To characterise diamond mill wear

This work shows two alternative methods to characterise diamond tool wear. The macro-geometric method involves readily measurable variables and, therefore, it requires little time. However, it allows only a partial understanding of the phenomena involved in tool wear. The micro-geometric method implies a deeper understanding of mechanical and tribological mechanisms involved in tool wear and, therefore, it requires a longer time. An optical microscope, a SEM and an electronic balance allowed the observation of the mill and diamond grit shape, and the measurement of the relevant variables. Test protocols are used to implement both the methods. The results show that two sets of quantitative variables may be used to predict the tool wear in a synergic way and, therefore, improve the tool use.