Electroplated diamond and CBN tools are produced using exclusively steel, aluminium or non-ferrous cores, the latter two being used only in exceptional cases. Before the electroplating process, contacts are established on the tool by means of brass bushings or special jigs. The cross-sectional area of the cable is determined by the surface area that requires plating.

Next, those parts of the tool which are not to be plated are masked using a range of materials (special lacquers, self-adhesive tapes and plastic jigs). The parts requiring plating are exposed and the surface area calculated so that the plating program can be generated. The plating process itself then takes place.

After initial mechanical cleaning, plating pre-treatment takes place in various electrolyte baths so that optimum adhesion of the diamond and CBN layer can be achieved. The prepared tool can then be placed in the nickel plating bath in the appropriate jig. The tool is connected electrically and the jig is filled with diamond or CBN. The rectifier will have previously been adjusted to the correct current output by the plating program. The plating process commences.

After a pre-determined period, the particles are bonded to the tool blank. It must be turned and refilled. Afterwards the tool is removed from its jig and placed in the nickel bath to complete the particle bonding process. The thickness of the coating is determined by the particle size and the intended application of the tool.