sp3’s new DIAbide tools
Until
now CVD diamond tools have shown only moderate performance when used to mill
and turn metal matrix composites (MMCs) and aluminum alloys with silicon
content of 12% or higher.
 The DIAbide grade developed by sp3 (patent applied
for) combines substrate technology with a radically new surface preparation
that ensures durable adhesion of a thick (and therefore long lasting) diamond
film to the substrate. Other contributory factors are a proprietary edge
preparation and a unique new diamond growth technology.
Applications
The DIAbide MAC 20 grade is for general purpose
machining of high silicon aluminums and MMCs, where long, dependable wear life
is the main goal, and a cosmetic surface finish is not critical. In milling,
finish and burr control can be improved with the addition of a PCD wiper insert
along with the DIAbide inserts.
DIAbide performance
sp3's goal has been to develop a CVD tool that will
provide wear life equal to or better than that of PCD, together with the
intrinsic CVD advantages of multiple cutting edges and flexibility in tool
geometry.
Depending on the tool style, milling tests on 390 aluminum have
demonstrated wear life of the DIAbide tool ranges from equal to PCD to 3 times
PCD. When milling DURALCAN® (an aluminum/silicon carbide MMC), wear life of
the DIAbide tool is about 7 times PCD. These relative life figures are for
one tip; the practical wear life of the DIAbide insert is substantially
longer because of its multiple cutting tips.
Turning tests on
DURALCAN have shown wear life of the DIAbide tool is 3 times that of PCD.
| Tool type |
Relative life |
Flank wear - in. |
| Carbide |
1 |
.050 |
| PCD |
15 |
.007 |
| DIAbide |
45 |
.005 |
|
 |
 |
