Substitution of natural diamond with synthetic single-crystal diamond (SSCD) in wire drawing dies

In recent years, REDIES Deutschland GmbH, representing all REDIES branches, has been researching valid alternatives to natural diamond (DN) wire drawing dies. Let’s explore the rationale behind this research and its implications below.

Why replace natural diamond with synthetic single crystal diamond?
Natural diamonds inherently exhibit variations in composition, shape, and purity. Customers rightfully demand consistency in the quality of their wire drawing dies, traditionally achieved through meticulous selection of natural diamond crystals. However, the lack of complete traceability from extraction to end-user and fluctuating prices due to international conflicts and trade restrictions have prompted concerns.

Fortunately, REDIES has rigorously tested manufacturers and suppliers, resulting in the development of a quality product with consistent characteristics.

Characteristics of Synthetic Single Crystal Diamond (SSCD)
Synthetic Single Crystal Diamond (SSCD) statistically boasts higher purity and more consistent quality compared to natural diamond. The dimensions of SSCD are carefully chosen to ensure uniform crystal volume, enabling efficient heat dissipation during the wire drawing process. Just like natural diamond, SSCD with <111> crystal orientation is optimal for producing round wire drawing dies. Moreover, the availability of large SSCD crystals ensures a stable supply chain free from geopolitical conflicts, in compliance with EU regulations on supply chain transparency.

What about costs and technical suitability during the wire drawing process?
The technical suitability and price competitiveness of SSCD wire drawing dies compared to natural diamond are valid concerns. Both materials are virtually indistinguishable, sharing identical carbon crystal lattice structures. However, natural diamond often contains impurities such as nitrogen and boron, affecting its color and potentially introducing crystal defects. While similar defects may occur during SSCD sintering processes, control measures in carbon vapor deposition (CVD) techniques offer greater defect avoidance. Furthermore, the stability of SSCD prices ensures long-term cost predictability for wire drawing operations.

Feedback from REDIES clients indicates that SSCD wire drawing dies can seamlessly replace their natural diamond counterparts without any modifications to the wire drawing process.

You will be able to personally discuss these drawing solutions with Redies experts at wire Düsseldorf from April 15 to 19, Hall 9/Stand B17: visit the online stand on Expometals.net to learn about the full range of products and services offered by the company and use the provided contacts to schedule an appointment.