CBN & PCD Technical Support
Scientific Cutting Tools offers CBN and PCD solid carbide and indexable boring bars. Inserts are sold separately.
Jump to:
| Applications | PCD | CBN |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Cast Iron | No | Yes |
| Soft Cast Iron | No | Yes |
| Hardened Steel | No | Yes |
| Super Alloys | No | Yes |
| Abrasive Nonmetallic | Yes | No |
| Non-Ferrous Materials | Yes | No |
Guidelines for PCD
Applications:
Designed for continuous cutting of non-ferrous and non-metal materials.
Capable of achieving sub-micron finishes with extended tool life and higher cutting speeds.
Key Guidelines for PCD Use:
Cutting Speeds: Operate at higher speeds to minimize tool buildup.
Depth of Cut: Limit depth to 70% of the PCD tip length.
Coolant: Use coolant to reduce heat and improve surface finish.
Machine Operation:
→ Do not stop the machine while the tool is cutting to avoid breakage.
→ Ensure a rigid machine setup to avoid chatter and chipping.
Tool Height: Slightly above center for boring operations; tool deflection will adjust the tool on center.
Pre-Machining Contact: Prevent contact with hard surfaces before machining to avoid chipping.
Material Suitability: Non-ferrous and non-metallic materials.
| Applications | PCD | CBN |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Cast Iron | No | Yes |
| Soft Cast Iron | No | Yes |
| Hardened Steel | No | Yes |
| Super Alloys | No | Yes |
| Abrasive Nonmetallic | Yes | No |
| Non-Ferrous Materials | Yes | No |
Feed & Speed Chart for PCD
Product Specifications
SFM = Surface Feed per Minute DOC = Depth of Cut IPR = Inches per Revolution
Note: As the Depth of Cut (DOC) decreases the Feed Rate can increase.
Minimum Bore Options:
→ CBN/PCD Solid Carbide Boring Bars: 0.120"
→ CBN/PCD Indexable Boring Bars: 0.220"
Material Construction: All boring bars feature premium submicron carbide bodies and precision-ground flats.
Insert Options:
→ Inserts are available in triangle or diamond shapes for left- or right-hand bars.
Guidelines for CBN
Applications:
Ideal for continuous cutting of hardened steels, powdered metals, cast irons, and superalloys.
Replaces traditional grinding with precision machining to sub-micron finishes.
Key Guidelines for CBN Use:
Depth of Cut: Do not exceed 30% of the CBN tip length.
Coolant: Avoid coolant, as it may cause thermal cracking.
Machine Operation:
→ Never stop the machine while the tool is in contact with the workpiece. This can result in tool breakage.
→ Ensure the machine and setup are rigid to prevent chatter and chipping.
Tool Height: When boring, position the tool slightly above center; tool deflection will naturally place it on center.
Pre-Machining Contact: Avoid touching the tool to hard surfaces before machining to prevent chipping.
Material Suitability: Hard ferrous metals (45 Rc and higher).
| Material | BHN/Rc | Speed Range (SFM) | Feed IPR | Indexable PCD Tipped Inserts: Max DOC ACD & ATD | Indexable PCD Tipped Inserts: Max DOC ACP & ATP | Solid Carbide PCD Tipped Max DOC .120-.160 | Solid Carbide PCD Tipped Max DOC .180-.230 | Solid Carbide PCD Tipped Max DOC .290-.320 | Solid Carbide PCD Tipped Max DOC .360+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Silicon Aluminum | 225-350 BHN | 1000-5000 | .001-.007 | 0.025 | 0.08 | 0.015 | 0.021 | 0.03 | 0.045 |
| High Silicon Aluminum | 270-425 BHN | 600-3000 | .001-.007 | 0.025 | 0.08 | 0.015 | 0.021 | 0.03 | 0.045 |
| Metal Matrix Composites | N/A | 500-2000 | .001-.007 | 0.015 | 0.035 | 0.008 | 0.012 | 0.02 | 0.03 |
| Copper Alloys, Brass, Bronze | 80-120 BHN | 750-3500 | .001-.007 | 0.025 | 0.08 | 0.015 | 0.021 | 0.03 | 0.045 |
| Pre-sintered Tungsten Carbide | 140-300 BHN | 100-350 | .001-.005 | 0.007 | 0.012 | 0.003 | 0.005 | 0.007 | 0.012 |
| Acrylics | N/A | 700-1500 | .001-.007 | 0.025 | 0.08 | 0.015 | 0.021 | 0.03 | 0.045 |
| Fiberglass | N/A | 600-1000 | .001-.008 | 0.02 | 0.06 | 0.012 | 0.02 | 0.03 | 0.045 |
| Graphites | N/A | 600-1000 | .001-.009 | 0.025 | 0.08 | 0.015 | 0.021 | 0.03 | 0.045 |
| Nylon, Plastic | N/A | 700-1500 | .001-.010 | 0.025 | 0.08 | 0.015 | 0.021 | 0.03 | 0.045 |
| Hard Rubber | N/A | 500-2500 | .001-.011 | 0.025 | 0.08 | 0.015 | 0.021 | 0.03 | 0.045 |
SFM = Surface Feed per Minute DOC = Depth of Cut IPR = Inches per Revolution
Note: As the Depth of Cut (DOC) decreases the Feed Rate can increase.
Feed & Speed Chart for CBN
| Material | BHN/Rc | Speed Range (SFM) | Feed IPR | Indexable CBN Tipped Inserts: Max DOC ACD & ATD | Indexable CBN Tipped Inserts: Max DOC ACP & ATP | Solid Carbide CBN Tipped Max DOC .120-.160 | Solid Carbide CBN Tipped Max DOC .180-.230 | Solid Carbide CBN Tipped Max DOC .290-.320 | Solid Carbide CBN Tipped Max DOC .360+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Treated Alloy | 45-60Rc | 200-600 | .001-.005 | 0.01 | 0.04 | 0.003 | 0.004 | 0.006 | 0.009 |
| Tool Steel | 45-60Rc | 200-600 | .001-.005 | 0.01 | 0.04 | 0.003 | 0.004 | 0.006 | 0.009 |
| Nodular Iron | N/A | 600-1500 | .001-.005 | 0.009 | 0.035 | 0.006 | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.03 |
| Pearlitic Iron | 220-240BHN | 600-2500 | .001-.007 | 0.009 | 0.035 | 0.006 | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.03 |
| White/Chilled Iron | 54-60BHN | 200-500 | .001-.005 | 0.008 | 0.035 | 0.005 | 0.008 | 0.012 | 0.015 |
| Super Alloy Ni Base | 240-475 BHN | 200-800 | .001-.005 | 0.008 | 0.035 | 0.003 | 0.004 | 0.006 | 0.025 |
| Cobalt Based Allot, Stellite | 45-55Rc | 200-500 | .001-.005 | 0.008 | 0.035 | 0.003 | 0.004 | 0.006 | 0.009 |
| Inconels | 45-55Rc | 200-500 | .001-.005 | 0.008 | 0.035 | 0.003 | 0.004 | 0.006 | 0.009 |