The Diamond Test

The most important factor associated with the diamond product industry is the diamond. Diamond technology has been in existence since the 1950's. Key performance criteria in diamond products is the quality, shape, size, concentration, crystal purity, strength and thermal stability of the diamonds. There are two types of diamond in existence, naturally mined and synthetic industrial diamonds. Synthetic industrial diamonds are generally stronger and their characteristics are more consistent than natural diamonds making them more suited to sawing, cutting and grinding although for certain applications we do use naturally mined diamonds with specific morphology.

During cutting the diamonds are exposed to tremendous stresses. Diamond crystals with blocky shapes and smooth faces (cubo-octahedon) with good cutting edges that have a low breakdown rate or wear rate are required to ensure proper cutting speed and life. This morphology gives the crystal additional strength and allows it to cope with the colossal stresses during its working life. Working applications range from the hardest Granites, refractories and heavily reinforced concrete to soft marbles, limestones and other general building materials. This broad spectrum facilitates the use of a large variety of diamond grits. Diamond grit is graded in a controlled process for its different characteristics. During the cutting action the diamond needs to perform in a sharp free-cutting way.

If a wrong type of grit or grade of diamond has been chosen then the product will not perform to its full potential. Diamond grit needs to crack and break off from the cutting edge in a controlled manner after it has become blunt, to allow a new piece of sharp diamond grit to begin cutting. If this does not happen, the blade will become blunt. If this process happens too soon then the blade will wear too quickly. On severe applications we can also coat the diamond with special compounds such as tungsten nitride to help it adhere to the bond.