Diamond tool applications: PCD and CVD diamond — guide for hard metals, glass, ceramic and composite machining.
Diamond is nature's hardest material (10/10 on the Mohs scale). That's why diamond tools can machine materials carbide cannot reach. Here are the two main diamond-tool types and their applications.
1. PCD (Polycrystalline Diamond)
PCD tools are made by sintering synthetic diamond micro-grains onto a carbide substrate under high pressure. Typical applications:
- Aluminium and aluminium alloys: CNC machining, tons of chips per minute
- CFRP (carbon fibre): Aerospace and automotive panels
- Hard plastics: Engineering plastics, POM, PEEK
- Copper and brass: Roughing and finishing
2. CVD Diamond (Coating)
Chemical Vapour Deposition coats the cutting surface of a carbide tool with a diamond layer. Typical applications:
- Graphite: Electrode machining — high volume
- Glass and ceramics: Optical components
- Composites: Carbon fibre, fibreglass
- Tungsten carbide: Hardened carbide part finishing
3. Solid Diamond Drill
Drills coated with diamond grit for glass, granite, marble and concrete. Wet drilling required.
4. Diamond Tool Selection Tips
- Don't machine ferrous materials (steel, cast iron) with diamond — diamond reacts with carbon and degrades.
- Use continuous coolant — diamond starts converting to graphite above 700°C.
- Low feed, high RPM.
Bolelli Metal manufactures PCD tools, CVD-coated carbide tools and solid diamond drills. Browse products or request custom production.