How to Read a Diamond Powder Particle Size Report
Particle Size Distribution (PSD) is one of the most important quality parameters used to evaluate diamond abrasive performance. This page explains the meaning of D10, D50, D90 and D100, plus how to read a PSD report end-to-end.
What Is PSD?
Particle Size Distribution (PSD) describes the particle size range and the percentage distribution of different particle sizes within diamond powder.
Since diamond powder undergoes crushing, shaping, purification and classification, particles are not exactly the same size — they are distributed within a controlled particle size range.
PSD provides comprehensive information about:
- ✓ Particle size range
- ✓ Distribution uniformity
- ✓ Ratio of fine and coarse particles
- ✓ Batch-to-batch consistency
PSD directly affects diamond abrasive performance:
- ✓ Material Removal Rate (MRR)
- ✓ Cutting performance
- ✓ Surface finish
- ✓ Process stability
- ✓ Processing yield
D10 / D50 / D90 / D100
D-values represent characteristic particle diameters at specific cumulative distribution percentages.
| Parameter | Definition |
|---|---|
| D10 | 10% cumulative particle size — fine particle indicator |
| D50 | 50% cumulative particle size (median particle size) |
| D90 | 90% cumulative particle size — coarse particle control |
| D100 | Maximum detected particle size |
Generally: D10 indicates fine particle content, D50 is the primary working particle size, D90 reflects coarse particle control, and D100 indicates the maximum detected particle size.
Example: if D50 = 5 μm, then 50% of the diamond particles are smaller than 5 μm and the remaining 50% are larger than 5 μm.
D10 — Fine Particle Control
D10 = 1 μm means ~10% of particles are smaller than 1 μm. D10 mainly reflects ultra-fine particle content and classification control capability.
A well-controlled D10 value helps improve:
- ✓ Reduce processing fluctuations
- ✓ Improve surface finishing consistency
- ✓ Enhance precision machining stability
Typical applications: optical glass polishing, semiconductor wafer processing, sapphire precision grinding, ultra-precision polishing.
D50 — Median Particle Size
D50 is usually the most important reference parameter when selecting diamond powder. It determines grinding efficiency, cutting ability and material removal rate.
| D50 Range | Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Larger D50 | ✓ Higher cutting performance ✓ Higher material removal rate ✓ Faster processing speed |
Rough grinding, high-efficiency lapping, diamond tool manufacturing |
| Smaller D50 | ✓ Lower surface roughness ✓ Higher processing precision ✓ Better surface finish |
Precision polishing, optical component processing, semiconductor applications |
D90 — Coarse Particle Control
D90 = 8 μm means 90% of particles are smaller than 8 μm. D90 reflects coarse particle content, oversized particle control capability and distribution width.
Good D90 control helps:
- ✓ Reduce the risk of deep scratches
- ✓ Improve processing consistency
- ✓ Increase product yield
Especially important for: semiconductor wafer polishing, sapphire processing, optical component finishing, precision ceramics.
D100 — Maximum Detected Size
D100 = 12 μm means the maximum detected particle size in the sample is ~12 μm. D100 evaluates oversized particle control, classification process capability and potential scratch risk.
Strict D100 control for high-end precision polishing helps:
- ✓ Minimize abnormal scratches
- ✓ Improve processing reliability
- ✓ Ensure batch-to-batch stability
Distribution Span
Span = (D90 − D10) / D50 — a smaller span means a narrower distribution, better classification accuracy and more consistent processing performance.
| Sample | D10 | D50 | D90 | Span | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sample A | 2 μm | 5 μm | 8 μm | 1.2 | ✓ Concentrated distribution — consistent processing |
| Sample B | 1 μm | 5 μm | 15 μm | 2.8 | ✗ Broad distribution — less consistent |
Example Report
| Parameter | Result | Description |
|---|---|---|
| D10 | 2.1 μm | Fine particle content |
| D50 | 5.0 μm | Main working particle size |
| D90 | 7.8 μm | Coarse particle control range |
| D100 | 10.5 μm | Maximum detected particle size |
This distribution indicates:
- ✓ Controlled particle size range
- ✓ Good particle uniformity
- ✓ Stable grinding performance
- ✓ Suitable for precision grinding and polishing applications
Influence of Particle Size on Performance
| Particle Size Range | Main Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Coarse particles | Strong cutting ability, high removal rate | Rough grinding, grinding tools |
| Medium particles | Balance between efficiency and surface quality | Lapping, precision machining |
| Fine particles | Excellent surface finish | Precision polishing |
| Nano particles | Ultra-fine finishing capability | CMP and advanced polishing |
Common Measurement Methods
Three widely used techniques for characterising diamond powder particle size.
| Method | Features |
|---|---|
| Laser Diffraction Analysis | ✓ Fast measurement speed ✓ Excellent repeatability ✓ Suitable for production quality control |
| Dynamic Image Analysis | ✓ Measures particle size and morphology simultaneously ✓ Suitable for advanced powder evaluation |
| Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) | ✓ Direct observation of particle morphology ✓ Suitable for R&D analysis and quality verification |
Yuansu Diamond Quality Documentation
To help customers fully evaluate product performance, Yuansu Diamond provides professional quality documentation.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Particle Size Distribution Report (PSD Report) | Batch particle size data & distribution |
| Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | Product specifications & recommended applications |
| Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | Handling, storage & safety information |
| Quality Inspection Report | Batch quality inspection results |
Quality Inspection Report — based on different application requirements, Yuansu Diamond can provide:
- ✓ Customized particle size grades
- ✓ Tailored particle size distribution solutions
- ✓ Application-specific technical support
Need help interpreting a PSD report?
Share your test data, processing target and surface finish requirement — our technical team can help review particle size distribution and recommend a suitable grade from the Yuansu Diamond range.