PCD Tooling
PCD, or Polycrystaline Diamond Tooling, has been in use since the 1980's and before, primarily used for the cutting of manmade materials
such as Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), Flakeboard, Plywood, Paricle Board, etc.. Due to the ever improving quality of sharp edge that we can achieve on the diamond
tooling, we have expanded the industries where PCD tooling may be used to include the Manufacturers of natural wood products, such as
furniture and and cabinetry, as well as use in the solid surface industries.
Why use PCD Tooling?
Strictly because of tool life. We have been able to achieve results of anywhere from 25 times to over 100 times the tool life over carbide tipped tooling.
This range of tool life varies by application based on the material being cut, the condition of the machine, the feeds and speeds, and other important factors.
For new applications, we normally recommend the purchase of a carbide tipped tool to prove the application, and then the purchase of the PCD tool to achieve the tool life as
mentioned above. The carbide tipped tool may then be used as backup when the PCD tool is out for reconditioning.
The Erosion Process
Unlike the sharpening process for carbide tooling which requires the use of a diamond wheel to grind away carbide material to return the tool to a sharp edge,
diamond, more specifically polycrystalline diamond, requires a process known as erosion to bring the tool to a sharp edge. This process, similar to wire EDM,
can also be performed with a graphite wheel. The tool is mounted in a holder which acts as the negative ground, and the wire or graphite wheel is the positive,
electricity is passed through the wheel or the wire which then creates a spark between the wire or wheel and the tool. This spark then causes the PCD
to be eroded into the shape and sharpness desired. By adjusting the amount of power and speed, the finish can be modified from ultra fine
for finishing work where the sharpest edge is necessary to sever the material, to medium fine for a slightly rougher finish which is
acceptable for tooling that is not used in a finishing process.
For a short clip of the wire erosion process click here
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