Full Text:
Pictured here are nanocrystalline diamond-coated endmills with innovative diamond tipped coating technology. The coated tools were tested to determine improvement in tool performance, tool life and part quality and to compare with performance of uncoated tools and tools with other coatings.
The technology was developed by Nanocrystalline Diamond (NCD) Technologies in Wisconsin. NCD has received several grants from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs to develop durable, low-friction diamond coatings for tiny tools, including drill bits less than a hair's width across. The diamond coating allows the tools to run faster for longer periods of time and with fewer replacement tools, reducing manufacturing time from eight days to six in some cases. NCD is finding new applications for their diamond coatings that will enhance everyday lives. NCD's nanocrystalline diamond coating properties will help solve today's micromachining costs and quality issues, fostering greater industry growth. NCD won R&D magazine's R&D 100 award in 2013 for technological excellence--the "Oscar" for innovation.Image credit: NCD Technologies
