Staff Report
Published June 26, 2012

Greenville-based Scio Diamond Technology Corp. announced Tuesday that the first full production run using its initial five diamond growing reactors proved successful.

Using the company’s S3532 technology, the five growers ran an average of 179 hours each, producing more than 220 gross carats of diamond.

Scio established its headquarters and 9,300-square-foot manufacturing facility last fall in the the Next Innovation Center, an innovation and incubator hub at 411 University Ridge in downtown Greenville.

Scio Diamond CEO Joe Lancia said two more diamond growing reactors are expected to enter full production runs within the next week.

Two more reactors are scheduled to enter initial full production runs in the next week. The company expects 10 reactors to be in full production by the end of its second fiscal quarter.

As production ramps to a normal operating schedule, Scio will be concentrating on a parallel growth in its diamond fabrication capabilities. These will include precise laser cutting and polishing operations to take the rough-cut diamond to the final product.

“This is yet another major milestone passed on Scio’s roadmap to the mass production of diamond,” Scio Diamond CEO Joe Lancia said. “Not only were we able to exceed our expectations regarding yield, the quality of the material is very high as well.”

The company continues to work with clients on their specific requirements. Lancia said the company must produce high quantities of diamonds, each with the right specifications.

The company plans to create 70 jobs over the next five years.

Scio Diamond employs a chemical deposition process to produce single-crystal diamonds, referred to as “lab-grown” diamonds. Scio-cultured diamonds have the identical chemical, physical and optical properties as any diamond found in the Earth.

Scio diamonds are now being offered in limited quantities as jewelry and in the technology arena. The diamonds could be used with lasers; in quantum communication and computing; in high-voltage power switching; with water treatment and purification systems; and as a diamond laser scalpel for surgery.

Previous coverage

Scio Diamond conducts private offering
Scio Diamond locates headquarters, manufacturing facility at Next Center
Scio Diamond retains ICR for investor relations
Scio Diamond Technology Corp. appoints COO
Scio Diamond hires CEO
Diamond growing reactors arrive at Next Innovation Center
Power Breakfast: S.C. needs more support for entrepreneurs
Greer company to begin making diamonds