Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) Grinding

What is Cubic Boron Nitride or CBN?

Boron nitride on its own is a chemically and thermally resistant refractory compound of boron and nitrogen, existing in various crystalline forms. In its cubic form, cubic boron nitride, or CBN, is the second hardest material on earth behind the diamond. However, it has one key advantage over the diamond in that it does not chemically erode or wear away in the presence of certain other materials, which include graphite?although CBN is, like diamond, less stable than graphite?and other carbide forming elements such as nickel, iron or cobalt, during abrasive processing. Given its durability under such processing, CBN is the preferred product for the machining superalloys.

CBN differs from a diamond in another way in that it is only available as a synthesized material, as it does not occur naturally. This fact does not limit CBN in any way. Instead, it means that, similar to synthetic diamond, CBN can be tailored to provide exactly the precisely required traits for the specific application. Further, the key to this characteristic is CBN's ability to synthesize tetrahedral morphology in addition to the cubic and octahedral morphology, which also takes place in a diamond. This substance is available in the consistency of coarse grit down to micron powder and as sintered polycrystalline products, or polycrystalline diamond composites.

Following are just a few of the most common grinding applications:

• Centerless

• Cylindrical

• Surface

• Cutoff

• Tool and cutter

• Saw & knife sharpening

What is a CBN Grinding Wheel?

Many times, important tools and instruments need the removal of debris or a layer of material before they can be used effectively for the desired result. CBN wheels deliver strong material removal rates without creating a lot of thermal damage to a workpiece. They provide longer wheel life and the ability to grind wet or dry, although for use in the superalloy applications, coolant must always be a consideration to eliminate metallurgical complications.

Industries that Rely on the CBN Grinding Wheel

Any industry that relies heavily on precision instruments for the purposes of safety and high-performance are likely to need the fine-tuning that the grinding process can offer for various instruments. Below are just a few of the top industries that depend on CBN wheels for peak efficiency, effectiveness and success.

• Aerospace

• Power generation and wind turbines

• Composites

• Sharpening

• Tool & die

• Dental

• Oil and gas

• Mining

• Automotive

• Military

Within these critical industries, there are several materials processed that various organizations use in their processes to improve manufacturing, production, and results.

• Tungsten Carbide

• Ceramics

• Composites

• Zirconia aluminum oxide

• Ferrites

• Powdered metals

• Titanium graphite composite

Benefits of CBN Grinding Wheels

CBN is well-known throughout the industry as the best suitable grain for grinding hardened alloys since it does not generate a high temperature. This stability is due to the fact that CBN has a good conductivity for temperature; therefore the heat generated disperses quickly, helped by the shape of the metal body of the wheel. Further, grinding wheels feature an extremely long working life and an excellent rate of stock removal, which is the maximum amount of removal of material from a workpiece, which means the operator does not need to go in after to dress and shape the workpiece. In the end, CBN grinding wheels produce the best of both worlds. Low heat and precise shape.

The lifespan of CBN grinding wheels is extremely long and nearly indefinite when cared for properly. The grinding wheels feature a strong nature because of the bonding that takes place between the supporting steel hub and the grains.