Manual for use and handling of diamond tools
Why a manual for diamond tools?
Diamond is often a synonym for expensive, rare and mysterious. These definitions are strongly associated with the jewel industry which propagates this image for commercial reasons. The diamond tool industry is strongly related to the jewel industry. Toolmakers are coming from this industry or are in an indirect way influenced by it. The above described image is not only propagated to the outside world but also within the diamond tool industry.
Specially the mysterious haze surrounding diamond is responsible for confusion and obscurity among the users of diamond tools. Often the industry is only indicating what you are not allowed to do, "do not touch the diamond with your fingers......it is very sharp!" This manual is not supposed to be a list of do’s and don’ts, but rather a practical guide.
Packing of diamond (for transportation)
There are many creative ways in packing diamond tools. Every supplier has their own solution. We as well have a standard package that is evaluated often.
The main point every package must comply to is that it prevents the diamond from bumping against hard surfaces. Diamond of course is very hard but also brittle. To prevent the diamond from bumping against other surfaces, it can be surrounded by cotton-wool. This will also work as a shock absorber during transportation. Always use new, clean pure cotton-wool and change them every time before transport. This way you assure that there is no dirt in the cotton-wool damaging the diamond tip. Preferable is a package in which the tip of the diamond is not touching any material.
By the way, never mention on the outside of parcel that there are diamonds inside.
Cleaning
There are several possible reasons for cleaning the diamond or tool. For instance, when material builds up (or chip material) on the diamond or holder and causes problems during use. This material built up or chip material can be removed by wiping carefully over the rake side of the diamond with a (pure) cotton bud soaked with alcohol or acetone. Always wipe away from the tip or edge, never towards the tip of the diamond. After use throw away the cotton-bud, it is not good for reuse. When you are cleaning the diamond with a cotton-bud, small (metal) parts might come into the cotton-bud. Reusing the cotton-bud and can damage the tip or edge of the diamond. Ultrasonic cleaning is a safer alternative, the diamond is not touched while cleaning and therefore damage is quite impossible. While cleaning you always run the risk of damaging the diamond, therefore by way of precaution always follow the above instructions. A mouse pad is an ideal safe and soft workplace.
When tools are send for relap or repair it is not necessary to clean them first, the material built up or chip material on the tool can give us information about the use, and damage will be minimised.
Inspection
When you need to inspect the diamond before use it is best not to clean before looking at it. In case you want, or need, to clean first always follow the above instructions. Inspection can be best done using an interference microscope. A normal microscope or magnifying glass makes it almost impossible to see the difference between damage, dirt or grease. One of the properties of diamond is that it attracts grease. Even for the expert eye it is sometimes difficult to see, at a magnification up to 1000 x with use of interference, the difference between a microchip and small particle of dirt. With every repair , relap or new tool the measurement and image of end - inspection is stored. If needed this inspection can be restored. By looking with polarised light trough a microscope, tension and cracks in the diamond, and even the crystal lattice can be observed.
When you inspect the diamond after use the above guideline is also applicable. Of course you can always ask for a detailed inspection report on your repaired tools.
ISO insert and ISO holders
For many type of machines there are ISO insert systems available. The cemented carbide insert has standard dimensions. Sometimes users or suppliers adjust the insert, due to which the original fitting will change, and vibration of the tool is possible. The fitting of the ISO holder is supposed to be conform the specifications. Wear and damage to the holders is possible and can be responsible for bad cutting results. When mounting the inserts in the holder, clean both the bottom of the insert and the fitting. Always use the matching torx screw, for the 35° and 55° ISO insert is this a standard M 2,5 torx screw. Use a small and light wrench, a heavy wrench gives, when accidentally slipping more damage than a light one. This due to the difference in mass.