What Is a Diamond Drill?
A diamond drill is an electric drill fitted with diamonds, the hardest known material. Diamond drills are essential in tools requiring high hardness and durability, especially for precision drilling. They excel in creating near-perfect holes. These drills perform stably across various materials and are widely utilized in applications requiring exceptional wear resistance. Common uses include drilling stone, glass, roof tiles, and aluminum plates, as well as in the machining of electronic and optical components.
Uses of Diamond Drills
Diamond drills are used across different materials and are versatile, especially in precision machining where consistent performance and durability are crucial. However, they are not recommended for metals, particularly iron and steel, as the frictional heat may damage the diamonds.
How to Select Diamond Drills
When selecting a diamond drill, or any drill, consider the shape and material of the part being machined, its characteristics, and the intended use. The drill’s length and material composition are crucial for achieving desired results. For example, while cemented carbide is wear-resistant and suitable for cutting steel and stainless steel, it can be brittle. In contrast, diamond drills, with their exceptional hardness, are ideal for machining hard materials and tasks requiring high precision, like in electronics and optics.
Types of Diamond Drills
Diamond drills often use polycrystalline diamond, created through methods like CVD (chemical vapor deposition), known for its hardness and wear resistance. Various diamond embedding techniques are used, like coating cemented carbide surfaces with diamond. With the increasing variety of hard materials, nano-polycrystalline diamonds have been developed for more precise cutting, especially useful for materials like carbon fiber.
Diamond Drills and Cutting Fluids
Using cutting oil with diamond drills can enhance lubrication, cooling, and prevent welding. These fluids, available as water-soluble or non-water-soluble, help protect the drill during operations, extending tool life.