With advancements in material science, Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) tools have become the preferred tool for machining difficult-to-machine materials such as hardened steel, gray cast iron, and wear-resistant alloy cast iron, thanks to their exceptional thermal stability and extreme hardness.

What are CBN Tools?

Cubic Boron Nitride is currently the second hardest man-made superhard material after diamond. Unlike diamond, CBN possesses excellent thermal stability at high temperatures (withstandable above 1200°C) and has extremely high chemical inertness towards ferrous elements.

This means that when machining iron and steel materials containing carbon, CBN does not suffer from chemical wear as diamond does. Therefore, it is highly suitable for application in the field of ferrous metal machining.

Why Choose CBN Tools?

1. Turning Instead of Grinding, Doubling Efficiency. CBN tools enable "Hard Turning," allowing for the finish machining of materials with hardness between HRC45 and HRC65 directly. Compared to traditional grinding processes, machining efficiency can be improved by 5 to 10 times. Additionally, it often requires no cutting fluid, enabling environmentally friendly dry cutting.

2. Exceptional Wear Resistance and Long Tool Life. Due to its hardness far exceeding that of carbide and ceramics, the lifespan of CBN tools is typically tens to even hundreds of times that of carbide tools. This significantly reduces tool change frequency and ensures consistent part machining.

3. Excellent Surface Finish. Using precisely ground CBN inserts, workpiece surface roughness can achieve Ra 0.4, fully meeting the precision requirements for most gears, bearings, and molds.

4. Lower Overall Production Cost. Although the price of a single CBN insert is higher, the machining cost per part (due to increased efficiency, reduced machine occupation time, and lower wear rate) is actually much lower than that of traditional tools.

Main Application Fields

·Automotive Manufacturing: Engine blocks, cylinder heads, brake discs, gears, bearings, etc., using materials like gray cast iron and hardened steel.

·Mold Manufacturing: Cold stamping dies, die-casting molds, injection molds, using materials like hardened mold steel.

·Rolling Mill Industry: Large cold rolls, hot rolls, using materials like high-chromium cast iron and high-speed steel.

·Wind Power Bearings and Gears: Slewing rings, wind turbine shafts and gears, using materials like hardened steel.

Precautions When Using CBN Inserts

Machine Tool Rigidity: CBN cutting forces are higher; ensure the machine system (spindle, tool holder, workpiece clamping) has good rigidity to prevent chipping.

Cutting Speed Control: Fully utilize CBN's heat resistance. It is generally recommended to use high cutting speeds to generate sufficient heat in the cutting zone, softening the metal and thereby reducing cutting resistance.

Dry Cutting vs. Wet Cutting: CBN is suitable for dry cutting. If coolant must be used, ensure it is sufficient and continuous to avoid cracks caused by severe thermal shock.