Diamond types

Diprotex produces all common types of diamond powder : polycrystalline, monocrystalline metal-bond, monocrystalline resin-bond, and natural diamond.

DP type micron diamond

Mypolex polycrystalline diamond, precision size range.

Appearance :

DP diamond is dark gray to black in color.

Particle structure :

DP diamond is formed by explosion synthesis, leading to a polycrystalline particle structure. Each diamond particle consists of countless microcrystallites, about 20 nanometers in size. Polycrystalline diamond features no cleavage planes, which makes the particles tougher, compared to monocrystalline particles.

Characteristics :

DP diamond is precision graded to tight specifications, making it the preferred choice for high-quality, high-performance applications.

Due to the absence of cleavage planes, DP diamond is equally hard and tough in all directions. This allows for higher process pressures and thus increased material removal rates in lapping and polishing applications.

The rough, micro-structured particle surface leads to higher abrasion rates on both hard and soft materials. The typically blocky and regular particle shape yields better polishing results compared to equally-sized monocrystalline diamond.

Typical applications :

Lapping and polishing of:
– sapphire
– synthetic gemstones
– ceramic oxides
– hard disk media texturing
– hard disk GMR heads
– fiberoptic components
– metalographic specimen
– composite materials
– tungsten carbide
– silicon carbide
– die castings

FG type micron diamond

Mypolex polycrystalline diamond, standard size range.

Appearance :

FG diamond is dark gray to black in color.

Particle structure :

FG diamond is a polycrystalline diamond, formed by explosion synthesis. Each diamond particle consists of countless microcrystallites, about 20 nanometers in size. Polycrystalline diamond features no cleavage planes, which makes the particles tougher, compared to monocrystalline particles.

Characteristics :

FG diamond is particularly suited for high-performance lapping applications.
Thanks to its polycrystalline structure without cleavage planes, FG diamond is considerably stronger than monocrystalline diamond. This allows for higher process pressures and thus increased material removal rates in lapping applications.

For final polishing steps we recommend the use of precision graded DP type polycrystalline diamond. While DP diamond features the same high material removal rate as FG diamond, it produces a better surface quality.

Typical applications :

Lapping of:
– sapphire
– ceramic oxides
– tungsten carbide
– composite materials

MSY type micron diamond

monocrystalline synthetic diamond, precision size range.

Appearance :

MSY diamond is light gray to yellowish or greenish, depending on size.

Particle structure :

MSY diamond is formed by high-pressure/high-temperature synthesis. The structure of monocrystalline diamond features major cleavage planes, which are oriented parallel to the optical axis. A monocrystalline diamond particle breaks relatively easy parallel to the cleavage planes.

Characteristics :

MSY diamond is a "metal-bond" type monocrystalline diamond. Its precision grading and uniform, blocky particle shape guarantee highly consistent process results.
MSY diamond sizes are commonly used as loose abrasives in lapping and polishing applications or as fixed abrasives in grinding wheels and other tools. In bonded tools, particle fracture acts as a self-sharpening mechanism.

In most lapping and polishing applications, there are only minor differences between monocrystalline synthetic and natural diamond

Typical applications :

Tools and surface applications:
– metal-bond grinding tools
– pellets
– wear-resistant coatings
– microgrip surfaces
– heat sinks
– sintering of PCD

Lapping and polishing of :
– wire drawing dies
– ceramics
– metals
– PCD tools
– diamond gemstones

RSYN type micron diamond

Monocrystalline synthetic diamond, standard size range.

Appearance :

RSYN diamond is light gray to dark gray in color.

Particle structure :

RSYN diamond is formed by high-pressure/high-temperature synthesis. Its monocrystalline structure features major cleavage planes. Compared with other monocrystalline diamond, RSYN particles break under relatively weak pressure parallel to the cleavage planes.

Characteristics :

RSYN diamond is a "resin-bond" type monocrystalline diamond. The particles are relatively brittle and fracture at low pressures. This effect is exploited as a self-sharpening mechanism in resin-bond tools and diamond films.

RSYN sizes are available on request.

Typical applications :

Bonded tools :
– resin-bond grinding tools
– diamond films

NAT type micron diamond

Natural diamond, precision size range.

Appearance :

NAT diamond is white to light gray and beige.

Particle structure :

NAT diamond has a monocrystalline particle structure, created by high pressures and temperatures underground. Like synthetic monocrystalline diamond, it features major cleavage planes, which are oriented parallel to the optical axis. Natural diamond particles break relatively easy parallel to the cleavage planes.

Characteristics :

NAT diamond is precision graded and has a blocky, sharp-edged particle shape. It is free of catalyst metals, which makes it the preferred choice for plated tools and other applications requiring maximum cleanliness. Natural diamond is also used in lapping and polishing processes with special requirements.

Typical applications :

Tools and surface applications:
– plated diamond tools
– grinding wheels
– dental tools
– pellets

Lapping and polishing of:

– wire drawing dies
– special applications