WHAT IS POLYCRYSTALLINE CUBIC BORON NITRIDE (CBN)?

WHAT IS POLYCRYSTALLINE CUBIC BORON NITRIDE (CBN)?

Diamond, cubic carbon, is the hardest, most abrasive resistant material known to man. It is therefore an ideal tool material. Unfortunately, in the presence of heat and iron, nickel or cobalt, diamond transforms to hexagonal form, graphite. This is why ferrous materials are not generally machined with diamond. The second hardest material, Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN), is created by man, using temperatures and pressures similar to those for diamond synthesis, but does not have this inherrant weakness when it comes to the machining of ferrous materials. Used in the correct manner CBN inserts offer cost-effective rapid stock removal and finishing of hardened steels and certain softer ferrous materials.

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