Monocrystalline Diamond Polishing
PACE Technologies' monocrystalline diamond polishing abrasives deliver sharp, angular cutting action for high-efficiency material removal in metallographic sample preparation. These single-crystal abrasives are best suited for applications requiring aggressive polishing and long abrasive life. Ideal for metals and alloys, monocrystalline diamond supports a consistent, repeatable polishing process that minimizes polishing times and enhances throughput in quality control and research environments.
Key Tips for Monocrystalline Diamond Polishing
- Choose the Right Viscosity: High-viscosity for rapid removal; low-viscosity for fine control or sensitive samples.
- Use Compatible Pads: Pair with low-nap or resilient pads for optimal flatness and abrasive efficiency.
- Control Force and Duration: Monocrystalline diamond is aggressive—use moderate pressure and shorter cycles.
- Clean Thoroughly: Rinse specimens and equipment between steps to avoid abrasive carryover.
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Introduction
Monocrystalline diamond polishing plays a vital role in producing sharp, high-resolution surface finishes in metallographic sample preparation. Composed of single-crystal diamond particles, these abrasives exhibit angular, blocky shapes that deliver fast, aggressive cutting action—ideal for metals and harder materials. Monocrystalline diamond is best used with resilient, low- to medium-napped polishing pads to maintain planarity and minimize smearing. Proper selection of abrasive size, suspension medium, and compatible lubrication ensures precise, efficient polishing with consistent material removal and excellent edge retention.
Diamond Abrasive Selection Guidelines
This reference outlines best-practice abrasive sizes for rough and final polishing across metals, ceramics, and composite materials. Proper abrasive selection is critical to ensure accurate microstructural representation, prevent surface damage, and optimize polishing efficiency.
Preferred Abrasive
Acceptable Alternative
Not Typically Recommended
Polishing Guide for Metals
| Metal | Rough Polishing (Diamond) | Final Polishing (Oxide) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abrasive Size | 9 µm | 6 µm | 3 µm | 1 µm | Al2O3 | SiO2 |
| Aluminum | ||||||
| Copper / Brass | ||||||
| Stainless Steel | ||||||
| Soft Steel | ||||||
| Hard Steel | ||||||
| Tool Steel | ||||||
| Titanium | Etch Polish | |||||
| Zinc, Tin, Lead | ||||||
Polishing Guide for Ceramics and Composites
| Ceramic / Composite | Coarse Grind | Fine Grind | Rough Polish | Fine Polish | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Size | 30 µm | 15 µm | 9 µm | 6 µm | 3 µm | 1 µm + SiO2 |
| Alumina | ||||||
| Silicon Nitride | ||||||
| Polymer Composite | ||||||
| Metal Matrix Composite | ||||||
| Ceramic Matrix Composite | ||||||
| Cermet | ||||||
Note: These selections reflect proven laboratory procedures balancing speed, flatness, and structure preservation. Adjust abrasive types and sequence for material-specific variables such as grain size, hardness, and thermal sensitivity.
Polishing Pad Selection Guideline
| Pad Image & Link | Use Case | Pad Icon | Polishing Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
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CERMESH metal mesh pad used for semi-fixed abrasive coarse to intermediate lapping. Excellent for initial removal of damage from sectioning and hard materials. |
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Coarse / Intermediate |
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POLYPAD is a durable synthetic polyester pad ideal for intermediate polishing, especially with 6–15 µm diamond abrasives. Designed as a long-life nylon alternative. |
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Intermediate |
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TEXPAN is a widely used non-woven intermediate polishing pad, compatible with most diamond suspensions. Effective across a broad range of materials. |
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Intermediate |
|
Black CHEM 2 is a porometric polymer pad with rubber-like consistency, offering balanced action between low and high nap pads. Ideal for moderate nap intermediate polishing. |
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Intermediate |
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DACRON II is a low-napped soft polishing pad widely used in Europe for intermediate steps on metals. Suitable for 1–15 µm diamond abrasives. |
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Intermediate |
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NYPAD is a low-napped silk pad tailored for intermediate polishing of harder metals and alloys. Performs well with mid-size diamond abrasives. |
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Intermediate |
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GOLD PAD is a low-napped pad ideal for 1–9 µm polishing. Designed for consistent material removal and flatness control during final pre-polishing. |
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Intermediate |
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ATLANTIS is a woven low-nap final polishing pad with foam backing for enhanced compliance. Ideal for 1–6 µm diamond. Great for critical surface flatness needs. |
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Final |
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MICROPAD is a high-napped final polishing pad ideal for producing a mirror finish on metals and polymers. Recommended for <1 µm diamond or colloidal silica. |
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Final |
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TRICOTE is a tight high-napped final polishing pad for metals. Offers better control of surface texture and minimal abrasive drag. |
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Final |
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NAPPAD is a very high-napped final polishing pad tailored for soft metals and polymers. Provides gentle polishing action to minimize pull-out and relief. |
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Final |
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MOLTEC 2 is a wool-based final polishing cloth used when edge retention is not critical. Works well with alumina and colloidal silica on metals. |
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Final |
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FELT PAD is a thick final polishing pad made for large samples or glass. Ideal for use with colloidal silica or alumina slurries where surface uniformity is key. |
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Final |
Shop Polishing Pads / Cloths
Process Description
Monocrystalline diamond polishing is commonly used in one or more stages to remove grinding damage and achieve smooth, reflective surfaces on metals and hard materials. The sharp, angular particles of monocrystalline diamond provide aggressive cutting, making it ideal for high-efficiency rough and intermediate polishing. Use coarser grades for initial steps, followed by finer grades to refine the surface. To avoid surface damage, polishing time and pressure should be carefully controlled.
Minimizing Polishing Artifacts
To reduce edge rounding, relief, and embedding during monocrystalline diamond polishing:
- Choose the correct abrasive size and viscosity for the material and stage
- Use low-nap or non-woven pads to support flat, uniform surfaces
- Ensure platens are flat and runout is under 2.5 µm (for 8" discs)
- Apply even pressure and limit polishing durations to avoid over-polishing
Recommended Procedures
- Secure the polishing pad firmly onto a flat, clean platen
- Apply several beads of monocrystalline diamond suspension or extender to initiate pad wetting — avoid full saturation
- Dispense additional diamond at a rate of 1–2 drops every 10–15 seconds during polishing, depending on speed and sample area
- Introduce a compatible lubricant to reduce heat and optimize abrasive performance
- For ceramic and mineral specimens, alternate diamond and colloidal silica (e.g., SIAMAT) for enhanced chemomechanical polishing (CMP)
- Begin polishing with moderate force to leverage the sharp, angular cutting action of monocrystalline diamond
- During the final 15 seconds of the cycle, flush the pad and specimen with water to remove residue and condition the surface
- After polishing, rinse specimens thoroughly and dry completely before microscopic inspection
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Coarse Scratching | Old or contaminated suspension; excessive abrasive pressure | Use fresh monocrystalline suspension; reduce applied force |
| Uneven Material Removal | Poor abrasive distribution or inconsistent pad contact | Ensure even application of suspension; verify flat, stable platen setup |
| Pad Glazing | Diamond buildup or insufficient flushing | Flush regularly with water or alcohol; condition or replace pad |
| Edge Rounding | Over-polishing or inappropriate pad compliance | Reduce polishing time; use a firmer pad to maintain edge definition |
| Low Material Removal Rate | Low abrasive loading or degraded diamond suspension | Reapply suspension more frequently; check expiration of abrasive |
| Specimen Drag or Pad Tearing | Insufficient lubrication with high downforce | Increase lubricant volume; reduce pressure |
| Surface Smearing or Pull-Out | Overly aggressive grit size for specimen material | Switch to finer monocrystalline grit; ensure pad matches application |
Monocrystalline Diamond Suspensions (water-based)
| Description | Quantity | Low Viscosity | High Viscosity | Product Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 micron (blue) DIAMAT Monocrystalline diamond | 250 ml 500 ml 1 gallon |
GMA-1001-250 GMA-1001-500 GMA-1001-1GL |
MA-1001-250 MA-1001-500 MA-1001-1GL |
 |
| 3 micron (green) DIAMAT Monocrystalline diamond | 250 ml 500 ml 1 gallon |
GMA-1003-250 GMA-1003-500 GMA-1003-1GL |
MA-1003-250 MA-1003-500 MA-1003-1GL |
 |
| 6 micron (yellow) DIAMAT Monocrystalline diamond | 250 ml 500 ml 1 gallon |
GMA-1006-250 GMA-1006-500 GMA-1006-1GL |
MA-1006-250 MA-1006-500 MA-1006-1GL |
 |
| 9 micron (red) DIAMAT Monocrystalline diamond | 250 ml 500 ml 1 gallon |
GMA-1009-250 GMA-1009-500 GMA-1009-1GL |
MA-1009-250 MA-1009-500 MA-1009-1GL |
 |
| 15 micron (brown) DIAMAT Monocrystalline diamond | 250 ml 500 ml 1 gallon |
GMA-1015-250 GMA-1015-500 GMA-1015-1GL |
MA-1015-250 MA-1015-500 MA-1015-1GL |
 |
| 30 micron (orange) DIAMAT Monocrystalline diamond | 250 ml 500 ml 1 gallon |
GMA-1030-250 GMA-1030-500 GMA-1030-1GL |
MA-1030-250 MA-1030-500 MA-1030-1GL |
 |
| 45 micron (purple) DIAMAT Monocrystalline diamond | 250 ml 500 ml 1 gallon |
GMA-1045-250 GMA-1045-500 GMA-1045-1GL |
MA-1045-250 MA-1045-500 MA-1045-1GL |
 |
Monocrystalline Diamond Paste
| Description | Quantity | Catalog Number | Product Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIAMAT Monocrystalline diamond paste (0.25 micron) | 5 gm 20 gm |
MA-0225-05 MA-0225-20 |
 |
| DIAMAT Monocrystalline diamond paste (0.50 micron) | 5 gm 20 gm |
MA-0250-05 MA-0250-20 |
|
| DIAMAT Monocrystalline diamond paste (1 micron) | 5 gm 20 gm |
MA-2001-05 MA-2001-20 |
 |
| DIAMAT Monocrystalline diamond paste (3 micron) | 5 gm 20 gm |
MA-2003-05 MA-2003-20 |
 |
| DIAMAT Monocrystalline diamond paste (6 micron) | 5 gm 20 gm |
MA-2006-05 MA-2006-20 |
 |
| DIAMAT Monocrystalline diamond paste (9 micron) | 5 gm 20 gm |
MA-2009-05 MA-2009-20 |
 |
| DIAMAT Monocrystalline diamond paste (15 micron) | 5 gm 20 gm |
MA-2015-05 MA-2015-20 |
 |
| DIAMAT Monocrystalline diamond paste (30 micron) | 5 gm 20 gm |
MA-2030-05 MA-2030-20 |
 |
Diamond Extenders (Lubricants)
| Description | Quantity | Catalog Number | Product Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIALUBE Diamond Extender | 16 oz (0.125L) 32 oz (0.24L) 1 gallon (3.8L) |
DL-3000-16 DL-3000-32 DL-3000-128 |
|
| DIALUBE Blue Alcohol Lubricant | 16 oz (0.125L) 32 oz (0.24L) 1 gallon (3.8L) |
AOD-3000-16 AOD-3000-32 AOD-3000-128 |
|
| DIALUBE Purple Alcohol Lubricant | 16 oz (0.125L) 32 oz (0.24L) 1 gallon (3.8L) |
ADL-3000-16 ADL-3000-32 ADL-3000-128 |
|
| POLYLUBE Non-Aqueous Diamond Extender | 16 oz (0.125L) 32 oz (0.24L) 1 gallon (3.8L) |
PDL-3000-16 PDL-3000-32 PDL-3000-128 |
|
| POLYLUBE Red (Anti-Corrosion) Lube | 16 oz (0.125L) 32 oz (0.24L) 1 gallon (3.8L) |
PDL-3000R-16 PDL-3000R-32 PDL-3000R-128 |