CDT Launches New Website

Continental Diamond Tool is proud to announce the launch of a completely redesigned website at cdtusa.net. The new website features expanded information about CDT products, an extensive searchable knowledge-base of articles, updated photos and videos, and a revamped mobile-friendly experience.

Pages about Metal Bond, Resin Bond, Vitrified, Plated, and Hybrid Bond grinding wheels, along with Stationary and Rotary Diamond Dressers have all been updated. We are also transitioning our downloads page to include interactive PDFs.

We hope you will check out our about section with updated historical photos that highlight our nearly 50 years in grinding wheel manufacturing and new photos of our team. We’ve also added a page about our efforts to support our local community. Customers can still find warranty, product safety, supplier terms, and a payment portal. Some major industry trade shows are coming up and you can find that information on our website, too!

Websites are a work in progress, and we will be continuously updating ours as we add new capabilities. Even as we launch this more robust site, we're already considering other features to make our service even more prompt, such as live chat, customer portal, and more. What information or functionality would you like to see? Let us know.

We look forward to sharing more great information about CDT grinding products and services and other resources for the manufacturing industries we serve. Follow us on Linked In, YouTube, Facebook or Instagram, and sign up for our mailing list for regular email updates about once a quarter.

As always, when your product application calls for a Diamond or CBN superabrasive wheel or tooling, you can contact our team and we'll be happy to assist you in any way. Enjoy!

Superabrasive Manufacturing: The Industries We Serve

View fullsize

For industries that need to shape some of the world’s hardest substances like tungsten carbide, ceramics, and superalloys, only an extremely tough tool can do the job. Applications like these require grinding wheels and tools made with the most durable materials for cutting: natural or man-made diamond and cubic boron nitride (CBN).

Ironically, delicate substances like silicone also require the special characteristics that only these superabrasive materials can provide. With a wide variety of forms, grades, and bonds, CDT is proud to supply high-precision custom superabrasive grinding and finishing solutions for a variety of commercial, industrial, and military applications.

Here’s a rundown of industries that are known to benefit from the toughness and precision of custom CBN and diamond grinding solutions:

AEROSPACE & MILITARY

Top aircraft turbine manufacturers in the United States and around the world require precision plated form wheels and form mandrels in the manufacturing of turbine blades and other various engine parts. CBN grinding technology can be used for both the manufacturing of aircraft engine components and land-based turbine engine components. Efficient manufacturing needs shorter production runs and longer cycle times. Plated CBN wheels are the preferred choice for high precision form grinding applications of this nature.

CDT engineers are experienced with the demands of military and commercial aerospace applications, particularly in regard to turbine engine tooling and grinding solutions. We've even manufactured tooling for interplanetary use. As a leader in the manufacturing of diamond grinding tools for both air frame and aerostructure components, CDT is well-equipped to tackle this industry’s most challenging manufacturing needs.

For aerospace and military applications, superabrasive solutions are useful in working with:

• Composites

• Composite Material

• Honeycomb Composites

• Graphite & Kevlar

• Reinforced Plastics

• Titanium

AUTOMOTIVE

Over the years, CDT has proven to be a reliable partner to the automotive industry as a supplier of grinding tools for machining engine, chassis, and transmission components. We provide the continuous innovation, wide range of superabrasive capabilities, high quality standards, and delivery reliability that the automotive industry needs to stay competitive in an ever changing world.

The automotive industry uses superabrasive grinding products in the manufacture of many components such as:

• Engines

• Brakes

• Steering, Suspension Systems

• Parts

• Rubber, Tires

• Windshield Glass, Mirrors

• Body Parts

CERAMICS

With extreme hardness that in some cases surpasses that of metals, the properties of ceramics offer unique opportunities and challenges for grinding in this industry. From circuit board parts, kitchenware, solar panels, pipes, and tubes to advanced technical ceramics and refractories, the ceramics industry manufactures a vast range of products that require the special characteristics of superabrasive wheels and tools. With our reputation for high precision diamond grinding wheels that work longer, cut faster, and are more durable, leaders in the ceramics industry regularly turn to CDT engineers to help them achieve their most demanding grinding and finishing requirements.

The ceramics industry uses superabrasive tools for the grinding and finishing of:

• Glass

• Brick, Refactories

• Ceramics

• Carbon, Graphite

• Lavatory

• Alumina

COMPOSITES, FIBERGLASS & PLASTICS

CDT has an electroplated process that is specially formulated for composites and provides outstanding cutting speed and efficiency. Our engineering team specializes in helping our customers create successful, cost effective solutions for their manufacturing needs. This applies to all types of composites, from FRP to fiberglass to Kevlar® aramid fiber. CDT's electroplated wheels have seen great success in all areas where composites are used, including: automotive, aerospace, sporting equipment (golf clubs, archery, bicycles, etc), wind energy, and military applications.

Many industries turn to superabrasive solutions when manufacturing requires these composite and fiber-reinforced plastic materials:

• FRP Corrosive Resistant Material

• Marine Fiberglass

• Cultured Marble Types

• Thermoset Resin Materials

• Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics (FRP)

• Composites

CUTTING TOOLS

For those companies involved in the manufacturing or resharpening of cutting tools, superabrasives have the strength and durability that such metal manipulation requires. Superabrasive tools that are custom designed to the required specs can reduce the cost per part, meet high-precision quality standards, and provide superior value.

Our engineering department has much experience achieving tighter tolerances and better performance, even with this industry’s extremely tough materials. A well designed custom grinding wheel can take a company to the next level, increasing efficiency while saving resources and time.

For the cutting tools industry, superabrasive tools are superior at grinding and finishing metals such as:

• Carbide

• High Speed Steel

FOOD PROCESSING, PAPER & CARDBOARD

Manufacturers of cutlery and hand tools turn to CDT superabrasives for many grinding applications. Cool cutting, fast stock removal, excellent finish, superior wheel life, and an attractive return-on-investment are prerequisites for success in the demanding grinding required in food processing and paper/cardboard.

Industries involving food processing, paper, and cardboard use superabrasive grinding products in applications such as:

• Blade & Knife Sharpening

• GEM

• Precious Stone

• Semi-Precious Stone

• Corrugated & Flat Cutters

GEARS

CDT is a partner to the gear industry. Our areas of expertise include grinding wheels for virtually every operation needed in the production of gears and gear components. More broadly, our custom engineering department helps companies develop products that will maintain and improve production efficiencies on a continuous basis for whatever the customer’s need.

The gear industry uses superabrasive tools in the manufacture of:

• Gear, Thread

• Gear Guide, Bed

MEDICAL/DENTAL

From bone sawing to intravascular applications, CDT is regularly commissioned to engineer high precision tools for medical use. Our engineers understand the thorough testing and quality processes associated with medical device manufacturing . Our products are designed with exacting standards to achieve the tight tolerance demanded by this industry.

Medical and dental industry uses for superabrasive tooling include:

• Prosthesis

• Dental Instruments

• Surgical Equipment

OIL & GAS

When the oil and gas industry has a job that calls for high precision grinding of carbide and PCD drill bits, wear parts, and gage blocks for oil and gas drill manufacturing, efficiency and effectiveness are extremely important. ID grinding is an exacting process that requires unparalleled precision for reliable, repeatable results. And, this industry’s CNC OD Grinders have their own unique challenges in these most difficult center-type grinding projects.

CDT has developed superabrasive advanced bond technology perfectly suited to all these needs of the oil industry. We also custom engineer each tool for longer tool life and a high stock removal, making it the best value in the industry.

The oil and gas industry turns to superabrasive tools for:

• PCD/Carbide Grinding

• I.D. / O.D. Grinding

POWER GENERATION

CDT has the capability to produce thousands of precision-built superabrasive products of high quality, performance, and repeatability for virtually every conceivable manufacturing area involved in power generation. The diversity in this industry calls for Vitrified, Resin Bond, Plated, and Metal Bond Diamond and CBN products to get the job done.

For the power generation industry, superabrasive tools are most commonly used in the manufacture of:

• Wind Turbine

• Gas & Steam Turbine

• Marine Turbine

• Blades

WOOD/SAW

CDT is experienced at supplying custom superabrasive products for the lumber and wood products industry. We provide grinding solutions for OEM manufacturers, filing rooms and service shops for their processes of manufacturing and maintaining band saws, circular saws, chippers, planers, and paper knives. All in all, our grinding wheels are designed to help our customers maintain and improve production efficiencies on a continuous basis.

Industry leaders in lumber and wood products use superabrasive tools for applications such as:

• Carbide Tip Saw Blades

• Band Saws

• Knife Sharpening

OTHER MARKETS

Continental Diamond Tool has been providing technically superior precision tooling solutions to numerous other distinct industries since 1973. Over the years, we have witnessed more and more companies realize the productivity increases possible with the use of custom superabrasive products. With more parts processed per wheel and fewer wheel changes, many see how investing in this level of quality and durability pays off.

Along with those highlighted above, below are additional industries who have turned to CDT for superabrasive grinding solutions:

ELECTRONICS

• Ferrites, Magnetics

• Substrate (Ceramics, Glass, IC)

• Quartz Crystal

• Semiconductors

• Printed Circuit Boards

OPTIC & PRECISION

• Lens, Prism

• Measuring Instruments

STONE

• Lapidary Tools

• Refractory Brick

• Peek Materials

• Granite

TOOL & DIE

• Cemented Carbide Tool & Die

• Special Steel Tool

• Molding Die

• Bearing

• Pneumatic, Hydraulic, Valve

• Jig

WIRE & CABLE

• Precision Die

Top 10 Reasons to Work Third Shift at CDT

Here at Continental Diamond Tool, we take our work seriously, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a sense of humor! Whether you think of third shift as a “late shift” or a “late show,” there are lots of great reasons to work nights at CDT.

From longer weekends to higher pay, watch the video below to see the top ten reasons you should apply for third shift at CDT.

Drumroll please…..

6 Common Grinding Problems and How to Solve Them

Most grinding problems affect one of two categories: either appearance of the workpiece or productivity and return on investment. After verifying that the grinding machine isn’t at fault, there is one likely culprit causing your grinding problems: your grinding wheel.

Poor surface finish, chatter, and burning all affect the appearance of your product. Productivity issues like short wheel life, slow or inefficient cutting, or the wheel not cutting at all are also costly problems to have.

Let’s take these one at a time to see how a fix to your grinding wheel can solve some of your most challenging grinding issues.

1) POOR SURFACE FINISH

WHY YOUR GRINDING WHEEL MAY BE AT FAULT:
In the appearance category, poor finish is a common complaint when your grinding wheel isn’t optimized. Grinding is a multi-point cutting process, but broken down to the microscopic level, it has similarities to a single point operation like turning. Viewed this way, it’s easy to see how surface finish is affected by the same factors: the more material removed by each grinding point, the bigger the individual chips and the rougher the surface.

SOLUTIONS:

• Select a grinding wheel with a finer grit size

• Reduce the relative speed between the wheel and workpiece

OTHER POSSIBILITIES:

• If grinding wet, the coolant may not be efficiently removing chips from the workpiece or wheel interface.

• It's also possible that the wheel is being dressed excessively, creating grinding points that are standing too proud of the wheel surface.

2) CHATTER

WHY YOUR GRINDING WHEEL MAY BE AT FAULT:
Recognizable by a distinct, often audible, pattern on the workpiece, chatter has many causes. Wheel-induced chatter occurs when an out-of-true grinding wheel acts as an excitation source.

SOLUTIONS:

• In this case the wheel should be trued carefully.

• Also check that it isn’t slipping on its mount.

OTHER POSSIBILITIES:

• If the problem is tracked down to a vibration in the machine — possibly some kind of resonance — the solution is to vary the grinding speed. Try going 10% faster or slower to remove the forcing excitation.

• A detailed discussion of chatter is available at the Abrasive Engineering Society website.

3) BURNING

WHY YOUR GRINDING WHEEL MAY BE AT FAULT:
Machinists use the term “burning” to describe thermal damage. It can show up as cosmetic discoloration, changes in workpiece hardness, and possibly distortion-inducing internal tensile stresses. Burning can occur if the wheel is glazed or loaded, causing more rubbing and friction. This often occurs if the machinist is trying to push the wheel through the workpiece too quickly or using a wheel that’s too durable.

SOLUTIONS:

• Dress the wheel with the correct dressing tool

• Reduce the feed rate or the relative velocity between wheel and workpiece.

OTHER POSSIBILITIES:

• Burning is far more common when grinding dry, although can still be experienced in wet grinding if there isn't enough coolant flow to carry away the heat.

• See “Burn Awareness”, originally published in Cutting Tool Engineering, December 2000, for more information.

4) WHEEL LIFE TOO SHORT

WHY YOUR GRINDING WHEEL MAY BE AT FAULT:
This costly issue can be caused by a wheel that's either too hard or too soft for the workpiece. When this is the case, the grinding wheel loads up or wears away too quickly.

SOLUTIONS:

• Try a grinding wheel manufactured with a different material that is better suited for your grinding operation.

OTHER POSSIBILITIES:

• Insufficient coolant

• Dressing your grinding wheel too frequently

• Wheel speed too low

5) WHEEL CUTTING SLOWLY

WHY YOUR GRINDING WHEEL MAY BE AT FAULT:
This productivity issue is usually caused by feeds and/or wheel speeds that are too low. If you are using the wrong type of grinding wheel, you may be forced to cut slowly to avoid burning, but ultimately that’s not efficient for your process.

SOLUTION:

The solution is to find a wheel that can grind as fast as possible without burning. A grinding wheel specialists can suggest alternatives that will increase speed for your specific operation.

6) WHEEL NOT CUTTING AT ALL

WHY YOUR GRINDING WHEEL MAY BE AT FAULT:
Most likely, this happen when the grinding wheel is glazed by truing.

SOLUTION:
The solution is to dress the wheel lightly until the grit opens up. For dressing advice, consult with a grinding specialist.

OUR BEST ADVICE

THINK LOGICALLY
Most grinding problems can be solved by tracing the fault back to basic principles. With all grinding applications, imagine your material being removed by individual cutting points. Thinking from this perspective, a solution usually emerges.

Also, use your resources. The grinding experts at CDT are happy to discuss your cutting and grinding issues and offer solutions that will set your manufacturing operations on track to success.

CDT Expands with New Third Shift Positions

o keep up with increasing demand, Continental Diamond Tool is expanding third shift at their primary manufacturing facility in New Haven, Indiana. CDT first started offering third shift positions in their resin department in late 2021. With success there, CDT is now making moves to build third shifts for their metal bond and vitrified departments as well.

What It’s Like to Work Third Shift at CDT
Kyle Hockemeyer, is CDT's third shift lead in the resin department. He works closely with his team to make sure the work goes smoothly and efficiently overnight. That also means hiring the kind of employees who show initiative and drive.

“With third shift, we’re looking for go-getters, self-starters, who get things going when they get here. There’s benefits to that,” he says in this video interview. Third shift regularly enjoys long weekends, with scheduled hours Monday through Thursday 8:00 pm to 6:00 am. There is also a $1.50/hr. shift premium and opportunities for overtime. Check out this video with Kyle to learn more about what it’s like to work CDT’s third shift:

Be a Part of Building This New Third Shift!
CDT currently has openings for a number of entry-level, full-time third shift positions. If you have that winning combination of “night owl” and “self-starter” and would like to join a team with similar goals, we invite you to apply to a third shift position at CDT.

CDT Grinding Lab Featured in Case Study by United Grinding

For many years, we planned to build an in-house R&D grinding lab, to allow us to develop new products and improve existing lines with real data and testing.

When COVID hit, we seized the opportunity to take advantage of global slowdown to expand in this new direction. After extensive research and assessment of future needs, we landed on the Walter Helitronic Power 400 for its versatility, as well as its stability and dependability, and United Grinding’s stellar reputation, service, and support.

With the Walter equipment, we are able to address customer requirements such as shorter cycle times, and keeping up with rapidly changing market conditions.

This forward thinking has been critical for post-pandemic market growth, at a time when other companies have scaled back instead.

Read more about the process of acquiring the Walter, and our relationship with United Grinding.

Does CDT Carry Stock?

A lot of customers ask if we keep stock inventory on the shelf.

Because our customers’ needs are diverse, there are not a lot of common tools used across industries. Therefore, it is really most beneficial to us - and our customers - to only build custom. This gives us the flexibility to deliver exactly what the customer is looking for in a timely manner.

Customers are often surprised at how quickly and affordably we can deliver custom grinding wheels. We manage our inventory, control our overhead, and keep our costs low, so we can pass those savings on to our customers.

Watch this video to learn more.

To get started with custom superabrasive grinding wheels from CDT, contact us for a free quote.

How much does a Custom Superabrasive Grinding Wheel Cost?

A Look at the Bigger Picture >

As a custom-made product, the cost of a superabrasive grinding wheel can vary greatly from one design and application to the next. People may shy away from custom products because they think one of two things: it’s going to cost a lot more or it’s going to take a long time to complete. While that may be partially true on the surface, that’s not the whole picture.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the factors that will help you assess the “total cost” of custom grinding products, which includes both what the product is and the value it provides over time. When taking everything into account, our clients often find that the custom grinding product that appeared to be too expensive actually has a return on investment that quickly pays for itself.

Here are 4 advantages to purchasing custom superabrasive grinding wheels from Continental Diamond Tool so you can weigh their value long-term:

1) Custom Grinding Wheel means a better fit.

With the right custom grinding wheel, customers have reported upwards of a 70% improvement in efficiency from conventional wheels. Our engineers work with you to reduce cycle times, maximize removal rates, minimize maintenance requirements, decrease material damage, and improve productivity wherever possible.

During the design phase, we can run simulations from our facility or travel to yours. We frequently visit customers to learn their machinery, materials, and processes so we can design a better grinding wheel that works for what they need. Some of our product options can be incorporated into lights out production which can be an even great boost to your company’s overall efficiency.

With each tool custom designed for your unique application, you get productivity out of your grinding wheel that you’ve likely never seen before. When you factor in these benefits, ROI skyrockets.

2) Custom Grinding Wheel means quality work.

Conventional wheels off the assembly line will never match the quality of custom grinding wheels from an experienced manufacturer. Custom grinding wheel manufacturers generally do not cut corners like you see with commodity products. At CDT, we use the best quality materials because it’s in our best interest to maintain longterm relationships with customers and the superiority of our products.

Experience can also be a factor with quality. Even within the industry of custom superabrasives, inexperienced engineers can cost you in development time, troubleshooting hassles, and subpar products. At CDT, we have almost 50 years of experience in old and new grinding technologies. And we’re always updating our quality control systems with state-of-the-art precision testing equipment to make sure you are getting the most efficiency from your custom grinding wheel investment.

3) Custom Grinding Wheel means the product will last.

Superabrasive grinding wheels are made from natural diamond, manmade diamond, and CBN —some of the strongest materials known to man. Conventional abrasives are made from materials like aluminum oxide and silicon carbide — much softer materials that break down more quickly. Depending on your application, a more durable product that you don’t have to replace as often may actually be a better investment.

Additionally, we have options with some of our superabrasive products where we can recommend dressing tools and even refinishing or replating services that can make your grinding wheels last even longer.

4) Custom Grinding Wheel means a great customer experience.

You may be wondering how great service actually saves you money. First, the customer service team at Continental Diamond Tool provides free quotes, product selection and design assistance. You don’t have to research and guess what you need. A specialist will provide product recommendations and a competitive quote for you for free.

Second, a company like CDT whom you have a personal relationship with will do everything they can to help. For example, we know that waiting on a grinding wheel order can be painful for your company’s productivity and bottom line. Delays may throw off your production calendar and anger customers. That is why we’ve taken measures — like stocking an extensive inventory of raw materials — so we can deliver your order faster than others in the industry. Additionally, once your product has been developed, a reorder can be produced and shipped much faster.

Third, service doesn’t stop at the sale. While some big name custom superabrasive and conventional wheel manufacturers have cut corners in service for better bottom lines, CDT has remained true to our founding principles. Does your grinding wheel supplier train your team on installation and maintenance? Will they come to your facility to review your machinery and processes to make sure your grinding wheel is optimized for peak performance? Do they notify you when new technology becomes available that could make your processes even more efficient? At CDT, our personal sales team and tech support are here to help you overcome the obstacles to increased productivity and success.

Learn more about superabrasives and how they differ from conventional grinding wheels in this video:

To get started with custom superabrasive grinding wheels from CDT, contact us for a free quote.

How CNC Automation at Continental Diamond Tool Benefits Customers and Employee

Continental Diamond Tool has been in business since 1973, and in that time we’ve grown to rank among the world’s top manufacturers of Diamond and CBN wheels for drilling, cutting, and grinding applications. One key component of our growth has been our investment in innovation, both with our products and our processes. With our recent investment in CNC automation through robotics, we're seeing benefits to quality, speed, and employee satisfaction. Let’s look at what this new technology means for our customers and employees.

Quality Matters
Quality has been an area where Continental Diamond Tool has invested heavily in systems and automations that allow us to test and assure the accuracy of every product that leaves our facility. Robots take this a step further, producing consistent products with minimal, if any, defects. Robots are perfect for doing repetitive jobs with precision and efficiency.

In addition, automatic “error-proofing” is built into our robotic systems. Advanced software in robotics identifies when there is an issue in production and notifies our production team before it causes costly delays.

Reducing Lead Times
Before introducing robotic automation, at Continental Diamond Tool we struggled to reduce lead times on our custom products. Because each machine required highly skilled technicians to operate it, demand could easily exceed our available workforce during periods of peak production. Despite making every effort to expedite orders with on-hand raw materials and first-come-first-served policies, sometimes shipments wouldn’t reach customers until months after initial requests.

Now that all robotic machines can be remotely monitored, operators can observe production from start to finish on multiple machines. Lights-out production means even more efficient use of our facilities and quicker turnaround on orders. Now we've reduced lead times to mere weeks from design to delivery. Even with last minute orders, our robots extend our ability to put in overtime and keep up with unpredictable demand.

“With this tight labor market being what it is, CDT is always striving to become more efficient with what we have," says Jeff Gongaware, CDT Customer Service & Assistant Sales Manager. "It is not uncommon for me to walk through the shop at the end of the day and see the Robotic Arm machining blanks when all of the machinists are gone for the day. It is difficult to be to be more efficient than that.”

Better Service & Innovation
Our team at Continental Diamond Tool is always looking for ways to improve the customer experience. We strive to ensure that our customers receive nothing but quality products. When we implemented robotics into our machine shop, repetitive and maintenance tasks were delegated to robots. The resulting increases in efficiency and revenue has freed up both our human and capital resources for further investment in value-added services like research and development.

"Not only has robotic automation freed our team to make better use of their talents in the areas of service and creative innovation, but none of the robots have contracted COVID yet!" jokes Nick Viggiano, CDT President.

By integrating CNC automation into all phases of production, we have found we have been able to innovate more quickly while also ensuring the high quality of our parts. As a result, CDT is able to better serve our customers.

Better Job Satisfaction
An ongoing myth in manufacturing is that robots are replacing humans on the shop floor. While it’s true that robots are making many of our processes more efficient, CDT has found that automation actually makes life better for our workers. With mundane tasks being performed by robots, our employees can focus their energy elsewhere on bettering production efforts in more impactful ways.

According to CNC machinist Ron Fuller, “It has definitely improved efficiency and productivity in numbers, while also allowing me more time to focus on other projects at the same time. Prior to using the robotic arm, I was producing about 50-60 parts per day and now the arm allows me to produce 80 parts per day."

Repetitive, strenuous tasks tend to pose health and safety issues for CNC machinists and operators. By delegating these tasks to robots, there is less risk for workplace injury. And without this highly physical, repetitive work, we now find we have a wider pool of candidates who are willing and able to perform production work.

“In manufacturing in general, the pool of qualified or interested candidates is currently a bit shallow," says Kathy Fell, Human Resources Manager. "However, CDT is able to take what seems difficult and turn it into an opportunity with the idea of modifying job roles.”

For example, CDT has begun hiring recent retirees who want to reenter the workforce. They may no longer want to do heavy machining work, but with robots they can use their expertise in new ways, while working part-time schedules as productive as their full-time positions used to be.

Today CNC operators at CDT are focused on more enjoyable tasks such as programming and preparing multiple machines, designing new products, improving production strategies, and general monitoring of the production line. Robots are making the jobs of our CNC operators more rewarding, as they can produce more with less effort.

Working Smarter
To be successful in business, we have to be good stewards of our resources. By investing in CNC automation, Continental Diamond Tool is able to produce higher-quality products faster and with less waste. This equates to happier customers, greater employee satisfaction, and a stronger financial standing for us as a business. By working smarter through automation, we are all seeing the benefits.

Find New Purpose with a Part-time Job in Manufacturing — Seniors Welcome!

The top thing people report missing about work after they retire is interacting with co-workers, friends, and others. Whatever stage of life you’re in, it can be difficult to find ways to make yourself feel productive and included in your community if you’re not working full-time. Working part-time has been shown to boost mental health, improve self-esteem, and provide opportunities for growth. That’s why it’s so important to know that part-time manufacturing jobs are available — seniors included!

What Part-Time Jobs in Manufacturing Are Available?
Manufacturing jobs are often classified as full-time or part-time. While part-time manufacturing jobs do exist, they’re rare. That’s because we, like many manufacturers, have crucial production periods that need to be consistently staffed and require special training. Yet at Continental Diamond Tool, we've identified several job functions that make for excellent part-time work. These part-time jobs do not require higher education or physically-demanding skills, but are still important in getting the job done.

Am I Qualified?
No matter what part-time job you’re looking for, it can be difficult to know if you have enough experience. If you’re over 50 or have been out of the workforce for awhile, you may worry that your age or work gap will count against you when applying for part-time positions in manufacturing. The fact is we like to hire employees who are over 50 to benefit from their experience and skills.

Benefits to Part-time Employment
Though most of our employees work full-time, we also have a great group of part-timers who have come out of retirement to join our team. A part-time job is a great way to maintain an active life outside of work while still being productive. Enjoy purposeful work with a team moving toward a common goal. Benefits like job flexibility, gaining experience, and staying on top of new technology can all make part-time employment attractive for those looking to supplement their income or come out of retirement. The free golf membership is also a great perk!

Benefits for part-time positions at Continental Diamond Tool include:

• Paid Break

• Climate Control

• Golf Membership

• Fitness Center

Check out this video from one of our part-time employees about coming out of retirement to join CDT:

Who Should Apply?
Seniors or anyone interested in part-time jobs with a prior history in manufacturing should consider applying. This is a great way to scale back on work while staying connected to your career as well as share the experience you've gained over the years.

At CDT, you don't have to worry about feeling out of place. We have purposefully hired a workforce diverse in age and experience. In fact, having former retirees on staff provides an opportunity for our younger workers to learn from those more experienced in production work. That's just one example of how we reward ambition at CDT — it doesn't matter if you're young or old, we want every employee to feel valued and respected here at CDT .

How to Get Started with Part-time Employment
The first step is to gather your work history and apply. You can complete our online application, email your resumé to jobs@cdtusa.net, or drop it off at our main office at 10511 Rose Avenue in New Haven, Indiana. Please note on your application or resumé that you are interested in a part-time position.

When we call you for an interview, be ready to tell us why you’re looking for a manufacturing position and discuss any relevant experience you have. Before we meet, have an idea of what your ideal job would look like: How much do you want to work? Is there a certain type of job that interests you? What experience or limitations do you have? We will talk about the part-time positions available and contact you if we think you’d be a good fit!

Pushing the Bounds in Grinding Technology

In today’s competitive advanced manufacturing space, industry leaders know that staying a step ahead means continuously pushing the bounds of what’s possible. Materials are harder, tolerances are tighter, and cycle times are shorter than ever before. In this environment, precision is essential. Well designed custom tooling can provide the edge you need to make your processes that much better.

When Ray Viggiano set up shop in 1973, his philosophy was simple:

If a customer needs it,

CDT makes it happen.

Over the years, a lot has changed, but this philosophy has stayed the same. In this video, you can see Continental Diamond Tool's state-of-the-art facility. Learn how we've grown into a leading manufacturer of superabrasive grinding wheels and diamond dressers that set new standards in the industry. Watch how we have assembled the technology, materials, and expertise to tackle the toughest jobs out there with precision and excellence. And hear about our can-do culture that has been the foundation for our company's success.

At CDT, we are committed to producing grinding wheels with the highest quality, performance, and accuracy. If you need it, CDT will make it happen. To get started, call us or request a quote.

Thank You to Our Customers

We wanted to take a moment to let you know that we truly appreciate working with you, and we’re so grateful for the trust you place in us. We wish you a happy Thanksgiving and the very best throughout this holiday season.

If there are any last minute tools you need for 2021, or if you'd like a quote for 2022 budgeting, please don't hesitate to reach out. 

We will be closed on Thursday, November 25th and Friday, November 26th to observe the Thanksgiving holiday.

Komets Fans Recruited by CDT

With demand in superabrasive grinding wheels surging, Continental Diamond Tool is looking to grow its workforce of highly motivated, enthusiastic employees. In a stroke of inspiration, CDT management is tapping a pool of unexpected candidates with great potential — Komets hockey fans.

“When I asked my team what we’re looking for in a new hire, they told me we need go-getters, team players, who will enjoy our benefits and push the team forward,” says Nick Viggiano, CDT President. “It was obvious to me that Komets fans are the ideal pool of candidates.”

Sports lovers, and especially Komets fans, love working at CDT — the company offers employees free access to its fitness center, free golf memberships, and free access to a suite at the Coliseum for employees to share throughout the Komets season.

“At CDT, we’re in it to out hustle, out work, out-think, outplay, and outlast. Wheel, Snipe, Celly. If you get that, come on in and apply,” says HR manager Kathy Fell.

Earlier this month, the ultimate Komets fan and mascot, Icy D. Eagle, came to CDT to complete his application. His enthusiasm was not lost on CDT Quality Manager Karl Zimmerman. “When he checked me into the glass, I knew he had drive,” says Karl.

Here is a short clip from Icy’s tour of the CDT facility:

Keep an eye out for more clips of Icy’s antics at CDT on YouTube, Facebook, and at hockey games throughout the Komets season. Upcoming home dates include:

FRI, NOV 05

SAT, NOV 13

FRI, NOV 19

SAT, NOV 20

SUN, NOV 21

THU, NOV 25

FRI, DEC 3

SAT, DEC 4

FRI, DEC 17

SAT, DEC 18

SUN, DEC 19

SUN, DEC 26

MON, DEC 27

FRI, DEC 31

WED, JAN 5

SAT, JAN 8

FRI, JAN 14

SUN, JAN 16

SAT, JAN 22

WED, FEB 9

FRI, FEB 11

WED, FEB 16

FRI, FEB 18

SAT, FEB 19

SUN, FEB 20

WED, MAR 2

SAT, MAR 5

SUN MAR 13

SAT, MAR 26

SUN, MAR 27

WED, MAR 30

SAT, APR 2

WED, APR 6

FRI, APR 8

SAT, APR 16

You miss 100% of the shots you never take.

If you are a Komets fan looking for a career change at a team-oriented workplace with great benefits, apply now at www.CDTUSA.net/jobs. Go Komets!

Plated CBN for Aerospace

Commercial airline travel may have taken a dramatic hit during the pandemic, but a rebound for the aerospace industry has already begun. 2021 marked the first all-civilian flight into space, and the possibilities this presents are especially exciting.

The mechanics of producing aircraft to safely transport people in such harsh conditions, however, is particularly challenging. Modern jet engines depend on superalloys to handle combustion temperatures of 1400ºC or more. These high-performance nickel-based materials have very high temperature stability, which makes machining components like turbine vanes extremely challenging. The solution is to use plated CBN wheels. Here’s why.

AEROSPACE DEMANDS
The aerospace industry asks a lot from their high-precision grinding tools. Specifically, aerospace grinding wheels must:

• Remain hard at high temperatures

• Be chemically inert to resist chemical reactions between grinding wheel and the nickel alloys

• Provide excellent size control throughout a production run

• Be available in complex forms

• Not damage the workpiece – no burning or microcracking

• Minimize residual stresses in the finished workpiece

Missing from this list is wheel life. While grinding wheel durability is important for Nickel based alloy grinding, it is less of a consideration for aerospace applications since their production runs are generally shorter than other industries like automotive. In this respect, plated grinding wheels provide a perfect middle ground.

Plated wheels are longer lasting than conventional abrasives, and they are capable of being refurbished through replating to extend their use. On the flip side, a plated wheel does not require the downtime for wheel dressing that a longer lasting Vitrified CBN wheel needs to maintain optimal performance. This makes plated wheels particularly well suited for applications with smaller lot sizes that don’t need an especially long life.

All of these considerations make plated CBN wheels an excellent option for aerospace applications.

ADVANTAGES OF CBN GRINDING TECHNOLOGY
As the hardest known substance, diamond might seem the obvious choice for grinding exceptionally hard materials. However, it doesn't perform so well at temperatures over 700ºC as it tends to react chemically with the material and deteriorates due to oxidation at higher temperatures. It's also vulnerable to attack by some of the chemicals found in grinding coolants, which reduces wheel life.

The alternative to diamond is Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN). This is a man-made or synthetic abrasive material that's not as hard as diamond but is harder than anything else. Unlike diamond, it retains its hardness at elevated temperatures. CBN offers superior resistance to chemical attack when grinding ferrous metal alloys. It exhibits no affinity to iron and doesn’t alter the material properties like Diamond does.

WHY PLATED WHEELS?
An electroplated grinding wheel has a single layer of superabrasive tightly bonded by a metallic layer to a solid metallic core. This has several advantages:

• The bond material is below the tops of the grains, creating a free-cutting wheel that removes material rapidly with low power consumption, and helps keep interface temperatures down.

• Good thermal conductivity helps take heat away from the grinding zone.

• Wheel forms are readily achievable by machining needed geometries onto the metallic cores.

• Worn wheels can be stripped and re-plated, making them an economical choice.

• Costly dressing systems and rotary dressers aren’t needed, thus simplifying and lower capital expenditure on equipment.

THE AEROSPACE PROBLEM-SOLVER
Plated CBN grinding wheels are used extensively in aerospace. They perform well on exceptionally hard superalloys, providing high material removal rates coupled with excellent dimensional control throughout a production run.

The engineers at Continental Diamond Tool Corporation have extensive experience developing tools that can hold up to the rigorous demands of aerospace production. Contact us for a free grinding wheel analysis and quote.

Plated Diamond Rotary Dresser Operations Expanding for Increasing Demand

Diamond Rotary Dressers are widely recognized as the most efficient, cost effective means of dressing and truing grinding wheels to the correct tolerance, form, and condition. As industry is experiencing an increasing demand for high-accuracy, high-speed production, the need for reverse plated dressers is also increasing.

Always striving to stay ahead of the curve in technology, CDT-subsidiary Consort Precision Diamond is excited to announce that our newly upgraded plating lab is up and running.

"This plating lab expansion more than doubles our capacity to produce the high quality tight tolerance reverse plated rotary dressers used by some of the most prestigious companies in the world," says Troy Giacherio, Product Manager at Consort Precision Diamond. Stephen Noakes, Production Manager, lead the team who worked on the plating lab upgrade.

Choosing the Best Diamond Rotary Dresser
There are two types of production methods for diamond rotary dressers, sintering and plating. Consort Precision Diamond specializes in the manufacture of both types.

Sintered diamond rotary dressers are suitable for large quantities of high precision machining and many types of high hardness grinding wheels.

Reverse plated diamond rotary dressers are best suited for applications where high accuracy of profile detail and a correspondingly high quality surface finish on the component are required.

Our Commitment to Excellence
If your application calls for a Diamond Rotary Dresser, Consort Precision Diamond is committed to providing you the best tool for the job. Our service techs are skilled at helping you find the correct specifications optimized for your application. Contact us today >

Consort Precision Diamond is a subsidiary of custom superabrasive grinding wheel manufacturer Continental Diamond Tool Corporation. Learn more about Consort’s products at www.consortprecision.co.uk.

Who Uses Vitrified Grinding Wheels and Why?

At CDT, our Vitrified products generally serve two distinctly different markets, Vitrified CBN and Vitrified Diamond. As the two hardest known materials, CBN and Diamond are referred to as superabrasives and both are excellent thermal conductors.

These abrasive properties when combined with our porous vitrified structures allow for:

• longer wheel life

• shorter grinding cycle times

• automated grinding production capabilities with wheels dressed right on the grinder

CBN vs. Diamond

Vitrified CBN products are ideal for steel and ferrous alloy grinding applications in automotive, aerospace, medical, production tooling, etc. They are excellent thermal conductors and do not react with ferrous materials during the grinding process like diamond does.

We regularly customize Vitrified Diamond products for grinding ceramic and carbide materials used in industries such as glass, ceramics, computer chip manufacturing, thermal spray coatings, and more. Diamond is the hardest known material with the best thermal conductivity making it the best abrasive where there is no chemical reaction.

We are uniquely qualified in both types of Vitrified products because of our full range of manufacturing capabilities and technical application support. Because we handle the vitrification process entirely onsite, we have full control of the manufacturing process and a standard lead time of about 3-4 weeks — about half as long as the industry standard.

The Vitrification Process

At CDT, we use a cold press and sintered process to press near net shape with highly and tightly controlled sintering. This fuses the Vitrified/Ceramic bond together with the Diamond or CBN into a porous structure. CDT's vitrification process is unique in how our engineers have developed a series of custom bonds, formulations, and structures to offer our customers superior grinding performance when compared with off-the-shelf or other competing products.

Combining either of these two abrasives with a porous vitrified bond offers a very strong and stiff system in which the porosity brings coolant into the grinding zone. This innovation removes heat and grinding debris (or "swarf") to extend the wheel life and improve performance. CDT's Vitrified Diamond and CBN wheels generally provide 100 to 300 times the grinding wheel life and maximize the amount of material being ground compared with conventional grinding wheels.

Reducing Cycle Times

"Cycle Time" is the term used to describe the grinding process. Our porous vitrified grinding wheels offer greater efficiency through more effective coolant delivery and swarf removal. This also extends the life of the grinding wheel requiring less downtime for wheel dressing.

When compared with conventional wheels, we see an 80-90% cycle time reduction with our custom vitrified wheels. Even compared with other superabrasives such as Resin and Metal Bond Diamond and CBN wheels, we see 40-75% reductions in cycle times with vitrified wheels.

From military/defense and energy sectors to mold & die markets and everything in between, we have found unique opportunities for more efficient grinding using custom Vitrified products in many industries. Our engineers would be happy to discuss the parameters for your process and provide a free analysis and quote for a custom grinding solution that works best for your application. Contact us today > 

How Has CDT Handled the 2020 Pandemic and Its Aftermath?

2020 was a set back for economies across the world, but by making wise use of this time, CDT is poised to spearhead the recovery for themselves and their customers in 2021 and beyond.

“At CDT, we are always trying to look ahead and prepare for what’s around the corner,” says Nick Viggiano, President of CDT. “In 2020, during the pandemic, we had time to develop a state-of-the-art grinding lab, make improvements to our quality protocols, and upgrade our ERP systems.”

“We felt that production would go through the roof once we got past the pandemic, so we spent more on capital equipment in 2020 than any other year prior. With the explosion in growth we’ve experienced this year, we will surpass that with all the new technology we are bringing into our manufacturing facility.”

During the first half of 2021, CDT experienced major supply chain issues like much of the manufacturing sector. The purchasing team worked closely with vendors to anticipate supply bottlenecks. At the first hint of trouble, CDT ordered six month supplies and quarantined it as safety stock for key materials such as Diamond, CBN, steel, aluminum, and powders.

“We never wanted to tell a customer we couldn’t make something because we didn’t have the materials,” says Nick. “This approach opened new doors for us this year when other less-proactive manufacturers had to let their customers down. They found us, and we were more-than-willing to help!”

The labor shortage has been another source of worry for businesses. To be up 50% this year in manufacturing custom tooling has been a tough challenge for the CDT team.

“We’ve always had a family culture at our workplace that appreciates and rewards our employees’ contributions, but this year we’ve explored more unique ways to attract talent in our area,” says Nick. “We launched a video social media campaign to highlight the fun culture and unique benefits we offer such as golf memberships and fitness center. These efforts have paid off with lots of great new people joining our team while continuing to get 75-100 new applications a month.”

“CDT is growing, and I’m very proud of what this company is achieving and where we are headed!”

CDT Starting A New Third Shift

Continental Diamond Tool Starting A New Third Shift, Now Hiring

Continental Diamond Tool has experienced extensive growth in three of their most popular product lines, and they are now adding a third shift to their schedule to increase production and continue to fulfill global orders in a competitive timeframe.

The new shift will consist of four 10-hour shifts per week, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. This third shift will begin as soon as the open positions are filled, which may be as soon as August. All positions are entry-level and require a high school diploma. Job training will be provided.

CDT fosters an innovative, team-oriented environment for their employees, who enjoy paid lunch breaks, competitive wages, and health insurance benefits, along with additional benefits and overtime opportunities, in a clean, climate-controlled environment.

In business since 1973, CDT is a leading producer in the global market for superabrasive grinding wheels and custom tooling. Their 128,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in New Haven, Indiana, utilizes the latest technology to serve numerous industries including medical, aerospace, power generation, and more.

Additional information and applications are available by calling 800-443-6629 or visiting CDTUSA.net/careers.

Not Your Standard Plating!

Now available in Carbide, Aluminum, Copper, and Brass

Plating has traditionally been a single layer of abrasive with either CBN or diamond attached to a steel body. CDT now has a new generation of plated products available on carbide, aluminum, copper, or steel substrate bodies.  

Carbide is a great option for mandrels and similar processes where extra rigidity is needed. Carbide provides superior hardness, unsurpassed corrosion resistance, and the ability to retain its strength at extreme temperatures. 

Aluminum is light weight and easier to handle than steel, making it better for processes that require labor intensive lifting. There is less strain on your operator when working with this tool. The reduced weight also exerts less stress and wear on your machine, prolonging the life of spindles and spindle bearings. This material is also resistant to rust and corrosion and has a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Copper also offers great corrosion resistance, and it is also malleable. Its inherent flexibility allows it to maintain adhesion even if a substrate is bent and manipulated post plate. This feature makes it ideal for processes that need extra pliability.

Brass is a solution we also turn to for its malleability.  It is also a good choice for dressers, because it will not cause sparking. Many grinding machines run oil-based coolant, and sparks can cause the oil to ignite. Brass is superior for these especially flammable conditions.

Steel substrate is still a highly durable option for aggressive grinding applications.  The strength of the steel is long lasting and prevents damage to the core.

Each material has its advantages. When you talk to a CDT grinding specialist, they will gather information about your manufacturing goals and recommend the substrate that has the right features for your application. Stop trying to succeed with the same grinding tools your competitors are using and instead gain an advantage with grinding solutions that are specially design with your process in mind for optimal performance. 

If you would like to see if your plated grinding wheels would work better with a different substrate — or to find out about innovations in vitrified, resin bond, or metal bond grinding wheels that may benefit you — contact us for a free quote: 800-443-6629. 

Take a Tour of CDT’s Plating Department

Why Switch To A Vitrified Superabrasive Grinding Wheel?

How a grinding wheel performs is dictated as much by the bond as the abrasive. Superabrasives, which can be either diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) have four types of bond: metal, plated, resin and vitrified. Of these, vitrified may be the least well-known, yet it’s attracting attention, thanks to the improved performance and lower costs that it offers.

WHAT IS A VITRIFIED WHEEL?

In a vitrified wheel superabrasive grit is mixed with a type of glass or ceramic and then pressed before firing in a kiln. This creates a porous, glass-like structure that holds the grit in a rigid matrix.

Unlike a plated wheel where the abrasive is just a single layer, a vitrified wheel can have considerable depth. This means the wheel can wear and go through repeated dressing. Wear rates are very low as the vitrified bonds must fracture to release worn grit and expose fresh edges. It’s also possible to put a form into the wheel to allow grinding of complex profiles, (although this does complicate dressing.)

BENEFITS OF VITRIFIED DIAMOND AND CBN WHEELS

The open, porous structure ensures the grit stands proud of the bond surface, creating a wheel that’s described as ‘free cutting.’ This means good space for chip clearance, which:

• increases material removal rate

• lessens dressing frequency

• reduces wear

• carries coolant through the grinding zone

• lowers grinding forces, thus creating less heat and less work piece damage

As an additional benefit, these last five points result in lower temperatures at the interface and reduced risk of workpiece burning in metals and less microcracking in ceramic and hard materials.

Lower temperatures help maintain control over final size, as does the very rigid nature of the wheel. With minimal wheel deflection due to grinding forces and low thermal growth very high tolerances can be maintained throughout a production run.

APPLICATIONS

High volume production are ideal applications for vitrified grinding wheels. Low wear rates, combined with a free-cutting nature and ‘dressability’ mean very high material removal rates and less downtime for wheel changes.

Vitrified cubic boron nitride grinding wheels are preferred for grinding hard ferrous workpieces like crankshafts and camshafts as well as tool steels. Vitrified diamond grinding wheels are good in non-ferrous applications such as shaping ceramics and carbides.

THE HIGH-VOLUME WHEEL

Of the four main bond types, the vitrified wheel is best suited for high volume, extended production run applications. The rigid, porous structure delivers high material removal rates and extended life, helping lower manufacturing costs.

Call the engineers at CDT at 800-443-6629 to talk over your specific application and determine if a custom vitrified grinding wheel would benefit your manufacturing process.