Processing and characterization of impregnated diamond cutting tools using a ferrous metal matrix

Impregnated diamond cutting tools are processed by powder metallurgy techniques. In these tools, diamonds are used as abrasive particles embedded into a metal matrix. Some common examples of these tools are diamond cutting discs, crowns, drills, and beads of diamond wires—the last is taken as the object of this study.The diamond beads were processed by powder metallurgy, using as metal matrix the system Fe–Cu, with addition of 1% weight of SiC. After sintering, a study of structural and micro-structural analyses was conducted. Brinell hardness and compressive tests were carried out in the metal matrix, as well as the wear resistance of the diamond composites and processed diamond beads. The importance of employing coated diamonds is also commented upon. Results show that Fe–Cu based bonds may probably be used in diamond tools for marble cutting.