Brush Research Manufacturing has introduced a diamond filament wheel brush for polishing and finishing hardened materials and hardened material surfaces of end mills, drills, reamers and other metal-cutting tools.

The NamPower diamond filament wheel brushes finish a wide range of hard materials including carbides, ceramics, cubic boron nitride, diamond and tool steels, as well as hardened surfaces such as nitride or plasma spray coatings. The brushes are used to polish the flute relief and control the edge radii of cutting tools.

According to Brush Research, the wheel brush is fabricated with a unique composite hub that increases the uniformity and density of filaments at the cutting point. NamPower brushes are available in three diameters: 100 mm (4 in), 150 mm (6 in) and 200 mm (8 in) with face thicknesses that range from 5 mm to 15 mm. The brush is also offered with 600 mesh black diamond filaments to provide a fine balance between cutting power and surface roughness (Ra). Other mesh sizes are available by request.

Preparation of edge radii and flute reliefs reduces fracture or chipping potential of cutting tools. NamPower diamond filament wheel brushes could extend tool life by as much as 200%, according to Brush Research. The company also said the brushes improve the consistency of machining operations, reduce chip loading and decrease the amount of heat and friction generated during machining.