Pure Iron-Based. Zero cobalt.
PIB™ is our proprietary bond matrix — engineered from materials science fundamentals to replace cobalt without compromising cutting performance.
What It Is
A bond matrix built to replace cobalt.
Diamond tools work by holding crystals inside a sintered metal matrix. In conventional tools, cobalt is the primary binder — it gives the right hardness and wear rate, but it is a classified health hazard, a volatile commodity, and a supply chain risk.
PIB™ — Pure Iron-Based — replaces cobalt in that matrix entirely. Our proprietary iron-based powder formulation delivers the same controlled bonding strength and wear behavior, without introducing any carcinogenic compounds.
Why Cobalt-Free Matters
The case for removing cobalt is both clear and urgent.
Operator Health
Cobalt dust is classified by IARC as a probable carcinogen. Removing it from the bond matrix reduces exposure risk on every cutting and grinding operation.
Environmental
No cobalt means no heavy metal contamination in slurry, waste water or site runoff. Cleaner production and cleaner job sites.
Supply Stability
Cobalt pricing is driven by EV battery demand and high mining concentration risk. PIB™ removes that supply chain dependency entirely.
Regulatory Direction
Occupational exposure limits for cobalt are tightening across the EU and UK. PIB™ tools are already aligned with where regulations are heading.
How It Performs
Controlled chemistry. Predictable results.
PIB™ isn't just cobalt-free — every property of the matrix is engineered to deliver under real production conditions.
-
Controlled Bonding Strength
The matrix grips diamond crystals firmly enough to resist premature loss, but releases worn crystals to expose fresh cutting edges at the right rate.
-
Controlled Wear Behavior
Bond hardness is tuned so the matrix wears relative to the workpiece — exposing new diamond without accelerating segment consumption.
-
Self-Sharpening Action
As cutting edges dull, the bond wears back to expose fresh diamond — maintaining consistent cut rate throughout segment life.
-
Higher Diamond Utilization
With optimised bonding, a higher proportion of embedded diamond content actively contributes to cutting — reducing waste within each segment.
-
Stable Cutting Performance
The controlled chemistry delivers consistent force, speed and cut quality across the working life of the tool — and batch to batch across production runs.
Why It's Different
Engineered from first principles.
Most diamond tools are built using generic bond compounds selected from a supplier catalogue. PIB™ was developed from the ground up — starting with materials science and working outward to real application requirements.
Research & Innovation
Built on materials science.
PIB™ is a patented innovation — developed through systematic research into iron-based powder metallurgy and diamond bonding chemistry. The technology draws on advanced academic and industrial research rather than conventional reformulation of cobalt compounds.
BMRC Collaboration
Bagwell collaborates with the Birmingham Materials Research Centre (BMRC), supporting ongoing research into advanced diamond tool bonding, powder metallurgy and next-generation sustainable tooling materials.
See PIB™ in Action
Specify the right PIB™ tool for your application.
Every Bagwell product runs on PIB™ technology. Browse the catalogue, request a sample, or talk to our team about a custom specification.