"Composites are the future," according to the Technology Licensing Bureau (TLB) , which is responsible for the global commercialization of the new process. The problem in using diamond-coated tools made of carbide, however, is the much higher level of stress on the equipment resulting from the dynamic load. Consequently, the tool surface is damaged and the layer adhesion fails. This shortens downtime and causes additional material costs in production.

Dr. Manuel Mee from the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials (IWM) found a solution to the problem by connecting different interdisciplinary approaches, according to the TLB. In addition to the destabilization of the surface being completely avoided with his method, the tools could also be recycled after wear of the coating, which reduces the material costs. Initially developed for machining tools , the process can now also be applied to other carbide tool groups such as stamping or forming tools.

GCT illustrated in a short video how a conventional diamond coating of tungsten carbide tools works. Advantages of diamond-coated products include longer tool life, minimal tool wear, and the ability to machine new or difficult-to-machine materials.