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Blasting of Zirconia

 

We need to improve the mechanical performance of drilling tool made of zirconia ceramic.

We read that blasting the surface could be helpful. Should alumina grit be ok for that? Are there some specific parameters to be recommended (grit size, speed, etc.)? Consider a very low final roughness is required (< 0.1 um)

Andrea Vecchi
R&D - Modena, Italy
March 4, 2010

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I assume you are talking about cutting performance; however, there is a trade off with tool life. This really doesn't answer your question directly, but the smoother the surface finish of the drill bit, normally the better they perform. A mechanical polishing system will harden the material. This is not something the customer has control of, but a good manufacturer will improve the surface finish before coating them.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
March 11, 2010

When you say zirconia ceramic are you talking about a coating or a bulk material? In any case the stuff is damn hard, probably harder than most conventional blasting media, so it is brittle. If you decide to blast your tool take care.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
March 17, 2010