Quality Control and Testing Procedures
LANDS Superabrasives performs various standard tests to assure and maintain a consistent standard in its product line.
To guarantee optimum Quality Control in producing consistent materials throughout the line, LANDS Superabrasives has developed a standard testing procedure that involves continuous monitoring of the vital variables. This testing procedure is one of the cornerstones of our Quality Control Program.
In the following paragraphs LANDS Superabrasives presents some of the standard tests used in the Quality Control Maintenance of the product line.
Description of Tests and Testing Procedures
Friability Test. Toughness Index:
Test Objective: The main purpose of this test is to determine the relative strength of the diamond particles. The core of this test is to determine the particle size after the material is subjected to controlled crushing.
Test Procedure: First the diamond is sieved and measured. The sample is then subjected to controlled crushing in a mill using hardened steel balls. The vibration, movement and amplitude of this process is fully controlled. After a defined time, the diamond is collected and measured again. There is a direct correlation between the spread in residue sizes after crushing and crystal strength. In general, the coarser and larger the residue, the stronger the original crystal; the finer and smaller the residue, the weaker the original crystal
Result: A Toughness Index is generated by using a formula which relates the various factors of time, crushing procedure and final particle size.
Friability Test after Thermal Impact. Thermal Toughness Index:
Test Objective: To determine the thermal stability of diamond products.
Test Procedure: This test is the same as described above, however the diamond is first heated to 1125°C. in a controlled nonoxygen atmosphere.
Heating may cause the crystal to break up or to damage the surface, edges, and the faces. Strong crystals will yield lower percentages of fine sizes while weaker crystals yield relatively higher percentages of fine sizes.
Result: A Thermal Toughness Index is generated by using a formula which relates the various factors of time, crushing procedures and final particle size. The higher the value of the TTI, the stronger the crystal.
Bulk Density:
Test Objective: To determine the density of the material
Test Procedure: The bulk density is determined by the weighing the amount of material required to fill a predetermined volume. (Similar to 1 kg of water fills exactly 1 Liter.)
Result: Bulk density provides a relationship between the average shape, smoothness of the crystals and specific weights.