Method of making monolayer abrasive tools

Abstract

An improved method of making a monolayer abrasive tool using a relatively low melting point, soft filler metal alloy braze which possesses sufficiently high yield strength combined with a relatively high ductility and low elastic modulus to produce an exceptional bond between a monolayer of superabrasive particles and the tool substrate. The steps of the brazing process include applying a layer of the filler metal alloy including a an active metal in either pre-alloyed or as a mixture with the metal alloy and a monolayer of superabrasive crystals over the filler metal layer. This assembly is heated in a mon-oxidizing atmosphere such as a vacuum to melt the alloy and braze bond the superabrasive particles to the tool substrate. The alloy bond formed possess the properties of a ductility of at least 20 percent elongation, an elastic modulus of less than 15.times.10.sup.6 or less, and a yield strength preferably at least about 45,000 to 50,000 psi. A copper/silver based alloy including about 8 to 15 weight percent indium and 1 to 4 weight percent titanium is used in a preferred embodiment of the method disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.