Most may think that diamond is indestructible because it is the hardest material known to mankind. On the contrary, cutting tools made from super-hard material, such as diamond, can be very brittle. The cutting edges are sharp making it vulnerable to impact. Like most hand tools and equipment, cutting tools require proper care and handling as well. Extra attention should be given while using cutting tool, especially PCD, CBN, and MCD tools. These tools can be expensive, but with proper use and care, they can last through thousands of parts.
These are some guidelines to help prevent damages to cutting tools :
- Never remove the tool from its container until it is ready to be used. Unprotected tools can be easily damaged, as diamonds are extremely brittle.
- The label on the container has all the information for identifying the tool without removing from the container, which increases the chances of damaging the diamond
- The tool should always be cleaned prior to inspection. Dusts, stains, or oil can look like chips or damage on the cutting edge.
- Always be extremely careful while taking the tool in and out of the container, as well as while inserting or removing the tool in the collet, chuck, or arbor.
- Handle the shank of the tool only. Nothing should touch the cutting edges unless during cutting or cleaning.
- During machine set up, always apply the diamond to the part when rotating in the cutting direction only. Diamonds should never touch a part unless rotating in the cutting direction.
- A scribe test, when setting up a diamond, can damage the cutting edge even when done very carefully.
- When cutting with the diamond, ensure the swarf or chips is extracted away from the cutting edge.
- Use the container provided as a storage and shipping case. It is specifically designed to protect the tool.
- In the case of Mono Crystalline Diamond (MCD) tool, clean diamonds only with a fast drying solvent (alcohol) with a dampened tissue around the cutting edge with light pressure. Never use a cotton bud or wipe off of the cutting edge, as the particles and contaminants embedded could damage the cutting edge.
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