A manufacturer of water meters has eliminated costly downtime, inordinate scrap rates, and high levels of tool degeneration through the use of polycrystalline diamond blanks. The hardness and abrasion resistance of the polycrystalline diamond blanks make it possible to increase machining speed, thus removing material at a faster rate. The primary benefit: close tolerances are maintained throughout all phases of production. In addition, high daily production rates are being achieved, with significant cost savings and better productivity.