Diamond tools are made using a process called sintering, which involves combining diamond particles with a metal powder and heating the mixture under high pressure to create a solid mass. Here are the basic steps involved in making diamond tools:
- Selection of diamond particles: Diamond particles used for making diamond tools are typically synthetic and are selected based on their size and quality.
- Mixing diamond particles with metal powder: The diamond particles are mixed with a metal powder such as cobalt, nickel, or bronze. The mixture is typically 50% diamond particles and 50% metal powder by weight.
- Pressing: The mixture is then placed in a mold and pressed under high pressure to create a compacted mass.
- Sintering: The compacted mass is heated in a furnace under high pressure to fuse the diamond particles and metal powder together. The high temperature and pressure cause the metal powder to melt and coat the diamond particles, creating a solid mass.
- Shaping: The solid mass is then shaped into the desired tool using a cutting or grinding process. The tool is then polished and inspected for quality.
Diamond tools are used for a variety of applications, including cutting, grinding, drilling, and polishing hard materials such as stone, concrete, and metal. The use of diamond particles in these tools allows for a higher level of precision and durability compared to traditional tools.