Superabrasive cutting element with enhanced durability and increased wear life, and apparatus so equipped

A cutting element for use on a bit for drilling subterranean formations, said cutting element having a longitudinal axis and comprising:

• a volume of superabrasive material including:
• a cutting face extending in two dimensions and generally transverse to said longitudinal axis;
• a cutting edge at a periphery of said cutting face;
• and
• a rake land on said cutting face extending forwardly, inwardly and away from said cutting edge at an acute angle to said longitudinal axis for a width of no less than about 0.050 inch measured along the surface of said rake land;
• and
• wherein said volume of superabrasive material has a depth, measured parallel to said longitudinal axis and adjacent said cutting edge, of not less than about 0.070 inch and not more than about 0.150 inch.

An apparatus for use in drilling subterranean formations, comprising:

• a body presenting an exterior surface having at least one cutting element secured thereto;
• said at least one cutting element having a longitudinal axis and comprising a volume of superabrasive material including:
• a cutting face extending in two dimensions and generally transverse to said longitudinal axis;
• a cutting edge at a periphery of said cutting face;
• and
• a rake land on said cutting face extending forwardly, inwardly and away from said cutting edge at an acute angle to said longitudinal axis for a width of no less than about 0.050 inch measured along the surface of said rake land;
• and
• wherein said volume of superabrasive material has a depth, measured parallel to said longitudinal axis and adjacent said cutting edge, of not less than about 0.070 inch and not more than about 0.150 inch.

An apparatus for use in drilling subterranean formations, comprising:

• a body presenting an exterior surface having at least one cutting element secured thereto;
• said at least one cutting element having a longitudinal axis and comprising a volume of superabrasive material including:
• a cutting face extending in two dimensions and generally transverse to said longitudinal axis;
• a cutting edge at a periphery of said curing face;
• a rear boundary trading said cutting edge at a longitudinal distance of no less than about 0.015 inch;
• and
• a rake land on said cutting face extending forwardly, inwardly and away from said cutting edge at an acute angle to said longitudinal axis;
• and
• wherein said volume of superabrasive material has a depth, measured parallel to said longitudinal axis and adjacent said cutting edge, of not less than about 0.070 inch and not more than about 0.150 inch.