Diamond and Coborn Engineering Co Ltd Coborn Engineering Co Ltd, is based near London, UK and presently employs some 60 staff. It specializes in machines for processing ultra-hard materials such as natural, synthetic and polycrystalline diamond composites and PcBN (polycrystalline cubic boron nitride: CBN is the second hardest material after diamond). Diamond is a unique material. Not only is it the hardest, most wear resistant material known, it also has the highest thermal conductivity, the highest modulus, is a perfect electrical insulator in its pure form, is chemically inert, but, unfortunately, it is relatively brittle. The machines needed to process rough stones or synthetic composites made from diamond are very special. Key factors for success are: Dynamically balanced spindles Extreme machine rigidity Smooth motions User need: Solid low maintenance machines Rapid design and development customisation Over the years, Coborn’s engineers have developed machines of increasing complexity and have successfully risen to the demand of the market and the challenge from the ultimate of all materials – diamond.     Coborn’s milestones have been : 2007 RG9 launched with larger working envelope. 2007 RG8 upgraded to RG9 - a 9 axis machine for standard and helical PCD tool manufacture – Coborn’s flagship product. 2007 RG5B-XD developed with "extra depth" working envelope for larger fixtures. 2007 VS5-M vision system launched for manual PG3 and RG5 machines, with measurement capability 2005 RG6 upgraded into the RG8 for helical tool grinding. 2004 RG5A manual PCD grinder upgraded to RG5B with touch-screen control. 2003 LD2 introduced for laser for cutting PCD with narrower kerf width and enhanced positional accuracy. 2002 LD1 laser for cutting PCD launched. 2000 New range of dynamic balancing machines introduced – DB1 & DB2. 1999 Extended spindle range to include servo spindles. 1998 Introduced first peripheral insert grinder for PCD and PcBN – the AB1. 1996 Introduced its first CNC grinding machine for PCD – the RG6. 1979 Developed a planetary lapping machine for mirror polishing PCD (PL range)… now used by the majority of PCD manufacturers. 1979 Commenced manufacture of manual machines for PCD tooling (RG range). 1964 Developed the first of the Coborn planetary grinding (PG) machines for producing a radius on single crystal diamond tools. 1964 Commenced manufacture of skive cutting equipment for the gem diamond industry. 1963 Commenced manufacture of machines for grinding natural diamond. 1946 Commenced manufacture of balancing machines… a critical success factor for precision spindles. 1941 Company founded by Mr S L Innocent, the father of the present owner Mr John Innocent. Company started by designing and manufacturing grinding spindles