Mechanical applications of diamond layers

The extreme hardness, Young'modulus and thermal conductivity, the chemical inertness and the low friction coefficient make thin or thick diamond layer s exceptional materials for various mechanical applications. However specif ic problems are encountered for depositing adherent diamond layers on the s ubstrates widely used for these applications. After studying these problems this paper shows how the processes are optimized. Results in various cutti ng, drilling and tribological conditions are presented which demonstrate th at most of the difficulties are solved at the present time.