Diamond electroplated bond

In electroplated bonds a single layer of diamond crystals is attached to a grinding wheel by means of a layer of metal, typically nickel, that is electroplated on top of the diamonds. The thickness of the electroplated layer is typically about one-third to one-half the diameter of the crystals. Single-layer tools can also be produced by brazing. It is essential for the braze to achieve good wetting of the crystals when melted to develop a strong bond. The thickness of the braze layer is typically 15 to 30 percent of the diameter of the crystals. 

The bond systems used with cBN are the same as those with diamond— resin, vitreous, metal, and single layer (electroplated or brazed)—but the relative prevalence is different. The most popnlar bond systems with cBN are vitreous and single layer, the reverse of the sitnation with diamond. In many cases the lifetime, finish, and grinding efficiency of vit-leons bond cBN wheels are superior to those of corresponding resin bond wheels. Factors contribntmg to the performance of vitreous bonds are hardness, thermal conductivity and stability, and higher porosity (which simplifies wheel surface conditioning) than resin bonds. 

Metal bonded wheels are made nearly exclusively with diamond for very severe applications where high mechanical strength is required. Electroplated cubic boron nitride products are also finding applications, especially of very difficult to grind and very hard steels. 

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