Short answer
Deposit 0.0002" to 0.004" of tungsten carbide over the whole gripping surface with the Carbitron 300. The fused 78 to 80 Rockwell C deposit increases friction and wear life on collets, chucks, grippers and machine parts. It is the same process as diamond dusting on surgical instruments.
What it does for a gripping surface
- Increases friction, so parts slip less
- Increases wear life on the contact surface
- Improves surface texture
- A non-brittle tungsten carbide surface
Where it is used
- Collets and chucks
- Grippers
- General machine parts with gripping or wear surfaces
- Surgical and dental instruments, where the Carbitron is the original diamond-dusting system
Step by step
- 01
Set the thickness
Choose a deposit on the discharge intensity selector, from 0.0002" to 0.001" per setting. The brochure recommends 0.0002" to 0.004" total on gripping surfaces, depending on the thickness that can be tolerated.
- 02
Cover the whole gripping surface
Connect the ground cable to the part and work the vibrating electrode evenly over the entire gripping or wear surface.
- 03
Finish if you need it smoother
For a smoother surface, move the electrode briskly side to side and finish with a light 0.0002" coat. Lightly stone with a CBN or diamond stone to remove burrs.
What you need
The Carbitron 300 ($495) and tungsten-carbide electrodes ($12.50 each). A 1/8" x 2 1/2" electrode typically covers about 50 square inches at 0.0005" average thickness. Use the 1/16" or 1/32" electrode for small or detailed surfaces.
Frequently asked questions
Can you add tungsten carbide to a collet or chuck?
Yes. Deposit 0.0002" to 0.004" over the gripping surface with the Carbitron 300 to increase grip and wear life.
Is it the same as diamond dusting?
It is the same process. The Carbitron 300 is the original diamond-dusting system used on surgical and dental instruments, applied here to industrial gripping surfaces.
How hard is the grip surface?
78 to 80 Rockwell C, fused to the part.
Which electrode should I use?
The 1/8" electrode for general surfaces, the 1/16" for finer work and the 1/32" for precision detail.
Not sure how much carbide your tool needs?
Tell us the tool, the material it cuts or forms, and where it wears. The people who build the Carbitron will tell you how to apply it.