Diamonds, revered for their unparalleled beauty, undergo meticulous classification based on natural attributes before they're transformed into the exquisite final products we cherish. While ancient processing techniques endured for centuries, a new era ushered in by laser technology has redefined the diamond industry worldwide.

Can lasers cut diamond?

Yes, lasers can indeed cut diamonds, and this technology has revolutionized the diamond-cutting industry. Laser Diamond Cutting offers precision, speed, and reduced waste compared to traditional methods. But how exactly does it work?

Historical Perspective:

As early as the 17th century, initial attempts to revolutionize diamond processing emerged. However, it wasn't until the 21st century that significant advancements were achieved. Einstein's groundbreaking work in 1917 laid the theoretical foundation for laser technology. In 1960, Theodore H. Maiman showcased the world's inaugural functional laser, paving the way for widespread adoption across diverse industries.

The Laser Diamond Cutting Revolution:

Empowered by cutting-edge technologies like the Diode-Pumped Solid-State Laser (DPSS) and Neodymium YAG laser, laser diamond cutting stands as a game-changer in the diamond cutting landscape. This eco-friendly approach not only enhances precision and efficiency but also empowers consumers to evaluate diamond cuts against established criteria, enabling them to select their perfect piece of jewelry.Lumimetric has provided light sources and technical support to many users in the field of laser cut diamonds, and today has compiled a list of the more common questions about laser gemstone cutting.

How lasers cut diamond?

Laser diamond cutting leverages a specialized laser called the Diode-Pumped Solid-State Laser (DPSS). Distinguished for its eco-friendly credentials, this laser emits a concentrated beam in the green spectrum, revolutionizing the diamond processing industry.

The Eco-Friendly DPSS laser:

At the heart of laser diamond cutting lies the DPSS laser. Emitting a focused beam of light at a specific wavelength, it operates in the green part of the spectrum. This characteristic qualifies it as an environmentally conscious, or "green technology," laser.

The Art of Controlled Cleavage:

The laser's pinpoint beam finds its mark on the diamond's surface, initiating the transformative process. As the focused energy meets the diamond, it generates intense heat. This surge of thermal energy prompts the diamond to gracefully cleave along its inherent fracture planes. Imagine sketching a dotted line on the diamond and then, with a gentle tap, it splits seamlessly.

Precision in Craftsmanship:

Enabled by this precision technology, the laser achieves impeccable results. It can intricately cut, shape, and facet diamonds, bringing forth the desired aesthetic with unparalleled accuracy.

Lumimetric has provided light sources and technical support to many users in the field of laser cut diamonds, and today has compiled a list of the more common questions about laser gemstone cutting.

1. How did they cut diamonds before lasers?/How were diamond cut before lasers?

Before the advent of laser cutting, diamonds were primarily cut using mechanical methods such as cleaving, sawing with a diamond-encrusted blade, and polishing with diamond dust. These methods relied on the natural hardness and cleavage planes of the diamond to shape and facet the gemstone (Shi Guangfeng et al., 2018).

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2. Challenge in Diamond cutting and sawing

The main challenges in Traditional Diamond Cutting and sawing included significant material loss, the risk of fracturing the diamond, limitations in achieving intricate and precise cuts, and the requirement for high craftsmanship skill. Traditional methods were also time-consuming and labor-intensive (C. Hermanns & J. Middleton, 2005).

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3. What are the advantages of laser cutting compared with traditional diamond cutting?

Laser cutting offers numerous advantages over traditional methods, including precision, minimal material loss, flexibility in creating complex shapes, and increased efficiency. Lasers can cut diamonds without direct contact, reducing the risk of physical damage and allowing for more intricate designs (N. Shankar, 2015).

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4.How Laser Technology Refines 10 Classic Diamond Cuts?

Laser technology has significantly refined classic diamond cuts by enabling greater precision and creativity. For example, laser cutting allows for the creation of precise facets and angles in classic cuts such as the Round Brilliant, Princess, and Marquise, enhancing the gemstone's brilliance and fire. The technology also facilitates the development of new variations on traditional cuts, offering enhanced light performance and aesthetic appeal (H. Ohfuji et al., 2010).

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5.DPSS vs. Green Lasers in Diamond Cutting 

DPSS (Diode-Pumped Solid-State) lasers and Green Lasers offer distinct advantages in diamond cutting. DPSS lasers are known for their efficiency and ability to produce high-quality cuts with minimal thermal damage. In contrast, Green Lasers operate at a specific wavelength that allows for extremely precise and detailed cuts, making them particularly suitable for intricate designs. Each type of laser caters to different requirements in the diamond cutting process, with DPSS lasers being preferred for their versatility and Green Lasers for their precision (M. Popov et al., 2021).

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Reference

Shi, G., Han, D., Shukun, W., & Zhu, K. (2018). Analysis and Evaluation of Natural Diamond Cut by Water Jet - guided Laser. Proceedings of the International Conference on Mechanical Engineering and Automation, 45. 

Hermanns, C., & Middleton, J. (2005). Laser separation of flat glass in electronic-, optic-, display-, and bio-industry (Invited Paper). SPIE Proceedings. 

Shankar, N. (2015). Cool Laser for Cutting Diamonds. Laser Technik Journal, 12(1), 27–29. 

Ohfuji, H., Okuchi, T., Odake, S., Kagi, H., Sumiya, H., & Irifune, T. (2010). Micro-/nanostructural investigation of laser-cut surfaces of single- and polycrystalline diamonds. Diamond and Related Materials, 19(10), 1040–1051. 

Popov, M., Bondarenko, M., Kulnitskiy, B., Zholudev, S. I., Blank, V., & Terentyev, S. (2021). Impulse laser cutting of diamond accompanied by phase transitions to fullerene-type onions. Diamond and Related Materials.