High strain rate of quartz glass and its effects during high-speed dicing

Strain rate is a key parameter that affects dynamic mechanical properties of materials in a high-speed crash. It is equally important in the materials processing field. In this study, we investigate the high strain rate of quartz glass and its effects during the high-speed dicing with diamond blades. A formula is derived to predict the strain rates of quartz glass at different linear velocities of diamond blades. High-speed crashing and dicing tests are performed to verify the formula and explore the effects of high strain rate by using the split Hopkinson pressure bar test and an automatic high-speed dicing saw. Results indicate that strain rate increases as the linear velocity of a diamond dicing blade increases. High strain rate results in hardening effects and heat generation for quartz glass. The dicing temperature is at least 1043 °C because of the generated silicon and graphite in the dicing area. The theory of high strain rate reveals the wear mechanism of diamonds, and indicates that the dicing speed for quartz glass should not be more than 60.71 mm/s. This research expands the study of dynamic hardness to the high-speed grinding field. The study helps design diamond tools and optimize the parameters of machining materials.