Machining of Quartz Material

I would prefer grinding in stead of turning. The local "cutting speed" is better for a good result.

But the Outer & Inner dia has lot of profiles,steps,features etc.,

Need inserts which are harder than your quartz, but still tolerant of the shocks etc of machining.

I believe there is a polycrystalline alumina tip made which should do the job.

It won't be cheap.

What you can afford to use depends on the quantity you need to machine.

I don't know about turning, but after seeing how a diamond bit cuts into quartz, I would recommend diamond cutters/blade or whatever, above any other tool material for quartz.

Is this natural quartz or manufactured fused silica? As mentioned in other posts, these materials are normally ground rather than turned, there is no difficulty in creating steps, holes etc by grinding. The natural quartz may contain weaknesses which can lead to splitting if it is not machined in the correct orientation.

Maybe a live tool? Wet grinding with small diamond wheels?

A diamond cutting tool using very small feed rates will work. It's a slow process, but if done correctly it can result in a very good finish. If I recall correctly, you also need a very rigid, almost vibration free setup to get good results.

I neglected to log in. The previous response is mine.

If you look up Gran-Quartz on Google, you will find a wide array of machining bits for use on granite and quartzite. If you are using a natural material, I would guess it is likely quartzite, which is metamorphic and nearly as hard as diamond.

Varadharaju:

I have been cutting quartz for many years. I would recommend that you use diamond cutting tools with a flood of coolant that is the same temperature as the quartz.

At least for the initial cutting cycles. Also use higher cutting speed of the tool and be careful of the depth of cut.

Remember that diamond has a very specific grain structure. Think of it like a piece of wood. If you do not have the speed and feed correct for the cutting tool it too will chip and fail.

Good Luck

Lawrence Beshore

yes the key to turning the material is the orientation of the " grain "...speed is secondary.. chipping is because the work is leading and not trailing the cutting tool...keep the tool sharpened... and cooler than the material.. and patience.. standard 3mm bite is toooooo much for quartz or any subs to quartz...