Brazing diamond grits onto AA7075 aluminium alloy substrate with Ag–Cu–Ti filler alloy by laser heating

The brazing of diamond is a promising way to fabricate grinding wheels for efficient machining and precision grinding. This work investigated the feasibility of bonding diamond grits onto Aluminium Alloy 7075 (AA7075) substrate with a Ag–Cu–Ti filler alloy via laser fusion brazing. The interfacial microstructures and the strength of the brazed diamond joints were studied. The cross-section of the brazed diamond joint consists of a molten filler alloy layer, a molten pool, a heat effect zone, a columnar crystal zone and an equiaxed crystal zone. Within the interface of the filler alloy/substrate metal, microstructures observed possibly were Ag(s.s), Al(s.s), TixAl, Al2Cu and Mg intermetallic compounds. A layer of TiC with a thickness of about 30–50 nm was found at the bonding interface of the diamond/filler alloy. The averaged peak shear force of the brazed joints was found to be approximately 39.8 N. The abrasion grinding test indicated that the diamond/AA7075 brazed joint was adequate for grinding. However, the pulled-off of grit was found to be the primary failure of this type of brazed joint. This work broadened the brazing diamond technique and the range of applications of brazed diamond wheels for efficient grinding.