Effects of single-crystalline diamond quality on tool wear resistance and cutting performance

Single-crystalline diamond (SCD) tools are widely used in machining ultraprecision molds made of nonferrous metallic materials. However, the quality of natural and synthetic SCDs varies from higher to lower, and the tool life varies from longer to shorter. Therefore, in this study, the qualities of natural and synthetic SCDs were measured and analyzed crystal-optically and quantitatively by measuring the birefringence of the SCD. In the experiment, the electroless NiP molds were single-point turned using each SCD tool to clarify the effects of the SCD crystalline quality on the tool wear resistance and surface roughness of the workpieces.