subject: PCD from Multi Hire [print this page] Diamond grinding discs can provide a very durable and powerful way to hone, cut or shape hard materials such as metal (aluminium, brass, copper etc) and also stone (granite, marble etc). Diamond surface grinders can be used to achieve good surface finishes on abrasive and rough work pieces and are used in turning, profiling, milling, grooving and boring.
Grades
Diamond grinding discs and sharpening stones are produced in a range of different grades. This simply refers to the grit size of the particles of diamond and other materials uses in the grinding surface. Different grades can achieve different affects and the higher grades offer smaller particles and create a much finer finish and polish.
Advantages of Diamond Grinding Discs
Using discs coated with diamond grit is more expensive but it can provide a number of advantages. Diamonds are very tough and hardwearing and this enables them to remove surfaces much more efficiently without wearing down or losing their sharpness. Diamond grinding discs last far longer than other discs on the market and can create some very fine and accurate finishes to metals and other hard materials. You also do not need to apply so much pressure when using diamond discs and the results are much faster. This means you can save time and energy, which is ideal for businesses as it helps to increase productivity and save wastage.
Poly-crystalline Diamond Bits
Poly-crystalline diamond bits (PCD) are manufactured using man-made diamond particles. These are bonded to cemented tungsten carbide substrate which offers superior impact resistance and durability. PCDs are used for machining high abrasive materials that would wear down standard bits very quickly including high content silicon aluminium alloys and other hard metals such as brass, copper and bronze. Poly-crystalline diamond particles are mainly inert but do form a chemical reaction when exposed to iron. This means PCDs cannot be used to cut and shape ferrous metals, although they can be used in bimetal situations such as combinations of aluminium and cast iron. There are a number of benefits to using PCDs in manufacturing environments. PCDs are incredibly tough and hardwearing and can be used to work the hardest of raw and composite materials. PCDs can also be produced in a range of different grades which allows a very professional finish to be achieved. The coarse grain PCDs are used in the initial rough machinery stages (and for highly abrasive materials) and the grades of finer grain PCDs are used to gradually work down the surface and achieve a smooth, polished effect. PCDs can also be used for a number of applications in other industries. For example in the construction trade PCDs are useful for removing unwanted surfaces such as adhesive residue, bitchumin and screed.
If you only have a one-off job that requires the use of PCD technology then there are a number of businesses that provide these tools for hire. This will save you having to buy PCD tools yourself.
