To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Chinese Synthetic Diamond

The paper consists of three parts. Using 24 statistical figures and tables, this paper briefly summarizes the remarkable achievements the Chinese superabrasive industry has achieved in the past 50 years since the birth of Chinese synthetic diamond, analyzes the major problems and shortcomings in superabrasive product development, provides the development data of superabrasive application area in recent 10 years, and concludes with an outlook for future development. The statistical data show the historical development and technological advancement trajectory of the Chinese superabrasive industry: from inception to a small scale producer; from a small to a large scale producer; from trailing to leading. The paper proposes that the quality of Chinese synthetic diamond monocrystals has reached the international advanced level. It points out the gap between the overall Chinese superabrasive industry and the worldwide counterparts. The paper also outlines the correlation between the growth in Chinese GDP and Chinese synthetic diamond yield. This paper predicts that the Chinese superabrasive industry will soon finish transformation and upgrading, and win the world champion skip in individual products and eventually become competitive in all superabrasive products by 2020. It’s a journey full of challenges and hope.

Li Zhihong, Secretary-general of Superhard Material Sub-Association of CMTBA