In the flourishing development of superhard materials, diamond micro powder, which serves as the "unsung hero" in various high-end manufacturing industries, has its particle size distribution parameters becoming the core factor in determining product performance. Behind the seemingly simple symbols of D5, D50, D95, and MV lies the password to unlocking efficient production and innovative applications. Each of these represents different meanings of particle size, playing important roles in different application fields, while being closely related to each other, mutually interacting, and influencing one another.
Meaning of D5
It represents the particle size corresponding to the cumulative particle size distribution percentage reaching 5% in a sample. Physically, it means that particles smaller than this value account for 5% of the total particle count. This parameter is commonly used to measure fine particle size indicators in samples and reflects the size condition of extremely fine particles in the micropowder.
Example
Suppose a batch of diamond micro powder undergoes particle size detection and the analysis yields D5=1μm. This means that 5% of the particles in this batch of diamond micro powder have particle sizes smaller than 1μm.
Application Scenarios and Impact
For example, in some precision polishing applications where extremely high surface roughness is required, the value of D5 will affect the polishing effect. A smaller D5 value means a higher proportion of extremely fine particles in the micropowder, enabling more refined surface processing.
Impact of D5 Value on Grinding Efficiency
A smaller D5 value means a higher proportion of fine particles. During grinding, because the cutting edges of fine particles are relatively small and the contact area with the workpiece is small, the amount of material removed per unit time is relatively low, reducing grinding efficiency. However, in scenarios requiring fine grinding, an appropriately small D5 value can ensure grinding accuracy and surface quality.
Surface Quality
A higher proportion of fine particles helps fill the gaps between larger particles, making the workpiece surface smoother in operations like polishing, reducing surface scratches and roughness, and improving surface quality. For example, in the polishing of optical glass, diamond micro powder with a smaller D5 value can achieve higher surface smoothness on the glass.
Meaning of D50
Also called median or median diameter. It is the particle size corresponding to 50% cumulative particle size distribution in a sample. Physically, it means that particles larger than it account for 50% and particles smaller than it also account for 50%. It is often used to represent the average particle size of the powder.
Example
If a batch of diamond micro powder has D50=5μm, it means that in this batch of micropowder, half of the particles have particle sizes larger than 5μm and half have particle sizes smaller than 5μm. 5μm can be considered as the average particle size representative value of this batch of micropowder.
Application Scenarios and Impact
When diamond micro powder is used to grind hard alloys, the D50 value can serve as an important reference for selecting suitable micropowder products. To achieve a specific balance of grinding efficiency and precision, it is necessary to choose diamond micro powder with an appropriate D50 value based on the characteristics of the material being ground and processing requirements.
Impact of D50 Value on Processing Efficiency
D50 represents the average particle size. When the value is moderate, the particle size distribution of diamond micro powder is relatively balanced. During grinding, cutting, and other processing processes, it ensures that a sufficient number of particles participate in cutting and that the synergistic effect between particles is better, thereby achieving higher processing efficiency. If the D50 value is too large or too small, it will lead to a decline in processing efficiency.
Processing Precision
For precision processing, the accuracy and stability of the D50 value are crucial. For example, in semiconductor chip manufacturing, diamond micro powder with a precisely controlled D50 value is needed for grinding and polishing to ensure the flatness and precision of the chip surface, thus guaranteeing the performance and quality of the chips.
Meaning of D95
It refers to the particle size corresponding to the cumulative particle size distribution percentage reaching 95% in a sample. It is generally used to measure coarse particle indicators in samples, reflecting the distribution of larger particles in the sample.
Example
If the detected D95 of diamond micro powder is 10μm, it means that 95% of the particles in this batch of micropowder have particle sizes smaller than 10μm, and only 5% of the particles are larger than 10μm.
Application Scenarios and Impact
In practical applications, especially in scenarios with stringent requirements for workpiece surface quality such as optical glass grinding and polishing, if the D95 exceeds the standard, i.e., if the coarse particle content is too high, it is likely to cause surface defects like scratches on the workpiece, severely affecting product quality.
Impact of D95 Value on Scratch Risk
A larger D95 value indicates a higher content of coarse particles. During processing, these coarse particles can easily produce scratches on the workpiece surface, especially in precision processing fields with high surface quality requirements like optical lenses and precision mold processing, potentially leading to workpiece scrapping.
Grinding Ability
Within a certain range, an appropriately high D95 value can improve grinding ability because the cutting edges of coarse particles are sharper, enabling faster material removal. During rough processing of materials with high hardness and toughness, diamond micro powder with a relatively high D95 value can be chosen to improve processing efficiency.
Meaning of MV
In diamond micro powder, MV generally refers to a representation of the mean particle size (Mean Value). This value is more significantly affected by large particles and has stronger indicative significance when controlling large particles. However, it may have different meanings depending on specific detection methods or standards. Sometimes it is derived from average particle size measured based on a specific measurement principle or statistical method, such as volume mean diameter, number mean diameter, etc.
Example
For instance, the MV of a batch of diamond micro powder measured by a laser particle size analyzer is 6μm. This is an average particle size value obtained based on the instrument's measurement and calculation methods, used to comprehensively describe the average particle size level of the micropowder. However, it is necessary to accurately understand the significance it represents in conjunction with the inspection report description and relevant standards.
Application Scenarios and Impact
In the preparation of diamond-enhanced composite materials, the MV value can help assess the proportion of large particles in the micropowder and, in turn, evaluate the potential impact on the performance of the composite materials because an excessive amount of large particles may form stress concentration points within the composite material, reducing the overall performance of the material.
Impact of MV Value on Overall Performance
The MV value reflects the average particle size level of diamond micro powder, comprehensively influencing its overall performance such as grinding and polishing. The compatibility of the MV value with the application scenario is crucial. For example, when grinding hard alloys, it is necessary to choose diamond micro powder with an appropriate MV value based on the alloy's hardness and processing requirements to achieve the best grinding effect.
Stability
The stability of the MV value affects the performance consistency of diamond micro powder in different batches of products. If the MV value varies significantly, the performance of micropowder in different batches will differ significantly during use, making it difficult to control the production process and stabilize product quality.