Development in Laser Polishing of Polycrystalline Diamond Tools

Laser polishing is a surface finishing technology for polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tools by removing uneven diamond particles from the diamond film through graphitization, melting and sublimation. While various types of lasers are used for the polishing of PCD tools, pulsed excimer and Nd: YAG lasers are among the most commonly used ones. The current development in laser polishing of PCD tools is reviewed. The reported experimental and modelling studies to improve the process performance are discussed. It reveals that there is a severe dearth of understanding of the process and the associated models for the efficient and effective use of the technology. The direction of future research in laser polishing is finally discussed.