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CBN Insert Codes and Sizes

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ISO Insert Code Guide

CBN Insert Codes, Shapes and Sizes

Search common CBN and PCBN insert codes, compare C, D, S, T, V and W shapes, and review positive and negative ISO families. Use the full code, radius, tip structure and edge direction when requesting a quotation or cross-reference.

CNGA / CCGW DNGA / DCGW SNGA / SCGW TNGA / VNGA / WNGA
CBN insert codes shapes and sizes guide
Identify the complete insert specification Shape, clearance, tolerance, hole style, size, thickness, nose radius, PCBN structure and edge direction all matter.
How to read a CBN insert ISO code
Use a final labeled diagram showing a representative code such as CNGA120408 and the meaning of each position.
Code Anatomy

How to Read a CBN Insert Code

A complete insert code describes the insert body and nominal dimensions. The PCBN tip structure, grade and edge direction may be added separately in the catalog or quotation.

1st Letter — ShapeC, D, S, T, V or W identifies the insert shape.
2nd Letter — ClearanceN commonly indicates a negative insert; C, P or other letters may identify positive-clearance styles.
3rd Letter — ToleranceDefines the dimensional tolerance class of the insert body.
4th Letter — Hole / ChipbreakerDescribes hole, countersink, chipbreaker or insert construction.
First Number GroupNominal inscribed-circle or insert-size designation.
Second Number GroupNominal insert thickness.
Final Number GroupNose radius, commonly 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 or 1.6 mm.
Additional SuffixMay identify ER/EL direction, 1N/2N/3N, entire edge, long edge or other structure.
ISO Shape Families

Browse CBN Insert Codes by Shape

Use the shape family to narrow the holder compatibility and machining access before checking the exact size.

C

C-Type 80° Rhombic

Stable general turning and facing geometry.

CNGACNMACCGWCPGW
D

D-Type 55° Rhombic

Profiling, shoulder access and long-edge options.

DNGADNMADCGWDPGW
S

S-Type Square

Rigid square geometry for stable hard machining.

SNGASNMASCGWSPGW
T

T-Type Triangle

Multiple-corner general turning geometry.

TNGATNMATCGWTPGW
V

V-Type 35° Rhombic

Fine profiling and access to complex contours.

VNGAVNMAVCGWVBGW
W

W-Type Trigon

Multi-corner geometry for economical turning.

WNGAWNMAWCGWWCMW
Catalog Code Search

Search Common CBN Insert Codes and Sizes

Search representative catalog codes. Send the complete current part number if the required code is not listed.

Insert Code Shape / Clearance Representative Size Nose Radius Catalog Structure Action
CNGA120408C-Type / Negative12 series, 4.76 mm class thickness0.8 mm1N / 2NRequest Quote
CNGA160608C-Type / Negative16 series, 6.35 mm class thickness0.8 mm1N / 2NRequest Quote
CCGW09T304C-Type / Positive09T3 series0.4 mm1N / 2N / Entire EdgeRequest Quote
DNGA150408D-Type / Negative15 series, 4.76 mm class thickness0.8 mm1N / 2N / Long EdgeRequest Quote
DCGW11T304D-Type / Positive11T3 series0.4 mm1N / 2NRequest Quote
SNGA120408S-Type / Negative12 series, 4.76 mm class thickness0.8 mm1N / 2N / Entire EdgeRequest Quote
TNGA160408T-Type / Negative16 series, 4.76 mm class thickness0.8 mm1N / 3N / Entire EdgeRequest Quote
TCGW16T304T-Type / Positive16T3 series0.4 mm1N / Entire EdgeRequest Quote
VNGA160404V-Type / Negative16 series, 4.76 mm class thickness0.4 mm1N / 2NRequest Quote
VCGW160404V-Type / Positive16 series0.4 mm1NRequest Quote
WNGA080404W-Type / Negative08 series, 4.76 mm class thickness0.4 mm1N / 3NRequest Quote
WNGA080408W-Type / Negative08 series, 4.76 mm class thickness0.8 mm1N / 3NRequest Quote

The complete catalog contains additional sizes, radii and positive/negative families. Confirm the final dimension and available PCBN grade from the exact insert matrix.

Additional Code Information

PCBN Tip and Edge Structure Codes

The ISO body code does not always describe the complete PCBN cutting structure. Include the additional structure in your enquiry.

1N

One Brazed PCBN Tip

One usable PCBN corner with a defined cutting direction.

2N

Two Brazed PCBN Tips

Two usable PCBN cutting corners on selected insert families.

3N

Three Brazed PCBN Tips

Three-corner structures on selected triangle and trigon families.

E

Entire Edge

Extended PCBN cutting edge for wider engagement than a localized tip.

L

Long Edge

Long-edge D-type structures for selected profiling and turning cuts.

ER / EL

Right or Left Edge

Identifies cutting-edge direction and corresponding holder orientation.

Selection Process

How to Confirm a CBN Insert Code

1

Copy the Full Code

Record every letter, number and suffix from the current insert or packaging.

2

Confirm Dimensions

Check inscribed circle, thickness, hole style and nose radius against the drawing.

3

Confirm PCBN Structure

Specify 1N, 2N, 3N, entire edge, long edge, chipbreaker and ER/EL direction.

4

Match Grade and Application

Provide the workpiece, hardness, cutting continuity and current grade.

Cross-Reference Support

Information Needed to Match an Insert Code

A similar-looking insert may have a different clearance, tolerance, hole, radius or edge direction. Send the complete specification before testing an alternative.

Full Part NumberOriginal brand, complete ISO code and grade
Insert DimensionsIC, thickness, hole and nose radius
PCBN Structure1N, 2N, 3N, E, L, chipbreaker or full face
Edge DirectionER, EL or holder orientation
WorkpieceMaterial, hardness and cutting continuity
Current ResultTool life, failure mode and required quantity
Insert Code FAQ

CBN Insert Codes and Sizes: Common Questions

What does CNGA120408 mean?

CNGA identifies the insert shape, clearance, tolerance and construction. The numeric groups identify the nominal size, thickness and nose radius. Additional PCBN tip and edge information may be specified separately.

What is the difference between CNGA and CCGW?

CNGA is a negative-clearance C-type insert family, while CCGW is a positive-clearance C-type family. They require different holder and cutting-condition considerations.

What do 1N, 2N and 3N mean?

They identify the number of usable brazed PCBN tips on the insert: one, two or three tips.

What do ER and EL mean?

ER and EL identify right- and left-edge orientation. The correct direction must match the holder and feed direction.

Can ONMY supply a CBN insert code that is not shown?

Send the complete code, drawing or sample. Availability should be confirmed from the actual dimensions, PCBN structure and grade requirement.

Can ONMY cross-reference Sandvik, Sumitomo or Mitsubishi codes?

Yes, send the original brand, complete part number, grade and application. A proposed alternative should be verified through machining tests.

Is every PCBN grade available in every insert size?

No. Grade availability varies by shape, size, radius and tip structure. Confirm the exact matrix before ordering.

Request Code Matching

Send Your CBN Insert Code or Drawing

Share the complete part number, dimensions and machining condition. Our team will review the available shape, size, PCBN structure, grade and quotation.

  • Original brand and complete insert code
  • Drawing, dimensions or product photo
  • 1N, 2N, 3N, entire-edge or long-edge requirement
  • ER/EL direction and holder code
  • Workpiece material and hardness
  • Current grade, tool life and required quantity

Get an Insert Code Cross-Reference

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