Abstract: A powder for sintering to manufacture a diamond tool has an average particle size of less than 8 &mgr;m and a loss of mass by reduction in hydrogen of less than 3% and contains 10-80% Fe, up to 40% Co, up to 60% Ni and up to 15% M. M is present, at least partially, in the oxidized state and representing one or more of the elements Mn, Cr, V., Al, Mo and Ti, the balance being unavoidable impurities. This powder may be sintered at 650-1000° C. to give a matrix having a high hardness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a pre-alloyed powder as a binder in the manufacture of diamond tools by hot sintering. This powder is characterized in that it has an average particle size of less than 10 &mgr;m as measured with the Fisher SSS and loss of mass by reduction in hydrogen of less than 2% as measured according to the standard ISO 4491-2:1989 and in that it contains, in % by weight, up to 40% of cobalt, up to 50% of nickel, from 5 to 80% of iron and from 5 to 80% of copper; the other components in the powder consist of unavoidable impurities.