CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) inserts are ultra-hard cutting tools designed for high-speed machining of hardened ferrous materials. As the second hardest material after diamond, CBN provides exceptional wear resistance, thermal stability, and long tool life, making it the preferred solution for hard turning instead of grinding in many precision manufacturing applications.
Zhuzhou Century Tool manufactures high-performance PCBN inserts for continuous, interrupted, and heavy-duty machining, delivering superior surface finish and dimensional accuracy while reducing production costs.
Many manufacturers replace traditional grinding operations with CBN turning because it offers several advantages:
CBN inserts are particularly suitable for precision components requiring tight tolerances and high productivity.
Our PCBN inserts maintain cutting edge sharpness even when machining materials above HRC 45, significantly extending tool life.
CBN retains its hardness at temperatures exceeding 1,000°C, allowing stable cutting under high-speed machining conditions.
Optimized cutting edge geometry minimizes vibration and delivers excellent surface quality, reducing or eliminating secondary finishing processes.
Stable cutting performance ensures consistent part dimensions throughout long production runs.
Available in standard ISO insert shapes including:
OEM and customized geometries are also available.
Our CBN inserts are widely used in:
CBN inserts are recommended for machining:
| Material | Hardness |
|---|---|
| Hardened Steel | HRC 45–68 |
| Bearing Steel | HRC 58–65 |
| Tool Steel | HRC 50–68 |
| Die Steel | HRC 48–65 |
| Chilled Cast Iron | HRC 45–65 |
| High Chromium Cast Iron | HRC 45–65 |
| Powder Metallurgy Steel | HRC 45–65 |
| Hardened Alloy Steel | HRC 50–68 |
Zhuzhou Century Tool supplies multiple PCBN grades optimized for different machining conditions.
| Grade | Binder | Application | Cutting Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBN10 | High CBN | Continuous turning | Hardened steel |
| CBN20 | Medium CBN | Semi-interrupted cutting | Bearing steel |
| CBN30 | Ceramic binder | Cast iron machining | High-speed cutting |
| CBN40 | Tough grade | Interrupted cutting | Hardened components |
| Customized Grade | Optional | Customer application | OEM available |
Custom grade development is available according to workpiece material and machining requirements.
Compared with conventional carbide inserts, CBN inserts provide:
| Property | Carbide Insert | CBN Insert |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Wear Resistance | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| High Temperature Stability | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Cutting Speed | Medium | Very High |
| Tool Life | Standard | 5–20× Longer |
| Surface Finish | Good | Excellent |
| Dry Machining | Limited | Excellent |
Our PCBN cutting inserts are widely applied in:
As an experienced carbide and superhard tool manufacturer, Zhuzhou Century Tool provides:
CBN inserts are mainly used for machining hardened steel, bearing steel, cast iron, and other hard ferrous materials. They are commonly applied in hard turning operations that replace traditional grinding.
Most PCBN inserts are suitable for workpiece hardness ranging from HRC 45 to HRC 68, depending on the insert grade and cutting conditions.
CBN is generally not recommended for machining austenitic stainless steel. Carbide or ceramic inserts are usually better choices unless the stainless steel has been hardened.
CBN inserts are designed for hardened ferrous materials such as hardened steel and cast iron, while PCD inserts are intended for non-ferrous materials including aluminum alloys, copper, graphite, and composite materials.
Tool life depends on the workpiece material, cutting parameters, and machining conditions. Under optimized conditions, CBN inserts can last 5 to 20 times longer than conventional carbide inserts.
Zhuzhou Century Tool is a professional manufacturer of carbide and superhard cutting tools in China. We supply reliable CBN inserts with consistent quality, strict quality control, and customized engineering support for customers worldwide.
Whether you need standard ISO PCBN inserts or custom-designed solutions, our engineering team can recommend the most suitable grade and geometry for your machining application.
