In certain applications, PCD tool life can exceed carbide cutting tool life 50 to 100 times. In certain applications, polycrystalline tipped tools have several advantages over natural diamond. Shock Resistance PCD is more shock resistant over natural diamond because of its random orientation structure of the diamond particles, and is backed by a carbide substrate. Consistency PCD is more constant in wear. Again because of the random orientation of diamond particles.
Natural diamond is a single crystal in nature and has soft and hard grains.
Depending on the shape of the natural diamonds and the tool being manufactured, it is sometimes not practical to have the hardest grain on the cutting edge. Availability PCD is readily available in a large variety of shapes and sizes. Discs as large as 60 mm in diameter are now available. Natural diamond is limited to what is formed in nature. Diamond, even with only an 8 mm long cutting edge is extremely difficult to find and is very costly.