The world is constantly changing, and technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace. The manufacturing industry is no exception with an influx of advanced machinery, equipment, and tools that help improve the production process. One such tool is the CBN (cubic boron nitride) insert. CBN is a synthetic diamond made by treating boron and nitrogen in high-temperature and high-pressure conditions that are used for cutting. The use of CBN inserts in machining is slowly gaining ground as it helps produce quality finishes, durability, and high-precision work. This post will delve deeper into CBN inserts and how they are revolutionizing machining.
What are CBN inserts?
CBN inserts are cutting tools designed for machining hard materials such as hardened steel, cast iron, nickel, and cobalt alloys. CBN is harder than diamond and has a higher thermal stability that makes it suitable for cutting materials in high-speed applications. Whether you prefer to find out more information about tools, you have to look at https://www.sundicuttingtools.com/products/full-solid-cbn-inserts/ website. Machine shops use CBN inserts for machining operations involving turning, boring, milling, and grooving to achieve high precision in cuts.
Benefits of CBN inserts
CBN inserts have several advantages to machine shops and manufacturers. Firstly, CBN inserts offer extended tool life compared to conventional cutting tools. Machining hard materials using traditional inserts leads to tool wear, and eventually, failure due to the tool losing its cutting edge. With CBN inserts, the cutting edges retain their sharpness, and tool wear is reduced. This translates to more extended machining runs and a decrease in downtime.
Secondly, CBN inserts provide excellent surface finishes. In high-speed machining operations, the temperatures generated are higher, causing the material to heat and expand. This thermal expansion results in poor surface finishes, which is not ideal for machined components. CBN inserts are not affected by high temperatures, and thus, the results are brilliant surface finishes.
Thirdly, CBN inserts provide high levels of accuracy. Precision is crucial in many machining operations, and using inaccurate tools can lead to costly errors. CBN inserts are designed to provide very accurate cuts with high repeatability, leading to accurate products.
How to select the right CBN insert
Machine shops must choose the correct CBN insert for their specific application to achieve optimal results. Several factors should be considered, including the material being machined, the recommended machining speed and feed rate, and the geometry of the insert. CBN inserts come in a range of shapes and sizes, with varying coatings and grades, which should be reviewed for the specific application. Manufacturers should take into account the design of the tool holding, machine rigidity, and coolant type to ensure the optimal performance of the CBN insert.
Can CBN inserts replace traditional carbide inserts?
CBN inserts are not designed to replace conventional carbide inserts. Instead, they are used for machining hard materials that cannot be easily cut with carbide inserts. For softer materials, carbide inserts can still be used.
What are some applications of CBN inserts?
CNC turning, milling, grooving, boring, and drilling of hardened steel, cast iron, nickel, and cobalt alloys are common applications of CBN inserts.
How much does a CBN insert cost?
The cost of a CBN insert varies depending on its shape, size, and grade. However, overall, they are slightly more expensive than traditional tooling.
Conclusions
The use of CBN inserts in the machining industry continues to grow as it offers numerous benefits that traditional tooling cannot. CBN inserts allow for extended tool life, excellent surface finishes, and high accuracy, making them an ideal solution for machining hard materials. With careful selection and consideration in choosing the right CBN insert for a specific application, manufacturers can achieve incredible results with reduced production costs. The adoption of CBN inserts in machining has revolutionized the industry, and its applications are continuing to advance with new uses and applications. It’s an exciting trend to observe for the manufacturing industry, and one that can yield game-changing results.
