Diamond Grinding and PCD Machining of MMC Engineering Components

Abstract

Many of the problems associated with the machining of metal matrix composites (caused by the presence of the hard, brittle phase) can be overcome by using ultrahard tooling. Tools made from polycrystalline diamond (PCD) are particularly suitable, however it is important that an appropriate PCD grade and optimised machining conditions are selected if rapid tool wear is to be avoided. This overview concludes with a number of case studies demonstrating how ultrahard tooling technology has been economically applied in a diverse range of engineering sectors.