GE Superabrasives in Worthington, Ohio, have produced the MBS Si2 diamond for the stone and construction industry. It promises faster cutting and longer tool life.

The new diamonds are coated with silicon, which gives toolmakers greater process flexibility by using more iron in their bonding systems.

Silicon coated MBS Si2 diamonds make such technical improvements possible by shielding the crystals from the chemical reaction between iron and diamonds in sintering.

There is also improved crystal retention because the Si2 coating creates a powerful adhesion to the diamond surface resulting in less pull-out.

For softer stones such as limestones GE Superabrasives have a specially designed product, the MBS CMD diamond.