Superabrasive elements and related methods for processing and manufacturing using protective layers

A method of processing a polycrystalline diamond element, the method comprising:

• positioning a protective layer over a selected portion of a polycrystalline diamond element, the polycrystalline diamond element comprising a polycrystalline diamond table comprising:
• a superabrasive face;
• a superabrasive side surface;
• and
• a chamfer extending between the superabrasive face and the superabrasive side surface;
• covering a portion of the superabrasive side surface with the protective layer;
• and
• exposing at least a portion of the polycrystalline diamond element including the chamfer to a leaching solution such that the leaching solution contacts an exposed surface region of the polycrystalline diamond table.

A method of processing a polycrystalline diamond element, the method comprising:

• defining a protective layer over a selected portion of a polycrystalline diamond element, the polycrystalline diamond element comprising a polycrystalline diamond table including a superabrasive face, a superabrasive side surface, and a chamfer extending between the superabrasive face and the superabrasive side surface;
• covering at least a portion of the superabrasive side surface with the protective layer while at least a portion of the chamfer remains exposed;
• and
• exposing at least a portion of the polycrystalline diamond element including the chamfer to a leaching solution such that the leaching solution contacts an exposed surface region of the polycrystalline diamond table.