Rainford Precision Machines Limited, the UK-based leader in high-precision cutting tools and machining solutions, has established itself as a trusted partner for industries across a wide range of engineering sectors. Among its key collaborations is its relationship with DTS GmbH, the renowned German manufacturer who have specialized in the development and production of precision tools equipped with ultrahard cutting materials, such as PCD (polycrystalline Diamond), CVD-D (CVD thick film Diamond), UltraDiamond (monocrystalline binderless Diamond) and CBN (cubic boron nitride).
This partnership underscores Rainford’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions, particularly in the realm of advanced tooling technologies like PCD and CVD-D diamond tools. These innovations are revolutionising precision machining, offering distinct advantages over conventional tools in milling, drilling, reaming, and boring applications on soft non-ferrous materials such as aluminium, brass alloys and composite materials as well as hard materials such as carbide, ceramics and precious metals.
PCD and CVD-D diamond tools excel in wear resistance, a critical factor in volume machining of abrasive materials. PCD tools, composed of 90-95% diamond particles bonded with cobalt, offer a hardness of around 6000 Vickers, while CVD-D diamond tools, with a 99% pure diamond coating, achieve an impressive 8500-9000 Vickers hardness. This makes them significantly more durable than carbide tools, which typically have a hardness of 1500-1800 Vickers. For example, in drilling composite materials, PCD tools can last up to 25 times longer than carbide tools, reducing downtime and resharpening frequency by factors.
PCD and CVD-D tools maintain sharp cutting edges for extended periods, ensuring more consistent surface finishes and maintaining tighter tolerances. This is particularly beneficial in industries where precision is paramount. Unlike carbide tools, which degrade from the first cut, diamond tools retain their edge sharpness, often eliminating the need for secondary finishing processes. PCD and CVD-D tools have a lower friction co-efficient which enhances surface finish quality and a lower cutting force which is particularly useful when machining components which have thin wall sections or are prone to deformation.
While the initial cost of PCD and CVD-D tools is higher than carbide, their extended tool life and reduced downtime translate to significant long-term savings. For instance, PCD tools can be resharpened multiple times, further enhancing their cost-effectiveness. Additionally, diamond tools can operate at higher speeds, increasing machining capacity and reducing cycle times.
PCD and CVD-D tools are particularly effective in machining abrasive materials like carbon fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) and metal matrix composites (MMC). In drilling and reaming operations in hardened steel, Inconel and Titanium the CBNCoat Drills (diameters from 2.0mm to 12mm) and Solid CBN Reamers (diameters from 1.5mm to 6.03mm) come into their own.
Rainford’s partnership with DTS GmbH brings together decades of engineering expertise in innovative tooling solutions. By leveraging DTS’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and Rainford’s deep industry knowledge, the collaboration ensures that customers have access to the latest in PCD and CVD-D diamond tooling solutions as well as CBN tools and inserts. This synergy not only enhances productivity and performance but also drives innovation in precision engineering.
For the right application, the utilisation of PCD, CVD-D and CBN tools represents a paradigm shift in volume machining. Rainford Precision Machines Limited, through its collaboration with DTS GmbH, is at the forefront of this transformation, offering tools that deliver unparalleled wear resistance, precision, and cost-efficiency. As industries continue to demand higher performance and reliability, the partnership between Rainford and DTS is poised to set new benchmarks.
For businesses seeking to optimise their machining processes, the choice is clear: PCD, CVD-D and CBN tools are not just an upgrade—they are the future. Explore the full DTS product range — download the latest brochures from Rainford Precision and discover how advanced diamond and CBN tooling can enhance your machining performance.
Whether you're looking to improve tool life, reduce costs, or achieve tighter tolerances on challenging materials, Rainford’s team is ready to help. Get in touch today to discover how the latest advancements in diamond and ultra-hard tooling can transform your machining performance.