Diamond Resin Bonded Products
For best performance and durability, use your diamond abrasive wet—more water or coolant is better. After a brief break-in period, apply light pressure at first, then light to medium pressure, running at 3,000–5,000 SFPM. Avoid forcing sharp edges and use the entire surface to prevent tears and maximize effectiveness. Maintain tool speed so the belt or disc stays cool and doesn’t dry out. If cutting slows, dress the belt or disc as needed (see dressing instructions). Joint wear before belt wear is normal.
Dressing Instructions
To dress a resin bond diamond belt or disc, you need to remove the resin matrix covering the diamond particles rather than cutting away the diamonds themselves. You can do this by using a dressing stick or loose abrasive to safely expose fresh, sharp diamond edges.
Prepare for Safety
Wear appropriate safety equipment, such as safety glasses and gloves. Confirm that your workspace and machine are secure and stable.
Set Up the Machine
Mount the belt or disc securely onto your grinder or lapidary machine. Power on the machine and adjust to a moderate speed (typically 120–150 RPM for lapidary discs, or as per manufacturer recommendations for rotary tools).
Apply Water
Maintain a continuous flow of water over the belt or disc surface. Diamond belts and discs must always be used wet; operating them dry can cause rapid deterioration due to excess heat.
Method 1: Using a Dressing Stick (For discs and belts)
This method clears loading (clogged material) and sharpens the diamond surface.
Choose the Right Stick: Use a relatively soft, conventional abrasive stick, such as white aluminum oxide or a fine silicon carbide stone.
Apply to the Disc/Belt: Run the disc or belt at a slow to medium operating speed. Lightly press the dressing stick against the diamond surface.
Move Systematically: Slowly sweep the stick back and forth across the entire face to ensure even wear. Do not apply heavy pressure, as this can wear down the resin bond unnecessarily.
Method 2: Loose Abrasive Lapping (For discs/laps and flat hones)
This is the preferred method for flat discs to restore their perfect flatness and cutting ability without gouging.
Setup: Place your diamond disc or hone flat on a hard, non-porous surface (like a piece of thick glass or granite).
Apply Abrasive: Add a small amount of water and a pinch (about 1/2 teaspoon) of loose aluminum oxide or silicon carbide abrasive grit.
Special Note for 9 Micron and Finer Diamond Products
Diamond products require a short break-in period, especially those with 9 micron or finer particles, due to vacuum formation during drying. This can cause deep scratches until the vacuum breaks down. To prevent this, dress your belt or disc with an aluminum oxide stick for 5–10 seconds, using plenty of water or coolant to flush the surface and eliminate scratches.
Cerium Oxide Belts & Discs
For optimal performance and durability, use your cerium oxide product as follows: We use high-purity Opaline cerium oxide (1 – 0.5 micron) for superior polishing in lapidary and industrial applications. Always use cerium oxide wet—water is the ideal coolant. Use a water flood rather than a mist to prevent burning or damaging belts, discs, or workpieces. Operate at slower speeds; 1000–2000 SFPM is recommended.
Diamond Dot Electroplated Discs, Hand Pads & Sheets
For best performance and longevity, use diamond dot electroplated abrasives wet rather than dry. They're intended for sanding, polishing, and shaping, not heavy material removal or cutting. Avoid forcing sharp edges and start with a light touch—these abrasives cut aggressively. Apply light to medium pressure and operate at 3,000–5,000 SFPM for optimal results. Keep the disc cool and avoid drying out the diamond. Always use the full surface of the abrasive and ensure proper water or coolant flow to extend product life.
Dressing Instructions
To properly dress a diamond electroplated disc, operate the disc on your machine at a moderate speed, ensuring ample water lubrication. Gently press an aluminum oxide or silicon carbide dressing stick against the rotating disc, moving it methodically from the center towards the outer edge.
Prepare for Safety
Wear appropriate safety equipment, such as safety glasses and gloves. Confirm that your workspace and machine are secure and stable.
Set Up the Machine
Mount the electroplated disc securely onto your grinder or lapidary machine. Power on the machine and adjust to a moderate speed (typically 120–150 RPM for lapidary discs, or as per manufacturer recommendations for rotary tools).
Apply Water
Maintain a continuous flow of water over the disc surface. Electroplated discs must always be used wet; operating them dry can cause rapid deterioration of the plating due to excess heat.
Apply the Dressing Stick
Select a soft abrasive dressing stick—preferably aluminum oxide or silicon carbide. Hold it with steady, gentle pressure against the disc.
Traverse and Grind
Move the dressing stick slowly and evenly across the disc’s face, working from the center outwards and back. Only minimal pressure is required to remove a microscopic layer of the bonding material.
Flush with Water
After dressing, thoroughly flush the disc with water to eliminate any debris, swarf, and loosened diamond particles.
Important Considerations
Permanent Damage Risk
Unlike conventional grinding wheels, electroplated discs feature only a single layer of diamonds affixed to a nickel bond. Dressing is inherently abrasive and will reduce the disc’s lifespan by removing dull diamond particles. Perform this process sparingly.
Appropriate Timing
Dress the disc solely as a last measure, when cutting efficiency has significantly diminished or when the disc surface becomes obstructed with debris that cannot be cleared through washing.
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