CBN Inserts vs. Carbide Inserts: Which Is Better for Your Application?

CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) and carbide (tungsten carbide) are two major classes of inserts for cutting metal. CBN is an abbreviation for cubic boron nitride. Both CBN and carbide inserts are excellent at cutting, but their most important differences are must-know information. CBN inserts are extremely hard and tough, and therefore they last longer than carbide inserts. Carbide, however, is formed from a combination of tungsten and carbon. This unique combination is what lends toughness to carbide and makes it excellent for a long service life, even against difficult materials.

Selecting the Right Insert for Your Application

When it comes time to choose the right insert for your specific job, it is indeed crucial to consider what type of material you will cut. But not all materials are created equal, and some are much harder to crush than others. For example, PCD/CBN Inserts are perfect for cutting very hard materials like cast iron and hardened steel. Cutting these materials is quite challenging, but the CBN inserts are perfect for it. They are very tough and can withstand the high heat produced while cutting.

Alternatively, carbide inserts will be the perfect moisture for softer reducing programs. These may include metals like aluminum and brass, which are far easier to cut than hardened steel. Carbide Inserts can deal with nearly any number of applications, so they are used in a lot of different shops.

CBN and Carbide Inserts: The Good and the Bad

CBN inserts overall have several benefits that make them very effective for some applications. First, they are very hard and do not wear easily, meaning they can be used for a long time and do not need to be replaced as often. Their hardness makes them very useful for cutting through hard materials, as they can retain their edge even after extended use. Most significantly CBN inserts remain sharper much longer than regular Carbide Inserts so you won't need to replace them in intervals that can save you both time and effort in the long term. CBN inserts are pricier than carbide inserts but bear this in mind. This a premium price makes them a more advisable option for applications where you have to cut many materials quickly and efficiently.

Aside from that, carbide inserts do have their own advantages that can be beneficial. The main benefit of carbide inserts is that they are cheaper than CBN inserts. This cost-cutting makes them accessible to many users and projects. Besides that, carbide inserts are extremely versatile and can cut through a lot of materials, both ferrous (the such as steel) and non-ferrous metals (the such as aluminium and brass). But Carbide Inserts also have drawbacks. They are less hard than CBN inserts, which means they can dull quicker. You might need to replace these more often than CBN inserts.

Why CBN is Better for Fast Cutting

If your worn-out project must process extremely hard materials at high speeds, CBN inserts tend to be the better choice. They can tolerate the heat of fast cutting because of their hardness. CBN inserts do not deteriorate with the heat which is generated in the metal cutting at extremely high speeds since they are able to tolerate this heat. Because they retain their sharpness longer, too, you won't need to stop and change tools as frequently. This can make you work more effectively and save time.