PANDIMONIUM® PAN PCD

PANDIMONIUM® PAN PCD is a polycrystalline diamond compound for prepolishing and polishing gemstones.

PAN PCD is the faster, more aggressive choice compared with PAN MONO. In our experience, PCD can prepolish and polish approximately three times faster than monocrystalline diamond of a comparable grit. Its polycrystalline structure provides many cutting edges and greater effective cutting surface, making it particularly useful for larger facets, harder materials, or whenever faster material removal is desired.

For smaller facets, smaller stones, or situations where a more delicate and controlled cutting action is preferred, PAN MONO may be the better choice. PAN MONO is also the less expensive option.

Where the same grit is available in both products, PAN PCD and PAN MONO can be used on the same diamond-charged lap. A charged lap may be used with PCD and then switched to MONO of the same grit, or vice versa.

PAN PCD can be used with either water-based or oil-based lubrication systems. For water-based use, we recommend Snake Fluid™. When an oil-based extender is preferred, we recommend Snake Oil™. Other suitable water or oil-based extenders may also be used.

PAN PCD can be used with BATT™, BA5T™, Zinc Plus™, Darkside™, MATRIX™, DIAMAX™, and Lightside™. The best combination of lap, diamond grit, lubrication, speed and pressure will depend on the gemstone and the cutter's technique.

Available Grits

• 3000 — Prepolish
• 8000 — Prepolish
• 13K — Prepolish
• 60K — Polish
• 100K — Polish

For suggested lap, grit and gemstone combinations, see our Product Application Chart.

Using PAN PCD

How PAN PCD is applied depends on the lap being used.

Chargeable metal laps such as BATT™, BA5T™, and Zinc Plus™ are charged with diamond that becomes embedded in the metal surface. A charged metal lap should be dedicated to a single diamond grit. Changing from a coarser grit to a finer grit can cause contamination from diamond that remains embedded in the lap.

PAN PCD and PAN MONO of the same grit may be used interchangeably on the same charged metal lap. The diamond type may be changed, but the charged lap should remain dedicated to that grit.

Composite polishing laps such as Darkside™, MATRIX™, DIAMAX™, and Lightside™ work differently. The diamond is used on the surface of the lap rather than permanently charging the lap. These laps can be thoroughly cleaned and then used with a different diamond grit.

For best results, follow the charging and use recommendations for the specific lap.

Video instructions for charging BATT™ and Zinc Plus™ are available from Gearloose Lapidary on YouTube. 

The recommendations above are starting points. Different gemstones, laps and polishing techniques may respond particularly well to different combinations, and experimentation is encouraged.