What is PCBN material?

PCBN is made of polycrystalline cbn that is produced in a high temperature-pressure

procedure, Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) Inserts are high-performance tools used for
cutting hard materials. Usually, they are very hard, hence suitable for machining
materials that cant be machined by mono-crystalline diamond. cbn inserts dont
react with materials rich in carbide constituents, but only react to oxygen that is
from 1200 degrees Celsius.

The use of pcbn materials in making high power cutting and machining tools has
grown tremendously and cbn tools are quite popular today. This can be attributed to
the strength and durability of such materials which present a perfect alternative for
carbide and ceramic tools. pcbn is simply an acronym for polycrystalline cubic boron
nitride which is used in manufacturing high power and intensity tools. This material
is created by binding cbn (cubic boron nitride) particles with specific binders that
boost strength and resistance to wear.

How is pcbn produced?

As aforementioned, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride is formed by binding cbn
particles together. This sintering process is accomplished under high pressure and
temperature with binder phases. The two main binder phases include metals like
copper (Co) and Nickel (Ni) as well as ceramics like TiN, TiC and Al203. Most pcbn
materials feature about 40% to 65% cbn while another class containing 85% to
almost 100% cbn also exist for other applications. The ceramic binders are added to
improve wear resistance to cubic boron nitride which is otherwise quite prone to
chemical wear. Metal binders are often used for added toughness and the cbn is
pressed on to a carbide carrier forming inserts.

pcbn properties
Polycrystalline cubic boron nitride contains two main compounds which are cbn and
the binder phase (ceramic or metal). The resulting metal has various properties that
allow it to be used in various abrasion applications. cbn tools are recommended for
ferrous materials like cast iron and hardened steel although they can be used for

many other metals. pcbn can achieve hardness of over 45HRc which is a cap for
most soft steel and metals. At hardness above 55HRc, pcbn tools are the only
existing alternative for traditional grinding processes and methods. This is because
softer steel and materials with hardness below 45HRc contain a high amount of
ferrites which present negative impacts on cbn wear resistance. This material has
excellent hot hardness and can be perfectly used in applications that involve high
cutting and turning speeds. Other properties include toughness and thermal shock
resistance and well as chemical wear resistance. Some solid cbn inserts can be used
to resist impacts of interrupted machining and finish wear.

pcbn vs. other materials

Cubic boron nitride is the second hardest material or metal after diamond and has
various similarities with diamond. Its chemical bonds, lattice constants and
structure are much like diamonds and the two are considered very close. cbn is very
strong and exceeds the strength of materials like carbide, ceramics although these
are the materials commonly used in abrasive applications. In terms of wear
resistance, pcbn is 50 times better than carbide tools, 30 times better than carbide
coated tools and 20 times better than ceramic tools. The material is relatively easier
to produce and offers unmatched inertness in ferrous material abrasion tools. This is
why its use has been continuously gaining popularity.

Applications of pcbn material

Polycrystalline cbn material tools are used for various abrasion applications in
factories and manufacturing plants. Advancements in technology have led to the
use of NC machinery and CNC technologies that require high quality and stability
tools. polycrystalline cbn tools present the required longevity, hot hardness and top
quality. Some applications that benefit from tools made of this material include high
speed turning and cutting, turning in place of grinding and dry cutting. Although
pcbn material is suitable for ferrous metals, the tools can be used to cut and turn
different types of soft and hard materials. One of the popular uses of cbn is in grey
cast iron high speed roughing in turning and milling operations.

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