Superabrasive Powders

Advanced Abrasives Corporation is a premier superabrasive micronizer, offering the highest quality diamond and cubic boron nitride (cBN) superabrasive powders in the industry. We have sizes ranging from 25 nanometers up to and including the mesh region. These same high-quality powders are the backbone of our superior line of superabrasive slurries, suspensions, and compounds.

Superabrasive Powder Applications

Superabrasive powders are the most aggressive and potent abrasives available, unlocking a range of possibilities. Utilizing diamond or cBN powder for grinding and lapping applications can dramatically increase production efficiency. Diamond is best suited for machining hard materials, while cBN is ideal for ferrous items like hardened steels. Standing beyond traditional cutting processes, these superabrasive powders also facilitate the fabrication of diamond tools, optical lenses, and metal plating. They can even provide an alternative to non-traditional abrasives for support in forming nanocomposites used across various industries.

Mesh to Micron — Our Quality Control and Customized Processing

Our proprietary “Mesh to Micron” process is monitored with state-of-the-art equipment and continuous quality control checks to ensure that the required physical characteristics of the product are achieved and that there is consistency from lot to lot. Monitoring and measurements include:

Particle size distribution.
Shape characterization.
Surface cleanliness (via electrical conductivity and ion analysis).
Crystal impurity levels (via elemental analysis).

The data developed during our process is retained for traceability, statistical analysis, and to improve future operations. Each batch processed for every customer is tailored to their unique application or process requirements, making Advanced Abrasives the most thorough superabrasive powder processor available.

Particle Size Measurement

Particle Size Distribution (PSD) is one of the most critical characteristics of our superabrasive products. The PSD affects the material removal rate, surface finish, and particle packing density. Advanced Abrasives incorporates many different techniques and instruments to measure and track distribution characteristics to ensure product consistency.

Shape Characterization

We incorporate a qualitative technique using a light optical microscope with image analysis software on every batch we micronize. When detailed high-magnification imaging is required, state-of-the-art SEM or TEM units are employed.

Conductivity

Electrical conductivity is used to measure crystal surface purity due to dissolved solids. To ensure the highest possible bond retention during sintering, the surface of the diamond must be immaculate. Advanced Abrasives uses a proprietary technique to produce an ultra-clean surface regardless of size or shape.

Elemental Analysis

Elemental impurities reside in all synthetic and natural diamonds. Advanced Abrasives uses Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) and DC Arc analysis to measure and so control these impurities, allowing us to offer consistent, low-impurity diamond products for the most demanding of our customer’s applications*. The ICP analysis reveals the level of surface cleanliness by incorporating an acid leaching technique, which collects and then determines the elemental residuals on the crystal surfaces. DC Arc analysis converts the diamond crystals to ash and liberates the previously trapped unconverted elemental catalysts for measurement in the arc.

Ion Analysis

Ion Chromatography is a process that allows the separation of ions and polar molecules based on the charge properties of the molecules. High ions on the crystal surface can negatively affect bond retention/compatibility, dispersion, and surface finish. Advanced Abrasives uses proprietary cleaning techniques along with high-purity water to eliminate high ion concentrations.

Diamond Powder

Diamond powder is a microscopic marvel that harnesses the hardness of diamonds, delivering exceptional cutting, grinding, and polishing performance across industries. Our diamond powder excels in precision machining, offering unmatched material removal rates and surface finish quality. It’s the go-to choice for processing hard materials like ceramics, carbides, and composites. The powder’s thermal stability and wear resistance make it ideal for high-stress applications. Learn more about diamond powder from Advanced Abrasives!

cBNP Cubic Boron Nitride Powder

Cubic Boron Nitride Powder (cBNP) represents a leap forward in superabrasive technology. This synthetic material rivals diamond in hardness but outperforms it when working with ferrous metals. cBNP excels in high-temperature applications where diamond might graphitize or react chemically. It’s the optimal choice for grinding hardened steels, superalloys, and cast irons. Our cBNP offers exceptional thermal stability, allowing for higher cutting speeds and increased productivity in your operations. Its unique crystal structure provides self-sharpening properties, maintaining cutting efficiency throughout the tool’s life.

Coated Powders – MDP, RDP & cBNP

Our coated powders – Metal Diamond Powder (MDP), Resin Diamond Powder (RDP), and coated Cubic Boron Nitride Powder (cBNP) – take superabrasive performance to new heights. These innovative products feature a thin, uniform coating that enhances the powder’s properties and expands its applications. The coating improves particle retention in bond systems, leading to longer-lasting tools and more consistent performance. MDP excels in metal-bonded tools, offering superior heat dissipation and bond adhesion. RDP is optimized for resin-bonded applications, providing excellent dispersion and wear characteristics. Coated cBNP combines the benefits of cBNP with improved bonding capabilities.

Premium Sintering Feedstock

Our premium sintering feedstock is the foundation for creating high-performance polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) materials. This carefully curated blend of superabrasive powders and sintering aids is designed to produce superior compact blanks and cutting tools. The feedstock’s precise particle size distribution and composition optimize the sintering process, resulting in materials with exceptional wear resistance, thermal stability, and toughness.

Custom Tailored Powders

Our custom-tailored powders represent the pinnacle of superabrasive technology. We work closely with you to develop unique powder formulations that address your particular challenges and optimize your processes. This might involve creating custom particle size distributions, developing specialized coatings, or engineering novel powder blends. Our expertise in superabrasive technology allows us to push the boundaries of what’s possible, delivering powders that outperform standard offerings. You’ll gain a competitive edge, solving unique manufacturing challenges and unlocking new levels of efficiency and quality in your operations.