that may extend from an upper portion of the enclosure  750 . The engaging surface  752  of the enclosure  750  may be located on an inner surface of the connecting member  758 . 
     The base  730  may include one or more connecting channels  740 . The base  730  may include an engaging surface  732  on an inner surface of the connecting channel  740 . The connecting channel  740  may be configured to receive the connecting member  758  to secure the base  730  to the enclosure  750 . For example, the connecting member  758  of the enclosure  750  may be sized and/or shaped to press-fit with the connecting channel  740  of the base  730 . In other words the engaging surface  732  on the inner surface of the connecting channel  740  of the base  730  may engage with the engaging surface  752  on an inner surface of the connecting member  758  of the enclosure  750 . In other embodiments, each connecting member  758  may be brazed, soldered, glued, or welded to the engaging surface  732  of a corresponding connecting channel  740 . 
     The connecting members  758  may limit the axial rotational freedom of the superabrasive cutting element  710  and the base  730  in the enclosure  750 . In other words, the connecting members  758  may abut a periphery  712  of the superabrasive cutting element  710  to thereby limit rotational motion of the superabrasive cutting element  710  about a longitudinal axis of the enclosure  750 . In some embodiments, axial compressive stresses induced in the superabrasive cutting element  710  by the combination of the base  730  and the enclosure  750  may limit and/or prevent any axial and/or rotational movement of the superabrasive cutting element  710  when attached to a subterranean drill bit. In other embodiments, the axial compressive stresses in the superabrasive cutting element  710  may be absent or minimal. 
     The interfacial surface  736  of the base  730  may directly abut the superabrasive cutting element  710 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . In other embodiments, a compressible element (described as  130  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and/or a spacing element may separate the superabrasive cutting element  710  from the base  730 . The compressible element and/or spacing element may be shaped to have a similar footprint as the superabrasive cutting element  710  and/or base  730 . 
       FIG. 11  is an exploded isometric view of another embodiment of a cutting element assembly  802  configured to limit axial rotation of a superabrasive cutting element. The cutting element assembly  802  includes a superabrasive cutting element  810  that may abut an interfacial surface  836  of a base  830 . The superabrasive cutting element  810  includes an outer surface  824  and a cutting edge  826 . The cutting edge  826  and an exterior of the enclosure  850  may substantially define a circumference of a circle (e.g., a radius of the cutting edge  826  may substantially match an outer radius of the enclosure  850 ). The superabrasive cutting element  810  may be retained against the base  830  by the enclosure  850  and/or may be bonded to the base  830  and/or the enclosure  850  via brazing or an HPHT bonding process. 
     The enclosure  850  that houses the superabrasive cutting element  810  and the base  830  may include at least one cutting opening  854 . The at least one cutting opening  854  may expose a portion of the outer surface  824  and the cutting edge  826  of the superabrasive cutting element  810  to facilitate cutting of a subterranean formation or other surface for cutting. The enclosure  850  is shown in  FIG. 11  with three cutting openings  854 . However, the enclosure  850  may include more or fewer cutting openings  854 . 
     The enclosure  850  may include a first engaging surface  852   a  on an inner surface of a connecting member  858  that may extend from an upper portion of the enclosure  850  and/or a second engaging surface  852   b  on a lower portion of the connecting member  858 . The first and/or second engaging surfaces  852   a ,  852   b  may be configured to cooperate with the base  830  to retain the superabrasive cutting element  810  against the interfacial surface  836  of the base  830 . 
     The base  830  may be likewise configured to cooperate with the engaging surface  852 . The first engaging surface  832   a  on an outer surface of a connecting channel  840  of the base  830  and/or the second engaging surface  832   b  on a lower portion of the connecting channel  840  may be configured to receive and/or retain the enclosure  850  with respect to the base  830 . For example, the connecting member  858  of the enclosure  850  may be sized and/or shaped to press-fit with the connecting channel  840  of the base  830 . In other words, the first engaging surface  832   a  on the outer surface of the connecting channel  840  of the base  830  may engage with the first engaging surface  852   a  on the inner surface of the connecting member  858  of the enclosure  850 . In another example, the second engaging surface  832   b  on the lower portion of the connecting channel  840  may engage with the second engaging surface  852   b  on the lower portion of the connecting member  858 . In a further example, the first engaging surface  832   a  and/or the second engaging surface  832   b  of the connecting channel  840  may engage with the first engaging surface  852   a  and/or the second engaging surface  852   b  of the connecting member  858 . In other embodiments, the connecting members  858  may be brazed, soldered, glued, or welded to the base  830 . 
     As with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , the connecting members  858  may limit the axial rotational freedom of the superabrasive cutting element  810  about a longitudinal axis defined by the enclosure  850 . The superabrasive cutting element  810  may include at least one connecting opening  812  that may be sized to allow the enclosure  850  to extend over the superabrasive cutting element  810  and engage with the base  830 . Thus, the connecting members  858  may abut the connecting openings  812  of the superabrasive cutting element  810  limiting motion of the superabrasive cutting element  810  about a longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, the stresses induced by the retention of the base  830  with respect to the enclosure  850  may limit and/or prevent any axial and/or rotational movement of the superabrasive cutting element  810  when attached to a subterranean drill bit. 
     The interfacial surface  836  of the base  830  may directly abut the superabrasive cutting element  810 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . In other embodiments, a compressible element (e.g., the compressible element  160  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and/or a spacing element may separate the superabrasive cutting element  810  from the base  830 . The compressible element and/or spacing element may be shaped to have a similar footprint as the superabrasive cutting element  810  and/or base  830 . 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a superabrasive cutting element  910 . The method may be used to manufacture the superabrasive cutting elements described herein, such as superabrasive cutting elements  110 ,  410 ,  510 ,  610 ,  710 ,  810  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 and 5-11 , spacing elements, other elements, or combinations thereof. 
     The method may include subjecting a superabrasive material  970  disposed on a substrate  972  to an HPHT process that sinters the superabrasive material  970  to form a superabrasive cutting element  910  integrally formed and bonded to the substrate  970 . For example, the superabrasive material  970  may comprise diamond powder placed on the substrate  972  that may comprise cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide. During the HPHT process, cobalt from the substrate may sweep into the diamond powder to catalyze formation of a PCD table. 
     The substrate  972  may then be removed by grinding or other methods to separate the superabrasive cutting element  910  so formed from the underlying substrate  972 . In some embodiments, the superabrasive cutting element  910  may be at least partially leached to remove catalyst material therefrom, such as removing cobalt from sintered PCD, after separation from the substrate  972 . 
     After the superabrasive cutting element  910  is separated, the superabrasive cutting element  910  may be shaped (if desired or needed) and assembled into a cutting element assembly described herein, such as cutting element assemblies  102 ,  402 ,  502 ,  602 ,  702 ,  802  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 and 5-11 . For example, the superabrasive cutting element  910  may be shaped by grinding, electro-discharge machining, or combinations thereof. 
     In other embodiments, the superabrasive cutting element  910  may be fabricated by infiltrating, for example, diamond powder with a catalyst material (e.g., cobalt, iron, nickel, or alloys thereof) from a catalyst material disk in an HPHT process. In a further embodiment, catalyst material particles (e.g., particles made from cobalt, iron, nickel, or alloys thereof) may be mixed with diamond powder and subjected to an HPHT process. 
     When the superabrasive cutting element  910  is at least partially leached, it may be re-infiltrated with a replacement material that may help limit crack growth in the at least partially leached superabrasive cutting element  910  during cutting. For example, the replacement material may include one or more metal carbonates (e.g., one or more alkali metal carbonates), silicon, a silicon-cobalt alloy, combinations of the foregoing, or another suitable material. Silicon and a silicon-cobalt alloy may react with diamond grains to form silicon carbide and/or other reaction product. 
     In some embodiments, a superabrasive cutting element may be mechanically fastened to a substrate instead of using the disclosed enclosures.  FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a method of manufacturing a superabrasive cutting element  1010  with a through hole  1016  extending therethrough in a thickness direction to allow the superabrasive cutting element  1010  to be fastened to a substrate. The method may include sintering a superabrasive material  1070  (e.g., diamond powder) on a substrate  1072  (e.g., a cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide substrate) in an HPHT process to form a superabrasive cutting element  1010 . The substrate  1072  may include a protrusion  1074 . The superabrasive material  1070  may be formed to conform to and extend about the protrusion  1074 . The substrate  1072  may then be removed by grinding or other methods to separate the superabrasive cutting element  1010  from the bulk of the substrate  1072 . 
     The protrusion  1074  may be removed from the superabrasive cutting element  1010  to form a through hole  1016 . In some embodiments, the protrusion  1074  may be mechanically removed from the superabrasive cutting element  1010 , such as by mechanical machining (e.g., drilling), laser ablation, abrasive blasting, electro-discharge machining, or combinations of the foregoing processes. In other embodiments, the protrusion  1074  may be chemically removed from the superabrasive cutting element  1010 . For example, the superabrasive cutting element  1010  including the protrusion  1074  may be immersed in an acid to substantially simultaneously leach a catalyst material from the superabrasive cutting element  1010  and a cementing constituent in the protrusion  1074  (e.g., cobalt in a cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide substrate). In further embodiments, superabrasive cutting element  1010  may be at least partially or fully leached after mechanically removing the protrusion  1074 . 
     In some embodiments, the through hole may be formed to exhibit a counterbored geometry. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the method may include sintering a superabrasive material  1170  on a substrate  1072 ′ to form a superabrasive cutting element  1110 ′. The substrate  1072 ′ may include a protrusion  1074 ′. As with the method shown in  FIG. 13 , the superabrasive material  1170  may be sintered about the protrusion  1074 ′. The substrate  1072 ′ and the protrusion  1074 ′ may then be removed using the same or similar methods described in  FIG. 13  to remove the protrusion  1074  and form a through hole  1016 ′ having a countered geometry as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     In embodiments where the protrusion  1074 / 1074 ′ is excluded, a through hole may be formed after, for example, the superabrasive cutting element  910  is formed. For example, the through hole may be formed using a mechanical process, laser ablation, a chemical process, another material removal processes, or combinations thereof. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , any of the superabrasive cutting elements disclosed herein having a through hole formed therein may be used to form a superabrasive compact,  FIG. 16  is an exploded side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a cutting element assembly  1302  and  FIG. 17  is an assembled side cross-sectional view of the cutting element assembly  1302  shown in  FIG. 16 . The cutting element assembly  1302  may include a superabrasive cutting element  1310  that may be retained against a base  1330  via a fastener  1380 . For example, the base  1330  may comprise a cemented carbide material, such as cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide or other suitable carbide. The superabrasive cutting element  1310  includes a through hole  1317  extending therethrough in a thickness direction, which includes an enlarged counterbored portion  1318  and a reduced diameter portion  1320 . The fastener  1380  may be a screw, a press-fit post, a snap-fit post, a rivet, or other fastener. The fastener  1380  may be formed from, for example, a cobalt-chromium alloy. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the superabrasive cutting element  1310  may be retained against the base  1330  by a fastener  1380 , but without brazing. In other embodiments, superabrasive cutting element  1310  may be retained against the base  1330  by a fastener  1380  and brazing. In embodiments, where the superabrasive cutting element  1310  is retained against the base  1330  without brazing, instant repair and/or replacement may be feasible and/or thermal damage which may occur in conventional brazing of superabrasive cutting elements such as PCD cutting elements may be prevented. 
     Retaining the superabrasive cutting element  1310  against the base  1330  may improve the damage tolerance of the superabrasive cutting element  1310 . For example, the combination of the fastener  1380  and the base  1330  may induce axial compressive stresses in the superabrasive cutting element  1310  that may improve the ability of the superabrasive cutting element  1310  to withstand environmental conditions and/or forces applied to the superabrasive cutting element  1310 . Retaining the superabrasive cutting element  1310  against the base  1330  may limit and/or prevent any axial and/or rotational movement of the superabrasive cutting element  1310 . 
     The fastener  1380  may be inserted through the through hole  1317  of the superabrasive cutting element  1310  and engage an engaging surface  1332  of the base  1330 . In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging surface  1332  and the fastener  1380  may be threaded. In other embodiments, the cutting element assembly  1302  may include other engaging features, such as press-fit surfaces, snap-fitting surfaces, at least one connection protrusion, slidably engaging surfaces, other engaging features, or combinations thereof. 
     The fastener  1380  may include a recess-engaging feature  1382  (e.g., a bolt head) that resides in the enlarged counterbored portion  1318  of the through hole  1317  so that a top of the bolt head is recessed therein or flush with an upper surface  1324  of the superabrasive cutting element. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess-engaging feature  1382  is a bolt head. In other embodiments, the recess-engaging feature  1382  may be a tapered screw head, a flat screw head, other fastener head, or combinations thereof. The recess-engaging feature  1382 , in embodiments with or without the enlarged counter-bore portion  1318 , may engage the upper surface  1324  of the superabrasive cutting element  1310 . 
     The fastener  1380  may further include a driving slot or other driving recess (e.g., a hexagonal recess) or protrusion that may facilitate applying stresses to the superabrasive cutting element  1310 . For example, in embodiments where the engaging surface  1332  of the base  1330  and/or the fastener  1380  are threaded, the driving slot may be used to further direct the superabrasive cutting element  1310  and the base  1330  together using, for example, a screwdriver. In further embodiments, the torque applied between the superabrasive cutting element  1310  and the base  1330  may be specified and/or monitored when assembling the cutting element assembly  1302 . 
     When assembled, the cutting element assembly  1302  may be connected to a drill bit body of a rotary drill bit by brazing the base  1330  to the drill bit body and/or other means. In other embodiments, the base  1330  may define part of a cutter pocket of a drill bit body to which the superabrasive cutting element  1310  is directly connected. In either embodiment, the superabrasive cutting element  1310  may be removed after use and/or replaced with a new superabrasive cutting element, as need or desired. 
       FIG. 18  is an exploded side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a cutting element assembly  1402 . The cutting element assembly  1402  of this other embodiment may be functionally similar to the cutting element assembly  1302  and the superabrasive cutting elements  1310  previously described above and shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17  in most respects, wherein certain features will not be described in relation to this embodiment wherein those components may function in the manner as described above and are hereby incorporated into this alternative embodiment described below. In addition, certain features described in connection with the embodiment described below may be incorporated into other embodiments described herein. 
     The cutting element assembly  1402  may include a superabrasive cutting element  1410  that may be retained against a base  1430  by a fastener  1480 . In the illustrated embodiment, the superabrasive cutting element  1410  may be retained against the base  1430  by the fastener  1480 , but without brazing. In other embodiments, superabrasive cutting element  1410  may be retained against the base  1430  by the fastener  1480  and brazing. Retaining the superabrasive cutting element  1410  against the base  1430  may improve the damage tolerance of the superabrasive cutting element  1410  by imparting axial compressive stresses to the superabrasive cutting element  1410 . 
     The fastener  1480  may be inserted through a through hole  1417  formed in the superabrasive cutting element  1410  and through an axially-extending counterbored through hole  1441  formed in the base  1430 , which includes an enlarged counterbored portion  1444  and a smaller portion  1442 . The retaining recess  1444  may be sized to receive a nut  1484  or other mechanism configured to retain the fastener  1480 . 
     The fastener  1480  is inserted through the superabrasive cutting element  1410  and the through hole  1441  formed in the base  1430  to engage the nut  1484 . In the illustrated embodiment, the nut  1484  and/or the fastener  1480  may be threaded. In other embodiments, the cutting element assembly  1402  may include other engaging features, such as press-fit surfaces, snap fitting surfaces, at least one connection protrusion, slidably engaging surfaces, other engaging features, or combinations thereof. 
       FIG. 19  is an isometric view and  FIG. 20  is a top elevation view of an embodiment of a rotary drill bit  1500  that may employ one or more of the disclosed cutting element assembly embodiments. The rotary drill bit  1500  comprises a bit body  1502  that includes radially- and longitudinally-extending blades  1504  having leading faces  1506 , and a threaded pin connection  1508  for connecting the bit body  1502  to a drilling string. The bit body  1502  defines a leading end structure for drilling into a subterranean formation by rotation about a longitudinal axis  1510  and application of weight-on-bit. At least one cutting element assembly, configured according to any of the previously described cutting element assembly embodiments, may be affixed to the bit body  1502 . Each of a plurality of cutting element assemblies  1512  is secured to the blades  1504  of the bit body  1502 . For example, each cutting element assembly  1512  is illustrated as the cutting element assembly  1302  shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . However, each cutting element assembly  1512  may comprise any cutting element assembly disclosed herein, without limitation. In addition, if desired, in some embodiments, a number of the cutting element assemblies  1512  may be conventional in construction. Also, circumferentially adjacent blades  1504  define so-called junk slots  1520  therebetween. Additionally, the rotary drill bit  1500  includes a plurality of nozzle cavities  1518  for communicating drilling fluid from the interior of the rotary drill bit  1500  to the cutting element assemblies  1512 . 
     While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, the words “including,” “having,” and variants thereof (e.g., “includes” and “has”) as used herein, including the claims, shall have the same meaning as the word “comprising” and variants thereof (e.g., “comprise” and “comprises”).