Corporate History
DIAMETAL AG/SA, established in 1936 in Biel, Switzerland, specializes in carbide tools and Diamond and CBN grinding tools. The company expanded internationally with DIAMETAL FRANCE in 1973 and DIAMETAL ITALIA in 1995. They utilize their own grinding tools to produce carbide cutting tools, creating synergies valued by international clients. DIAMETAL holds certifications including ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001:1996, and OHSAS 18001:1999.

Diamond and CBN
Diamond and cubic boron nitride (CBN) are the hardest known grinding materials, ideal for machining materials that are difficult to grind with conventional abrasives. Diamond is suitable for materials like carbide, ceramics, and glass, while CBN is better for hardened steels and nickel-based alloys due to its superior thermal stability.

Abrasive Qualities
Diamond is available both naturally and synthetically, whereas CBN is synthetic. Synthetic grains allow control over properties such as shape and size. DIAMETAL uses special grains for electroplated tools, which undergo strict sieving processes.

Characteristics of Electroplated Tools
Electroplated tools feature a single grain layer and high concentration, allowing for coating of complex profiles and re-coating. However, manufacturing is challenging for smaller grain sizes.

Special Tools
DIAMETAL produces custom tools based on customer specifications, focusing on material choice and coating thickness. Precision is crucial as the coating cannot be dressed on the machine.

Recommended Use
Electroplated tools generate high grinding forces, recommending small contact areas and stable machines. Optimal grinding speeds depend on factors like abrasive type and cooling method, with CBN allowing for higher speeds under optimal conditions.

Cooling
Proper cooling is essential to improve tool life and prevent thermal damage. CBN tools benefit significantly from pure grinding oil, enhancing tool life. Effective cooling requires proper nozzle positioning and coolant pressure.

Thermal Stability and Hardness
CBN exhibits superior thermal stability compared to Diamond, maintaining hardness at temperatures over 1000°C, while Diamond loses hardness at around 700°C. The Knoop hardness of Diamond is 8800, compared to CBN's 4500.

Grit Sizes and Standards
The document outlines various grit sizes standardized according to FEPA and ASTM-E-11-70 standards, with specific mesh numbers recommended for different grinding applications.

Layer Thickness and Custom Tools
Details on layer thickness for electroplated standard grinding rims are provided, emphasizing precision in custom-made tools and the benefits of reworking grit plating for improved tolerance.

Grinding Pressure and Speeds
Electroplated grinding tools generate high forces, requiring stable machines and small contact surfaces. Optimal speeds vary based on abrasive type, grinding mode, and cooling method, with CBN allowing higher speeds, especially with oil cooling.

Cooling and Efficiency
Wet grinding enhances the life of grinding wheels and reduces thermal damage risks. Pure grinding oil is the most effective coolant, tripling the wheel's lifespan compared to other media.

Grinding Pins and Specifications
The document includes detailed specifications for various types of grinding pins, both Diamond and CBN, with information on grit sizes, dimensions, and recommended uses.