Threading and grooving toolmaker Tool-Flo Manufacturing, Houston, has added polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) tools to its product line. The ultrahard materials allow for longer tool life when cutting abrasive materials such as graphite, hard rubber, plastics, carbon, fiberglass components, ceramics, wood, copper, bronze, brass and aluminum alloys, and permit higher removal rates and faster cycle times.

Tool-Flo uses laser machining in addition to diamond grinding and wire EDMing to make its PCD and PCBN tools. Laser machining provides an unmatched cutting edge quality which will, in turn, provide excellent surface finish and longer tool life, according to Tool-Flo. Laser can also cut special chip breakers in any PCD cutting tool. While Tool-Flo currently uses laser machining only on its PCD and PCBN tools, it plans to use it on carbide inserts in the future.