Robot innovates rough diamond cutting

Find out all there is to know about the Antwerp diamond industry

The Fenix cutting robot equipment and software can handle various tasks, such as planning and work preparation, the form and orientation to cut the rough diamond in, locating any inclusions and evaluating the options.

The robot performs certain operations which are very difficult or even impossible for human diamond cutters. Unlike the traditional cutting process, Fenix does not have to take the so-called cleavage direction into account. This depends on the crystalline structure of the diamond. Cutting against the cleavage direction of the rough diamond produces an undesirable, whitish surface, such that light does not reflect as well. Many rough diamonds could not be cut until recently, because of having a complex cleavage direction. With the Fenix, that obstacle is a thing of the past.

The Fenix cuts stones that were hitherto impossible to cut. During testing, Fenix processed unpolished stones which had been waiting for the right technology for over 50 years. The robot even transformed gemstones with two cleavage directions into beautifully cut diamonds.

Fenix combines high-resolution scanning with automated planning and operator control to turn stone analysis into executable cut programs. Core features include:

- Scanner type: high-resolution optical 3D scanner with multi-angle imaging for precise surface and inclusion mapping

- Inclusion detection: automated detection and annotation of inclusions with configurable size thresholds (prototype sensitivity down to single-digit microns for surface and near-surface features)

- Auto-block planning: algorithmic block and cut-path proposals that optimise yield based on user objectives (maximise carat weight, improve symmetry, or target a specific shape)

- Visual editor and manual override: graphical editor for cutters to refine automated plans, add constraints or approve alternatives

- Output formats and integration: exportable cut programs in common machine-readable formats and compatibility layers for CAD/CAM workflows; planned support for standard grading and facet-planning suites

- Job management and logging: batch job queuing, versioned planning records and traceable cut history for quality control and production analytics

- Remote monitoring and diagnostics: secure remote access for status, logs and software updates, enabling centralised fleet management in multi-machine shops

Where software remains proprietary, planned modules focus on openness for common export formats and an operator-friendly visual planning interface that bridges cutter expertise with automated execution.

Fenix is a research-grade prototype built to deliver industrial precision on challenging rough stones. Below is a compact technical summary that reflects prototype and expected ranges; final production values remain proprietary. These figures indicate the machine's intended performance envelope and what users can expect in terms of accuracy, integration and environmental needs.

Prototype / expected specifications (indicative)

• Laser wavelength: 532 nm (green DPSS / diode-pumped; prototype range 520–540 nm)
• Average/peak power: 8–20 W (supports pulse and CW modes)
• Beam mode: TEM00-like near-Gaussian beam with adjustable pulse gating
• Accuracy / repeatability: under 10 microns (expected bidirectional repeatability)
• Axis travel (X/Y/Z): 300 x 300 x 150 mm (nominal travel)
• Scanner resolution: optical positioning down to 1–5 micron effective resolution (system dependent)
• Power consumption: 1.5–3.5 kW (operational range, varies with cooling)
• Cooling requirements: closed-loop liquid cooling for the laser head; ambient air conditioning recommended for the enclosure
• Footprint (L x W x H): approximately 1200 x 900 x 1800 mm (enclosed prototype)
• Operating temperature: 18–26 °C recommended for stable metrology
• Recommended environment: vibration-damped bench or floor, controlled air conditions for highest repeatability

What these specs mean for users

Repeatability below 10 microns reduces rework and helps keep symmetry consistent across batches. A green, near-532 nm beam lowers absorption-related material loss for many cutting tasks. Integrated cooling and a controlled ambient prevent thermal drift, keeping measurements stable during long runs. Note that these are prototype ranges; commercial units will ship with certified data sheets and validated performance figures.

Fenix is intended as an integrated workflow platform rather than a single saw. A typical end-to-end cycle follows four stages: scan and analyse the rough to map inclusions and grain; automatic or assisted planning to define block and facet strategy; mounting and cutting, as single stones or cassette batches; post-cut inspection and minor manual finishing where needed. Prototype timing is indicative: scanning and automated planning can take 10–30 minutes per stone depending on complexity, mounting 5–20 minutes, and automated cutting from about 30 minutes to several hours depending on geometry and material removal.

Batch processing and fixturing

Fenix supports cassette-style holders for throughput runs, with prototype cassette capacities ranging from around six to 24 small stones per batch depending on stone size and holder design. Batch workflows cut down per-stone handling and suit operations that process parcels of similarly sized rough.

Target customers and applications

The system fits three main groups: industrial and lab-grown producers aiming for higher yield on complex cleavage stones; boutique cutters and design houses needing repeatable precision for novel shapes; and research labs exploring new diamond applications. Fenix becomes attractive when the value recovered from marginal or complex rough offsets the cost of automation and when repeatability improves overall yield.

Qualitative ROI signals and example scenario

Primary benefits are improved yield, less manual rework and more predictable output quality. For a mid-sized workshop handling mixed rough parcels, reducing downstream rework can increase saleable yield and make better use of premium stones. Training concentrates on machine setup and planning workflows rather than fine manual cutting, which shortens the time before operators run productive shifts.

The Fenix has sparked a real revolution in the diamond industry. And there are many innovations still to come.

Up to a few years ago, a ring made entirely of diamond was just a pipe dream. Rings are usually made from precious metal with diamonds set into it. But thanks to modern technology for cutting rough diamonds, it is now a reality. Swiss diamond dealer Mohammed Shawish of Shawish Jewellers put the world's first ring made entirely of diamond on show in 2012. The cutting process took more than a year, despite modern lasers and cutting techniques. The ring was cut from a single diamond gemstone and has a carat weight of 150. It comes with a hefty price tag: 52.5 million euros. It will probably be some time before the public at large can buy rings made entirely of diamond. The price is a particular obstacle.

Sir Jonathan Ive, Chief Design Officer at Apple, and Marc Newson also designed a ring made entirely of diamond. Unlike Shawish's ring, it is made of synthetic diamond. Sotheby's put an estimate on the ring of about $150,000 to $250,000. It eventually went for just over $250,000.

Furthermore, Giovanni Daems, from Kessel, Belgium, developed a fully automatic diamond setting machine in 2018. This means diamonds can be set into jewellery 15 to 20 times faster than by hand. The equipment was first put on show at the China International Import Expo. Daems' company has already developed various equipment which automated processes in the diamond and jewellery industry, such as sorting equipment, polishing equipment and automated quality control. The setting machine is his most recent new addition. Every stone set by the setting machine is 100% accurate and is of the same quality as any stone set by hand.
Just as the diamond industry needs new technology to cut rough diamonds more accurately, modern technology also needs diamonds. In fact, 70% of global diamond production is not used in the jewellery industry. Those diamonds end up in various other industries. Since diamond is one of the hardest substances in the world, it is a popular gemstone for all kinds of industrial processes. A few examples:

1. Solar energy:
   General Electric has developed a brand-new material, a compound of diamonds and silicon called silicon carbide. It is used in electronic chips in solar panels, so that we can convert the sun's power into energy which can be used at home or in various industries.
   


2. Semiconductors:
   It is a known fact that diamond has high thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity. Therefore, diamonds started to be used in electronic circuits, replacing traditional silicon. Hence, semiconductors using diamonds conduct heat better than other conductors, without becoming electrically charged.
    


3. Water treatment:
   Diamonds are known to withstand extreme conditions. They hardly react at all with their environment and possess electrochemical properties that are perfect for purifying water.
   


4. Anti-counterfeiting technology:
   Believe it or not, there is a company in the US called Taneeh, which specialises in using diamond granules to develop anti-counterfeiting systems. This means they are able to prevent fraud using recognition technology, helping avert theft worldwide.

Diamonds are therefore extremely versatile and will continue to be used in many new applications in the future. Neither the diamond sector nor industry is standing still when it comes to new applications for diamonds, and development is going at full pace.

Fenix is built with enclosed laser safety and industrial precautions. Key safety features include interlocked enclosures, emergency stop circuits and fail-safe laser shutters to prevent stray radiation. The system is planned for compliance with common industrial standards such as CE marking and the relevant laser safety classifications; certification details will be provided for commercial units.

Maintenance expectations are practical: routine checks on optics, coolant and fixturing accuracy, periodic recalibration of the metrology chain and keeping spare parts for wear items such as seals and filters. A simple maintenance checklist helps keep performance within specified repeatability limits and supports predictable production uptime. Service and update mechanisms are provided so safety and control software stay current without disrupting operations.

The Fenix robot has an unrivalled talent for cutting rough diamonds and makes even more cut shapes a reality. This creates many opportunities for personalising diamond jewellery. In addition, there are plenty of other innovations and trends in the jewellery industry:

• Is 3D-printed jewellery the future for jewellers?


• A diamond ring made entirely of diamond


• Making diamonds from peanut butter: a German geologist managed it


• Jewellery fashion