Study on PCD machining

Polycrystalline diamond, PCD, is known for its superior characteristics such as hardness, toughness and wear resistance. However, due to these factors, manufacturing PCD tools is a difficult material removal process. Using quantitative analysis, this study compares the machining effect on a PCD V-cutter including EDM and grinding. The conclusions show that grinding is better than EDM for machining PCD, and with proper parameters, the PCD will be less damaged and retain its superiorities as a cutting tool. In addition, this study presents a beginning for research on understandings of principles in cutting PCD. It may be useful for toolmakers to produce a high quality and reusable PCD tools. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.