Process and equipment for electrochemical etching of diamond-containing Co-Wc tools and recovery of diamond from used steel tools

Two environment preserving processes were developed for etching of metal matrices containing diamond grains. One of the processes is intended for exposing the diamond grains implanted into a Co-based matrix strengthened with WC and for finishing the surface of the tool. The other process quickly and selectively dissolves a thick nickel layer from large carbon steel tools without corroding the tool and thus recovers the implanted diamond grains as well as the steel carrier of the outworn tools. The effect has been studied at different electrolyte compositions and current parameters on dissolving rate and surface quality of the finished Co-WC tools and steel carriers.