Precision Machining of Single Crystal Diamond by Utilization of Tool Wear during Cutting Process

Abstract

Single crystal diamond (SCD) has superior characteristics, so because its extreme hardness, SCD has become indispensable for precision machining as cutting tool. When SCD is used as products in practical field, it should be manufactured into arbitrary shape. In order to get bulk pattern of SCD, usually polishing diamond with diamond powder is done extensively, but this method costs and takes long time. This research is an experimental investigation of SCD precision machining by ferrous material, through utilization of tool wear during cutting process, in order to perform micro machining of SCD, for getting an arbitrary shape of diamond. It is found that ferrous material can remove and polish SCD, even though SCD is much harder than ferrous material. The removal rate has measured, the surface roughness of machined diamond is comparable with the surface roughness of commercial cutting diamond, and much better than Laser manufacturing surface roughness.