Diamond in Cutting Applications
In order for a tool to cut a work piece, its material must be harder than that of the work piece. As new and harder work piece materials are developed, tool technology must also continue to advance. The diamond stands on top when it comes to hardness. The precious material has been use for the cutting tips of various machine tools. These tools are referred to as diamond tools.
Diamond tools have been used since the ancient times. In one of the earliest historical records, it is stated that diamond fragments are sought after by craftsmen and jewelers for its ability to cut the hardest materials with ease. Diamond offers several advantages in the machining industry. It extreme hardness gives it excellent cutting ability. Due to its cutting ability, less force is required for cutting or grinding applications. This helps lower energy consumption, lower the heat generated by the cutting or grinding action and minimize wear on the equipment. Its hardness makes diamond very resistant to wear and allows the tool to produce consistent results over a long period of time. An operator or craftsman will not have to make frequent adjustments to maintain product quality. Its long lifespan reduces downtime resulting from parts replacements or maintenance thereby positively affecting the productivity of the operation. There are limitations to diamond tools. A widely known issue is the graphitization that happens when diamond is exposed to very high temperature and in the presence catalyst metal such as carbon steel.
