Polycrystalline Diamond has many more cutting surfaces per particle, resulting in higher removal rates. As it cuts, it breaks down in its original shape, allowing for finer finishes in less time than when using monocrystalline diamond. Because polycrystalline has no cleavage planes, it cannot splinter like monocrystalline diamond. It causes less sub-surface deformation, and is excellent when polishing samples composed of different materials/hardness.