The Diamond Core

Edge diamond cores are made from high alloy, heat treated steel. A bore hole is milled out of the centre to the required size. Radial slots or gullets are machined out of the outer diameter to facilitate the attachment of the diamond segments bonding process. These can be machined in a variety of forms, wide gullet, narrow gullet, recessed or many others. The various types of gullet are needed for different cutting applications. They enhance the performance of the product and its cutting characteristics.

The different shaped gullets improve water and air flow around the periphery of the core and help dissipate the heat and slurry and are critical to the cutting process. The segments are laser welded or brazed onto the core to complete the finished product. The diamond core itself must be balanced and true. This is checked throughout the manufacturing process at edge both before and after segment attachment. It is also checked again after dressing. The term "dressing the segment" refers to grinding away some of the bond to expose the cutting diamonds.

The metal matrix or bond by use of a specially designed grinding wheel. This exposes the primary layer of diamond crystals ready for use. Core bit barrels are made with seamless tubing or from rolled or welded steel. Due to the high RPM's the core is subjected to, it is critical that the tube is true, straight and round. Out of round tubes will result in core drill failure or premature uneven wear of the barrel.