The impact strength of a diamond blade product is a measure of the ability of the population of diamond crystals to withstand impact loads. The impact strength is influenced by crystal shape, size, inclusions, and the distribution of these crystals properties within the population.
Factors that must be considered in selecting a diamond blade product include the tools design, properties of the bond and the work piece material, available machine power, removal rates, and the economics of the system. Selecting the right grade of diamond will lead to the best performance at minimum cost.
Generally, the tougher the material being cut, the greater the impact strength required from the diamond blades and diamond blade product. Diamond Product studies also indicate that there is a minimum impact strength needed for a given application and it may not significantly improve tool performance. As the severity of the application increases, the minimum impact strength requirement for the diamond is known as the toughness index (TI).
Impact loading is not the only loading considered for selection of a grade of diamond. Diamond crystals are also subjected to very high temperatures during the cutting process. The measure of a diamond crystal to withstand thermal cycling is known as the Thermal Toughness Index ( TTI ). This index is determined by measuring the toughness of a sample of diamond crystals, subjecting them to a high temperature, then allowing them to return to ambient temperature and measure the change in toughness.
