Diamond Lapping Film: The Ultimate Guide for a High-Precision Polish

Diamond Lapping Films allow you to put a quick, consistent, high polish on your blade, fiber optic connector, or precision part. Whether you're in tool sharpening, fiber optic polishing, or electronics manufacturing, using the right type of diamond lapping film ensures a mirror-finish surface with controlled material removal and minimal defects.

Not sure which lapping film you need? You’re in the right place.

What is Diamond Lapping Film?

Diamond lapping film is a precision polishing material made by coating a polyester or PET backing with micron-graded diamond abrasive particles. These films provide a controlled and uniform abrasive surface that delivers superior flatness and a scratch-free finish.

Why Choose Diamond Lapping Films?

Here’s why professionals across industries trust diamond lapping films:

• ✅ Fast, repeatable polishing

• ✅ Uniform abrasive distribution for consistent results

• ✅ Superior durability and long life

• ✅ Ideal for hard materials like ceramics, tungsten carbide, ferrules, and hardened steels

• ✅ Compatible with wet or dry applications

Common Applications

Diamond lapping films are widely used in:

• Blade and knife polishing – Achieve a razor-sharp mirror edge

• Fiber optic connector polishing – Especially for MT, MPO, MTP, LC, SC, APC/UPC end faces

• Semiconductor wafers and electronic components

• Metallography and microscopy sample preparation

Choosing the Right Grit (Micron Rating)

Different projects require different film grades. Here's a quick guide:

???? Tip: For fiber optic ferrules (e.g., MT/MPO/LC, SC, FC, ST, APC/UPC end faces), use a polishing sequence from 30 µm → 15 µm → 9 µm → 3 µm → 1 µm → 0.02 µm for optimal geometry and reflectivity.

Diamond Lapping Film vs. Aluminum Oxide and Silicon Carbide

While aluminum oxide and silicon carbide films are great for softer materials, diamond films outperform them on harder substrates like ceramic, sapphire, zirconia, and carbide. They also last longer and maintain flatness over extended use.

Available Forms: Sheets, Discs, and Rolls

You can find diamond lapping films in various formats:

• Adhesive-backed or plain-backed

• Discs (1" to 12")

• Sheets (e.g., 8.5"x11")

• Rolls for continuous processing

They are compatible with manual polishing tools, fiber polishing machines, and flat lapping systems.

Need Help Choosing the Right Diamond Lapping Film?

Choosing the best lapping film depends on your material, desired finish, and application. Whether you're polishing surgical tools, preparing fiber end-faces, or finishing carbide dies, we can help.

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Key Factors When Choosing Diamond Lapping Film

1. Grit Size / Micron Rating

• Coarse (30µm to 45µm): For aggressive material removal.

• Medium (6µm to 15µm): For intermediate lapping/polishing.

• Fine (0.1µm to 3µm): For final polishing stages and achieving mirror finishes.

Rule of Thumb: Start with a coarser grit and step down progressively for the best finish.

2. Backing Type

• Polyester: Flexible and commonly used.

• Metal or Glass Plate: For flatness-critical applications.

3. Diamond Type

• Monocrystalline Diamond: More durable, great for precision.

• Polycrystalline Diamond: Produces a finer finish, faster breakdown.

4. Workpiece Material

Different materials need different films:

5. Format & Size

• Sheets, discs, or rolls — pick based on your equipment (e.g. lapping machines, hand lapping, or polishers).

6. PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) or Plain

• PSA: Easy to stick onto plates, ideal for machine use.

• Plain: More flexible, suitable for manual work or custom jigs.

Quick Recommendations

Would you like a recommendation for a specific use case (e.g. polishing ceramics, sharpening knives, fiber optics, etc.)? Just let me know your:

• Material type

• Desired finish quality

• Equipment (manual, rotary tool, flat lapping machine)

• Size or shape constraints (discs, rolls, etc.)

Conclusion

Diamond lapping films are the gold standard for achieving precision surfaces on hard materials. With the right film, you’ll save time, increase throughput, and get flawless results every time.

Ready to upgrade your polishing process?
Explore high-performance Diamond Lapping Films designed for your specific application.