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SPDT Tools
SPDT, or Single Point Diamond Turning, utilizes a solid, flawless diamond as the cutting edge. SPDT
is a very accurate machine process used to create finished aspherical and irregular optics without the need for further polishing. The most accurate machine tool in the world,
the LODTM at Lawrence Livermore National Labs, has a profile accuracy estimated at 23 nanometers.
Differences in method
PCD tools are used extensivly in automotive and aerospace industries. They are ideal for
speed (9000+ SFM) machining in tough and abrasive aluminum alloys, and high abrasion processes such as carbon fiber drilling, and ceramics. The diamond cutting edges make them
last for extended periods without having to shut down processes to replace tooling. High volume processes, tight tolerances, and highly abrasive processes are ideal for
diamond tooling.
SPDT is used for optics, and for flat surfaces where both surface finish and irregularly high dimensional accuracy are
required when lapping would be uneconomical or impractical.
The grinding method is ideal for materials that do not cut but are ground; stone, cement, carbides are all
difficult to process normally. Often this makes a diamond abrasion method necessary.
Uses
Diamond-edged tools are commonly used for cutting a wide variety of construction materials, including
reinforced and cured concrete, all types of brick and cinder blocks, dense metals, rebar, asphalt, granite, marble, travertine, porcelain, and many other types of materials
which cannot be cut with ordinary cutting tools.
Types
- Diamond saw blades: For high-speed gas powered cut-off saws, walk behind saws, handheld grinders, bridge saws,
table saws, tile saws and other types of saws.
- Diamond tipped grinding cups: Used commonly on hand grinders for grinding concrete or stone.
- Diamond tipped core bit or holesaw: Hollow steel tube with diamond tipped segments for drilling holes through
concrete walls in the construction industry, porcelain tiles or granite worktops in the domestic industry, or also used for sample core extractions in the mining industry.
- PCD tool insert: Used in machine tools for ceramics and high speed aluminum machining.
- SPD tool insert: Used in turning centers for optics and precision surfaces.
Other diamond tools
- Concave blades: For cutting curves in countertops to install sinks or sculpt statues.
- TuckPointers: Thick diamond blades for restoration - grinding and replacing mortar.
- Crack chasers: Thick V-shaped diamond blades for repairing cracks in concrete.
- Polishing pads: Pads with diamond crystals for polishing marble and other fine stone.
- Diamond wire: Wwire with diamond crystals for cutting
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