Polishing of Diamond Cutting Tool Based on Diffusion Mechanism

Abstract

The mechanical polishing of diamond cutting tools is said to generate micro cracks on their surfaces. Therefore, a new polishing method was discussed using the principle of diffusion of carbon atoms into nickel. Practically speaking, the face of cutting tool is brought into contact with a nickel plate heated at 523K in vacuum. As a result, it was found that the tool face was smoothly polished. However, it was also found that the chipping of cutting edge occurred frequently, and hence the tool life shortened, when using the thermo-chemically polished tool for turning of copper.