Helpful Tips

Dressing Guidelines

Manufacturers of All Industrial Diamond Products, Now in our 3rd Century

	Getting the Most from a Single Point Dresser ◊ Minimize the shank length. The distance between the diamond and the clamp should be as short as possible. This helps eliminate deflection for less wear and greater accuracy. It also reduces the risk of fracture caused by excessive vibration. ◊ Set the tool at 10° to 15° angle, pointing in the same direction as the wheel rotation and away from the direction of the crossfeed. This helps maintain a sharp point and minimizes the vibration that occurs when the angle of attack is too sharp. ◊ Feed the diamond into the wheel at .03mm or less per pass. Passes deeper than .03mm increase heat build-up and cause excessive diamond wear.




	◊ Traverse speed should be determined by the application. Faster traverses result in an open wheel and greater stock removal. Slower traverses impart a finer finish on the wheel and consequently a finer finish to the work-piece. For most applications, the tool should traverse the wheel at a speed that allows each grain to be dressed twice. ◊ Rotate the dresser 20° to 40° whenever a flat appears on the diamond.
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	◊ Apply ample coolant, and begin the cooling process before the diamond contacts the wheel. Larger temperature gradients can cause the diamond to crack. When no coolant is available, minimize heat by allowing a three second interval between passes. (Source: De Beers, "The Use of Single Point Diamond Dressers", London, England)

	Resetting the Diamond
		Unless otherwise requested, all single point wheel-dressers will have at least two and as many as five settable points located below the surface of the matrix. When the primary point is worn away, the tool can be returned to Dessau, where the stone will be removed, rotated to expose a new point and rest.
		This fast and simple inexpensive procedure maximizes tool life and minimizes tool costs. For best results, never remove more than 1mm² from the point before returning it for resetting.
	To take advantage of the diamond's multiple points, however requires some care. Wearing away too much of the diamond, for example will encroach on other potentially settable points, making them worthless for future use. Excessive wear will also destroy the anchoring points of the diamond. This means, the diamond if reset, can loosen and fall out during use.

Anatomy of a Single Point Tool

Diamond: Typically 70% to 80% of the diamond is embedded below the tool surface. This provides a strong anchor, preventing the stone from loosening during use.

Matrix: A proprietary mixture of tungsten carbide and other ingredients solidifies at 1700° F. to anchor the diamond. It withstands operating temperatures of 600° to 700° F. It prevents the stone from loosening, even under the highest torsional forces. And it helps protect the diamond by cushioning it from shocks and vibration. The matrix can be melted, allowing the diamond to be re-indexed and reset for greater economy and longer tool life.

Nib and Shaft: Typically these are steel. Their configuration is determined by the machine or dressing device on which they're mounted, and the application to which the dresser is used. Steel imparts the rigidity necessary for high precision, and provides high thermal conductivity.