NDT of Polycrystaline Diamond

[wireguy]

I am looking for a process that would detect cracks in PCD. These are Wire Drawing Dies with hole sizes ranging from .020 diameter to .250 diameter.

We can see them somewhat after refurblishing, but we were looking for a method of NDT that would detect them prior to recutting.

Thank You!

 

[crun]

This is merely a suggestion because I have not actually tried it on something made from PCD, but perhaps dusting the article with Zirconium powder and brushing the excess off before inspecting it under a blacklight lamp (UV) would cause the powder caught in any crack or imperfection to fluoresce. Like I say, it is just a thought. It would be a bit like the Magnaflux examination used for electro-conductive materials.

Zirconium powder the stuff that coats the inside of fluorescent tubes and that converts the dim UV light into visible light - it is hazardous so appropriate precautions would be required before handling it. Perhaps this might bear some investigation?

Regards

Crun