Description
Composite CBN inserts are considered for finishing hardened steel, cast iron and selected sintered ferrous materials. The suitable insert construction, CBN grade and edge preparation depend on the workpiece, hardness, operation and whether the cut is continuous or interrupted.
When are composite CBN inserts considered?
CBN inserts are commonly evaluated for hard turning and other finishing operations on hardened ferrous workpieces. Selected CBN grades are also used for cast iron and ferrous powder-metal applications. The material group alone is not enough to select an insert: workpiece condition, hardness, allowance and cut continuity must also be reviewed.
The images on this page show indexable inserts with a central mounting hole and tipped cutting corners. They illustrate the product form only and do not define a universal grade, edge preparation or operating range.
What controls CBN insert selection?
- Workpiece material designation, heat-treatment condition and hardness
- Machining operation, feature and whether the cut is continuous, lightly interrupted or heavily interrupted
- Existing insert designation, shape, size, thickness, mounting-hole style and nose radius
- Required edge preparation, including chamfer or hone information when specified
- Stock allowance, depth of cut, feed and cutting speed currently used or being evaluated
- Machine and holder rigidity, tool overhang, setup condition and coolant strategy
- Required surface finish, dimensional requirement and inspection method
- Current failure mode, such as chipping, rapid wear, unstable finish or dimensional drift
Continuous and interrupted cutting
A continuous finishing cut and an interrupted cut can place different demands on the CBN grade, corner geometry and edge preparation. Describe cross holes, keyways, splines, casting gaps or other interruptions instead of classifying the job only as turning.
If the operation changes between roughing and finishing, provide data for each stage. HEYI will review the application information before suggesting an insert form or edge condition; no single grade is assumed to cover every condition.
Information needed for an application review
For a replacement insert, send clear photographs of the top and side faces together with the complete insert code or measured dimensions. For a new application, provide the workpiece drawing or feature dimensions and the following information:
- Workpiece material, hardness and production condition
- Operation and cut-continuity description
- Insert shape, dimensions, nose radius and holder interface
- Current cutting parameters and coolant or dry-cutting condition
- Target surface finish and dimensional requirement
- Current tool, observed wear or failure mode and required quantity
Questions buyers usually ask
Is one CBN grade suitable for every hardened-steel job?
No. Hardened-steel applications vary in hardness, allowance, cut continuity, rigidity and finish requirements. Grade and edge preparation should be reviewed against the actual operation.
Can CBN inserts be used for cast iron or sintered materials?
Selected CBN grades are used for cast iron and ferrous sintered materials, but suitability depends on the exact material, operation and cutting conditions. Provide the material designation and application data before selection.
Can the correct insert be identified from a photograph?
A photograph helps identify the general insert form, but it cannot reliably establish the CBN grade, insert dimensions, nose radius or edge preparation. Include the insert code, measured dimensions or a drawing whenever possible.
Request a CBN application review
Use the Full RFQ form to send workpiece drawings, insert photos and machining data. To review related products first, visit CBN Tools.
Quick Product Inquiry
Ask about tooling, lead time, or application fit. We will reply with a tailored recommendation.
Need to upload drawings or full machining data? Use Full RFQ
