New Master Surface Finisher at CDT

Photo credit: www.pfonline.com/articles/40-under-40-class-of-2020

CDT is proud to announce that Jordan Donnelly, Plating Research and Development, has been named a Master Surface Finisher (MSF).

The MSF is the highest designation given by the National Association for Surface Finishing. Master Surface Finishers must demonstrate mastery of essential finishing processes, as well as knowledge in specialized processes and environmental stewardship.

In July 2020, Jordan Donnelly was recognized as one of the top "40 under 40" in the surface finishing industry by Products Finishing Magazine.

Excerpt from article:
"Jordan has been in the finishing industry for 15 years. He recently completed the AESF Foundation’s Certified Electroplater-Finisher program and the CAF – Airline and Aerospace certification. He is working towards Master Surface Finisher certification."
Full article: www.pfonline.com/articles/40-under-40-class-of-2020

We are proud of Jordan for his drive, determination, and dedication to his craft, and we're happy to have him on our team.

The Hardest Materials Just Became EASY

Have you struggled to grind hard materials such as Silicon Carbide, Aluminum Oxide, Glass, Carbide, and others? With these substances, it has always been difficult to improve cycle times and reduce chipping and scrap ... until now.  

Significant Gains in Grinding Performance

CDT’s latest generation of Vitrified Diamond grinding wheels combines high bond strength with porosity levels that significantly improve the grinding process. Better yet, this wheel is optimized for grinding hard, problematic materials such as Silicon Carbide, Ceramics, CMC, PCD, and more. With our VIPER™ Bond Technology, customers have reported significant improvements to the grinding process and cost savings.

*Vitrified Diamond grinding wheels with the new VIPER™ Bond Technology have been found to reduce cycle times up to 70% when compared with conventional resin bond grinding processes. Cycle times were reduced 30% or more when compared with other vitrified grinding products.

The Science Behind VIPER™ Bond Technology

Vitrified Diamond grinding wheels already take the hardest known superabrasives held mechanically and chemically in a ceramic bond to form some of the most efficient grinding products available on the market. Our custom-engineered wheels use varying concentrations, porosity levels, and bond hardness to optimize performance specific to your grinding process. The payoff? Vitrified—Improved—Performance

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"With this new bond we saw cycle time reductions of 20% or more and the same amount of wear compared to our first generation vitrified wheel, which was already a vast improvement over a conventional wheel."

— Jim Elliott, Advanced Carbide

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If you thought you knew what to expect from your Vitrified Diamond grinding wheel, it may be time to take another look. Contact us today to see how VIPER™ Bond Technology might improve your tool's performance.

CDT Engineers Assist With NASA SpaceX Prototyping

This SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carries two astronauts in the Crew Dragon capsule on the Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Date: 30 May 2020. Source: WikiMedia. Photo by: Daniel Oberhaus.

What do you do when you need a part that doesn’t exist to get your innovation off the ground, but your internal resources of time and talent are not skilled with this type of manufacturing or stretched too thin? You know where you’re headed, but you need help getting there.

That’s the question NASA asked themselves during their recent SpaceX project testing. They came to CDT with theoretical concepts, and our team of engineers ran with their ideas to make them a reality.

At CDT, we’ve had the capability to prototype products for a long time. Typically, we use our equipment when we’re working to optimize the performance of our products for different customer environments. For SpaceX, we assembled a team of engineers who had the sole purpose of turning ideas from NASA’s engineers into tools specific for their mission.

The biggest challenge? We were on a strict deadline. The laws of planetary motion won't wait for delays. From NASA's concepts, our Rapid Response Team had to design, develop, and deliver prototypes to be used in field tests in a matter of days.

"It was a pleasure for my team and I to work with the experienced engineers from Space X.  Assisting with tool designs for difficult and problematic projects is a key aspect to our daily routine. We look forward to more opportunities to work with the NASA and the SpaceX team," says Allen Meyer, CDT Plating Engineer.

Because we had the collective knowledge, experience, and tools right here at our disposal, our team was able to meet NASA’s deadline with no delay to the mission. It was a proud day seeing the recent launch of the Demo-2 Mission, knowing we played a small part in making that happen. We wish the astronauts a safe voyage and return!

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“The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.”

–Arthur C. Clarke

What far out idea do you need to get off the ground? Our Rapid Response Team is ready to help you move your innovation forward. Contact us today!

Continental Diamond Tool Corporation COVID-19 Update

March 24, 2020
Dear Continental Diamond Tool Partner,

Continental Diamond Tool values our partnership and would like to keep you updated as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve.

Continental Diamond Tool will remain open in accordance with the  Department of Homeland Security’s “Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” (https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce) dated March 18, 2020. 

As part of the “Critical Infrastructure Segment,” the products that Continental Diamond Tool provides are essential in several critical industries, including but not limited to: Food and Agriculture, Energy, Healthcare and Public Health, Communications, and Critical Manufacturing.

Continental Diamond Tool continues to take an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of our team members and to make sure production goes uninterrupted. Please send any questions to: info@cdtusa.net.  We thank you for your continued support. 

Sincerely,
Nick Viggiano
President
Continental Diamond Tool

Continental Diamond Tool Acquires Jalsons International

New Haven, IN – Continental Diamond Tool Corporation (CDT), an industry leader in Diamond and CBN grinding wheels and tools, today announces their acquisition of Jalsons International Company, a manufacturer and supplier of Stationary Diamond Dressers located in North Canton, Ohio.

“CDT has had a great relationship with Jalsons for 20+ years. The acquisition allows us to increase our product offering and fits into our current Metal Bond Stationary and Rotary Diamond Dresser product line. Ultimately, it’s about giving our customer the best possible dressing option," says Nick Viggiano, President of CDT.

About CDT

Continental Diamond Tool, a private company located in New Haven, Indiana, is a leading producer in the global market for superabrasive grinding wheels and custom tooling. For more than 47 years, they have specialized in the design, manufacture and application of diamond and CBN cutting and grinding products and services. Their Plated, Resin Bond, Metal Bond, Vitrified Bond, Rotary Dressers, and GL™ Bond products serve a wide range of industries, including medical, oil & gas, automotive, aerospace, cutting tools, power generation, wood & saw, electronics, and many others.

About Jalsons International

Jalsons is a private company established in 1984 in North Canton, Ohio, by Pravin Shah as a specialized Diamond Dresser supplier to the Bearing, Automotive, and many other markets. Jalsons specializes in custom engineered tooling for their customers' applications to increase tool life, cost savings, and first-class customer service.

Supplier to Rolls Royce Creating Additional Jobs

Consort Precision Diamond, the Continental Diamond Tool subsidiary that specializes in Rotary Diamond Dressers, was recently featured in the Daily Post in Wales. Read the article below or link to the Daily Post website here.

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Supplier to Rolls Royce Creating Additional Jobs

BY OWEN HUGHES, Business Correspondent | Daily Post

A company that manufactures sophisticated cutting tools for Rolls Royce and other automotive and aerospace companies is to create 23 new jobs.

Economy Minister, Ken Skates (pictured) visited Consort Precision Diamond in Kinmel Bay, Conwy to discuss the expansion plans, which will be supported by £200k from Welsh Government.

The Minister also spoke to the company’s management team about the types of challenges they are facing in the run up to Brexit, and urged them to take advantage of the range of support offered to Welsh business to help them prepare and build resilience ahead of Brexit.

Ken Skates said: “I am delighted that the Welsh Government is supporting Conwy based Consort Precision Diamond in its plan to expand its facilities and create an additional 23 highly skilled jobs at Kinmel Bay.

“The support from Welsh Government will help fund the first phase of a five year plan that will see Consort Precision Diamond building a new premises and increasing its head count to just shy of 170.

“It was also good to speak to the company about its Brexit preparations and to ensure they are aware of, and are accessing the full range of Welsh Government support.

“Consort Precision Diamond actually exports extensively to markets outside of the EU, meaning that it is a stronger position to deal with the changes and challenges that Brexit will bring.

“I would urge any business in Wales to access our comprehensive range of exporting support and advice so they can put themselves in the strongest possible position to navigate the journey ahead.

“Of course we know that what business really needs, and continues to call for, is certainty.

“For our part we will keep pushing the UK Government to take No Deal off the table and work to secure a Brexit that protects Welsh jobs and our economy.”

Source: https://wales247.co.uk/rolls-royce-supplier-creates-23-new-jobs-with-welsh-government-support/

New Haven Company Plans to Add 150 Jobs

by ROSA SALTER RODRIGUEZ | The Journal Gazette 

Monday, October 15, 2018 — Continental Diamond Tool, New Haven, plans to invest $5.5 million in real estate improvements and new equipment and more than double its workforce, according to an application for declaration as an economic revitalization area and tax abatements.

That would mean adding about 150 jobs, the application says.

The company last year moved from a facility at 1221 Hartzell St. to 10511 Rose Ave., both in New Haven. Now, the company is outgrowing that building, said Brian Yoh, New Haven's director of planning and economic development.

Plans are to add 15,000 square feet to it at a cost of $1.3 million.

"They are a very, very successful company," Yoh said Monday. "They're having phenomenal growth."

The equipment investment includes $3.575 million in manufacturing equipment and $625,000 in research and development and information technology equipment, according to the application.

Created will be 146 full-time manufacturing jobs at an average salary of $40,000 and four full-time sales positions at an average salary of $56,000. The hiring would be done by Dec. 1, 2023.

Four new part-time janitorial jobs at an average salary of $7,500 and six part-time manufacturing jobs at an average salary of $15,500 are also listed.

The company will pay at least 70 percent of the cost of eligible employees' vacation, sick leave, holidays, health and life insurance and pension benefits.

The company now has 135 employees and a payroll of $7.2 million. The additional employees would add $6.025 million in payroll by Dec. 1, 2023.

The building construction was planned to begin late last month and be finished by April, the application states. Equipment installation would begin then and go through December, 2023, the document states.

The company makes diamond and CBN superabrasive grinding wheels. Company officiaIs did not list gross sales or the company's three largest customers and suppliers, as the application requests. 

If the application is approved, the company will qualify for 10-year abatements which would save it $194,266 in real estate taxes and $237,059 in business personal property taxes for a total of $431,325.

The New Haven Council will have a public hearing on the measure at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at city hall, 815 E. Lincoln Highway. 

Source: http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20181015/new-haven-company-plans-to-add-150-jobs

CDT turns 45 this month!

Continental Diamond Tool is proud to celebrate 45 years of business! Since October, 1973, we have worked hard to provide the highest quality precision products, and excellent customer service. Here's a quick overview of how we got to where we are today: 

TIMELINE

1973

• Ray Viggiano opened the doors on the first 5,000 sq. ft. building

• CDT began production of Metal Bond products and Diamond Dressers

1978

• Launched Resin Bond product line

1984-1985

• Launched Plated product line

1989

• First addition to building, now totaling 8,000 sq. ft. 

1997

• Second addition to building, more than doubling the size to 20,000 sq. ft. 

2012

• Third addition to building, again doubling the size to 40,000 sq. ft. 

2014

• Brought Vitrified Engineer on board, and launched Vitrified products line. 

2015

• Fourth addition to building, increasing to 55,000 sq. ft. 

2016

• Acquired Sierra Diamond, a manufacturer of Metal Bond tools, in Auburn, California. 

2017

• Launched new GL™ Series product line

2018

• Acquired Consort Precision Diamond Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of Rotary Diamond Dressers in the United Kingdom

• Completed construction of brand-new 130,000 sq. ft. facility

• Began expansion to add an additional 15,000 sq. ft. 

…and still growing!  

Thanks for letting us share our story with you and celebrating in our achievements. Follow us on facebook.com/ContinentalDiamondTool to watch how we continue to grow and evolve.

Ribbon Cutting Event to Celebrate CDT’s New High-Tech Manufacturing Center

New Haven, IN – Continental Diamond Tool Corporation will be joined by the New Haven Chamber of Commerce to commemorate the completion of its new 130,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10511 Rose Avenue in New Haven, Indiana. The dedication will take place on Wednesday, August 8 at 10:00 a.m. 

The new building, which triples CDT’s former manufacturing space, will accommodate new product development, growing customer demand, and increased employee amenities. Construction began in April 2017 and wrapped up this Summer.

Along with considerable state-of-the-art equipment upgrades, new research and development laboratories will allow CDT to further enhance their customer’s manufacturing productivity. The new headquarters also includes an impressive glass welcoming center with overlooking guest entertaining area, a complimentary barber shop and workout facility for CDT employees, and a modern break area featuring fresh food options and plenty of natural light.

With the growth, CDT is hiring for many positions; interested persons may apply online at www.cdtusa.com/careers.  

About CDT
Founded in 1973 by Ray Viggiano, Continental Diamond Tool took shape with just two employees and 4,500 sq. ft. in New Haven, Indiana. CDT has developed into the leader for providing technically superior precision tooling to numerous industries. After multiple expansions, CDT now occupies its custom-built, state-of-the-art, 130,000 sq. ft. manufacturing center and corporate headquarters at 10511 Rose Avenue, New Haven, Indiana, USA. In addition, CDT owns rotary diamond dresser manufacturer Consort Precision Diamond in the United Kingdom, purchased in early 2018.

CDT continues to be a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of superabrasive products. Product lines include plated,  metal bond, resin bond, vitrified, and CDT's own unique GL® bond diamond and CBN grinding wheels and tools, as well as diamond dressers and rolls. CDT's quality craftsmen welcome the opportunity to meet industry's most complex critical tooling needs.   

Contact
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Fleek, Marketing Administrator
260-493-1294

Visit www.cdtusa.net for more information or find us on facebook.com/ContinentalDiamondTool

New 130,000 Sq. Ft. Manufacturing Facility Built with Customer and Employee Satisfaction In Mind

The new 130,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility on Rose Avenue in New Haven, Indiana, built by Continental Diamond Tool Corporation (CDT) accommodates new product development, growing customer demand, and increased employee amenities. 

The new space is built to improve both customer and employee satisfaction. Along with considerable state-of-the-art equipment upgrades, the new headquarters also includes an impressive glass welcoming center with overlooking guest entertaining area, a complimentary barber shop and workout facility for CDT employees, and an expanded break area with fresh food and plenty of natural light. New research and development laboratories will allow CDT to further enhance their customer’s manufacturing productivity. 

In early 2017, CDT began construction on the new manufacturing center. This Spring, CDT began transitioning departments to the new space, starting with CNC machining, office personnel, and sales. Currently 75-percent of the company is up and running in the new facility, with the final department expected to move by the end of summer. With the growth, CDT is hiring for many positions; interested persons may apply online at www.cdtusa.com/careers.  

About CDT
Founded in 1973 by Ray Viggiano, Continental Diamond Tool took shape with just two employees and 4,500 sq. ft. in New Haven, Indiana. CDT has developed into the leader for providing technically superior precision tooling to numerous industries. After multiple expansions, CDT now occupies its custom-built, state-of-the-art, 130,000 sq. ft. manufacturing center and corporate headquarters at 10511 Rose Avenue, New Haven, Indiana, USA. In addition, CDT owns rotary diamond dresser manufacturer Consort Precision Diamond in the United Kingdom, purchased in early 2018. 

CDT continues to be a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of superabrasive products. Product lines include plated, electroless plating,  metal bond, resin bond, vitrified, and CDT's own unique GL® bond diamond and CBN grinding wheels and tools, as well as diamond dressers and rolls. CDT's quality craftsmen welcome the opportunity to meet industry's most complex critical tooling needs.  

Contact
To learn more about CDT and tour their new space, please contact:
Sarah Fleek, Marketing Administrator
sarah.fleek@cdtusa.net or 260-493-1294

Visit www.cdtusa.net for more information or find us on facebook.com/ContinentalDiamondTool

Continental Diamond Tool has acquired Consort Precision Diamond

Continental Diamond Tool Corporation (CDT), an industry leader in Diamond & CBN grinding wheels and tools, today announces their acquisition of Consort Precision Diamond Company Limited, a leading manufacturer of Rotary Diamond Dressers in the United Kingdom. You can find them exhibiting together at GrindTec 2018 this week: Hall 4,  Booth 4082.

About CDT

Continental Diamond Tool, a private company located in New Haven, Indiana, is a leading producer in the global market for superabrasive grinding wheels and custom tooling. For more than 40 years, they have specialized in the design, manufacture and application of diamond and CBN cutting and grinding products and services. Their Electroplated, Resin Bond, Metal Bond, Vitrified Bond, and CDT-exclusive Hybrid Bond products serve a wide range of industries, including medical, oil & gas, automotive, aerospace, cutting tools, power generation, wood & saw, electronics, and many others.

About Consort Precision

Consort Precision Diamond Company Ltd is a private company established in 1984 by its shareholders as a manufacturing facility specializing in the production of Rotary Diamond Dressers for niche grinding operations. Their highly accurate precision components are used predominantly in automotive, aerospace and land-based turbine engine production.

For information on Consort Precision Diamond's Rotary Diamond Dressers, please contact our Customer Service at 800-443-6629 or info@cdtusa.net and they can assist you with a quote.

An Update on New Facility — Now Hiring!

Continental Diamond Tool is happy to report that construction on its new facility is progressing steadily. The building's exterior is almost complete. Finishing touches will be made to the interior of the building over the next several months, with completion slated for Spring 2018. 

CDT broke ground at their new facility in New Haven earlier this year. This expansion cost nearly $12 million. The new building will also make room for 77 additional jobs. 

The new 112,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility will be equipped with state-of-the art equipment, allowing CDT to maintain their strong growth rate, better serve their customers and potentially double their employment base.

The project includes $5.25 million in manufacturing equipment, $400,000 in research and development equipment and $100,000 in information technology equipment.

If you or someone you know if looking for a new career opportunity, CDT is now hiring for the following positions: 

CNC programmersCNC operatorsCNC set upManual MachinistsElectroplatersDraftsmen (proficient in SolidWorks)

Click here to apply.

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CDT Launches New Website

CDT is proud to announce the launch of our new company website cdtusa.net.  We look forward to sharing great information about CDT and our phenomenal products and services, but also serve as a thought leader for everything you need to know about Plated products, Resin Bond products, and Metal Bond products. 

We have more than 40 years of experience in the Diamond Tool industry and would like to help any of our customers or visitors by sharing this knowledge. As always, when your product application calls for a diamond or CBN wheel or tooling, you can call on our team of experts and we'll be happy to assist you in any way. Enjoy!

Breaking Ground on New State-of-the-Art Facility

CDT is breaking ground this month on a $12 million expansion that will result in 77 additional jobs at a newly constructed New Haven, Indiana, facility.

The new 112,000-square-foot manufacturing facility will be equipped with state-of-the art equipment, allowing us to maintain our strong growth rate, better serve our customers, and potentially double our employment base.

The project includes $5.25 million in manufacturing equipment, $400,000 in research and development equipment and $100,000 in information technology equipment.

Construction started this month, with completion slated for the end of the year. 

More details at:
https://journalgazette.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2%3A177F469847189203%40NGPA-INJG-1862FAE8B6653844%402457928-186082DE223C8686%4016-186082DE223C8686%40?search_terms=%22Continental%2BDiamond%2BTool%22&text=%22Continental%20Diamond%20Tool%22&pub%255B0%255D=177F469847189203&sort=new&pdate=2017-06-23

CDT welcomes Dan Imgrund!

Dan Imgrund joined the company in July 2015 as our new Product Manager for Resin Bond.

His responsibilities include production, R&D and marketing of the resin bond product line.

Dan brings twenty plus years of experience in superabrasive design, production and application to CDT.

“CDT is the right fit,” Dan said.

“When I met the team, I understood how CDT can offer such great quality and delivery. The ‘can-do’ attitude is not part of the culture here, is the culture.”

CDT is committed to offering the best possible diamond and CBN products in the industry for years to come, the addition of Dan Imgrund will be a key part in providing this to our customers.

We have expanded again!

Continental Diamond Tool has recently underwent a 16,000 sqft state of the art expansion to accommodate the increase volume in Resin Bond demand and our recently developed product of Vitrified Diamond & CBN grinding wheels for the Aerospace, Medical, Automotive and Cutting Tools Industry.  C.D.T.'s recent expansion will also house our newly expanded customer service and engineering departments, as well as our growing sales staff.  Please contact your C.D.T. representative to schedule a visit.

Matt Harnish: 15 Year Anniversary

This year marks the fifteenth year of employment for Matt Harnish.  Matt started with the company in 2000, in the shipping and receiving department.  His motivation and drive to succeed eventually led him to applying to CDT's sales force.  With no experience, Matt started by making calls on his lunch break and after hours to prove his motivation, and shortly after, he was rewarded with a full time sales position.  Matt has grown into CDT's longest tenured salesmen and helped grow sales each and every year.  He has specialized in diamond plated sales, and has helped grow plated into the company's largest department.

CDT would like to congratulate Matt for his hard work and dedication to CDT.

CDT Invests in Zoller

CDT has invested in a new state of the art Zoller Presetting & Measuring device to further help support and ensure that our customers tools are perfect.  This investment is the first initial tool in expanding our inspection and quality department.

Machining capabilities growing again

News Release

New Haven, Ind. -- For the second time in two and a half years, Continental Diamond Tool, located at 1221 Hartzell Street in New Haven, has announced plans to expand its existing facilities. Founded in 1973, Continental Diamond Tool specializes in the design, manufacture, and application of diamond cutting and grinding products and services for industries including medical, oil and gas, automotive, aerospace, and electronics.

"Over the past few years, CDT has made a concentrated focus in R&D and product performance. This strategy has allowed us to gain a larger market share and double our revenue over the past few years," stated Nick Viggiano, chief operating officer for CDT. "Along with the constant advancements of current products, we are excited to introduce a new product to the market later in 2014. We feel the launch of this new product, along with our dedicated staff, gives us the ability to gain market share faster in the foreseeable future."

Continental Diamond Tool will invest $400,000 to add 7,000 square feet of manufacturing space and 7,000 square feet of office space. This additional square footage will allow for the purchase and installation of $3.375 million in new manufacturing equipment including CNC Lathes, mold presses, and inspection equipment. At present, the company employs 57 people. Over the next 5 years they plan to hire 47 additional people in manufacturing, sales, management, and clerical positions.

"Once again CDT has shown that they are a great company and a true community partner," stated Mayor Terry McDonald. "Thank you, CDT for your faith in New Haven, by yet again expanding your business here, and for your investment in the people and families of New Haven. Thank you and congratulations. We look forward to many more years of growth and partnership."

At its June 10 meeting, the New Haven City Council will be asked to consider approving a 7-year and 10-year property tax phase-in to assist the company with its expansion and investment. It is estimated that the tax phase-in will amount to a $259,781 savings over the next 7-10 years.

About Continental Diamond Tool
Founded in 1973, Continental Diamond Tool specializes in the design, manufacture and application of diamond and CBN cutting and grinding products and services for a wide range of industries. CDT has the ability for our sales and manufacturing to work together to ensure our customers experience, satisfaction. Our confidence stems from having a distributer network which is based on a "Relationship & Performance" foundation that is unparalleled in customer service and high quality performance. 

About Greater Fort Wayne Inc. 
Greater Fort Wayne Inc. is the new organization that unifies the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, serving as a single point of contact for economic growth in Greater Fort Wayne. In addition, Leadership Fort Wayne and the Downtown Improvement District are also working toward an affiliation with Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Together, we're growing a more prosperous, vibrant community in Greater Fort Wayne. To learn more about Greater Fort Wayne Inc., visit www.GreaterFortWayneInc.com.

The Mars Rover Has Diamond Plated Wheels

When NASA launched the first Mars rovers in 2004, one of their tasks was to examine what was beneath the surface of the planet. Rock formations and soil samples would show us more about the planet's composition. One question was whether there had ever been water on Mars, one of the requirements to support life. To learn about the planet's history, it was necessary to dig into the soil and grind away rock, a task that required diamond plated wheels.

As a leader among diamond tool manufacturers, Continental Diamond Tool embraced the challenge of creating a custom grinding wheels that could be used to explore beneath the planet's surface. Our diamond wheel tool was affixed to the end of the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) created by Honeybee Robotics for the rovers Spirit and Opportunity.

Working for NASA contractor, Honeybee Robotics Ltd., CDT helped to design and develop several   for testing then waited in anticipation for Honeybee engineers to choose the suitable flight model.  The custom-made grinding wheel was then attached to the working end of the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT), which was designed and operated by Honebyee Robotics Ltd.  

CDT created a soft resin bond formulation to work with the low down force the RAT's robotic arm. Our custom plated diamond wheel grinding tool successfully dug a hole in the rocky surface that was 5 centimeters wide and 5 millimeters deep. The RAT mounted to the end of the robotic arm located on each Rover (named Spirit and Opportunity) which was responsible for investigation the martian surface and arriving at the research location.

The rovers sent back both panoramic and microscopic images of their discoveries. All rocks found on Mars were covered in dust and mineral rinds; some could be brushed off, but another type needed to be ground off with tools on the RAT. Analysis of the rock and soil on Mars yielded many excited revelations. In a rock known as Humphrey, formations suggested that minerals had been carried through pores in the rock by water. Another flaky rock formation, Mimi, may have been cemented into its layers through compression, which also often involves water. Rocks in the Gusev crater seem to be a type of volcanic basalt. They contain the minerals magnetite, olivine, pyroxene, and plagioclase. There are high levels of nickel, which likely came from meteors. Rocks on the plain show signs of being affected by small amounts of water.

In 2009, Sprit became stuck in soft soil over a slick bed of iron sulfate and was unable to be moved. NASA repurposed the stranded rover as a stationary research platform, monitoring for planetary wobbles that would indicate whether Mars has a liquid core. The rover's last communication came in on March 22, 2010. The Opportunity rover remains active on Mars, nearly ten years after the planned ending of its mission of 90 Martian days. Its task now is to detect signs of life in the history of the red planet. The Mars rovers stand as a testament to what is possible when science and industry work together to increase human knowledge.