CBN Inserts & PCBN Inserts for Hard Turning
Brazed PCBN inserts in standard ISO shapes for hardened steel, cast iron, continuous cutting, interrupted cutting and precision finishing.
CBN and PCBN Insert Product Pages
Start with the product structure or machining function, then continue to ISO shape, grade and application selection.
Brazed PCBN Inserts
Browse CBN tipped inserts by 1N, 2N, 3N, entire-edge, long-edge and chipbreaker structure.
- Positive and negative ISO insert bodies
- Multiple usable-tip configurations
- Hard turning and cast-iron grade options
CBN Turning Inserts
Select PCBN lathe inserts for external turning, internal turning, profiling, facing and interrupted hard turning.
- Positive and negative turning geometries
- Nose-radius and edge-direction selection
- Starting cutting parameters and code search
Browse CBN Inserts by ISO Shape
Choose an indexable PCBN insert family by shape, clearance and turning application.
C
C-Type 80° Rhombic CBN Inserts
Stable cutting edges for general hard turning, facing and finishing.
D
D-Type 55° Rhombic CBN Inserts
Precision turning and profiling with standard, long-edge and chipbreaker options.
S
S-Type Square CBN Inserts
Rigid square inserts with 1-tip, 2-tip, entire-edge, full-face and chipbreaker designs.
T
T-Type Triangle CBN Inserts
Triangle inserts with 1-tip, 3-tip, entire-edge and selected full-face designs.
V
V-Type 35° Rhombic CBN Inserts
Sharp 35° geometry for profiling, finishing and access to complex contours.
W
W-Type Trigon CBN Inserts
Economical multi-corner inserts for stable external and internal turning.
CBN Inserts by Machining Application
Match the PCBN grade and edge design to the workpiece material and level of interruption.
CBN Inserts for Hard Turning
For hardened steel, bearing steel, case-hardened steel and finish turning where dimensional stability and surface quality matter.
View Hard Turning Inserts →
CBN Inserts for Cast Iron
For grey cast iron, hard cast iron, white iron, fine boring and valve-seat machining.
View Cast Iron Inserts →
PCBN Inserts for Stable Finishing
Choose wear-focused PCBN grades for continuous or lightly interrupted finishing where dimensional consistency and surface quality are priorities.
Compare Finishing Grades →
CBN Inserts for Interrupted Cutting
Use tougher PCBN grades and stable negative shapes for moderate or heavy interrupted hard turning.
View Interrupted Cutting Guidance →Representative CBN Cutting Parameters
Use these values as starting ranges only. Final settings depend on the PCBN grade, insert geometry, hardness, interruption level and machine rigidity.
Continuous Final Turning
- Vc: 125–210 m/min
- ap: 0.1–0.5 mm
- f: 0.05–0.2 mm/rev
Interrupted Final Turning
- Vc: 100–150 m/min
- ap: 0.1–0.5 mm
- f: 0.05–0.2 mm/rev
Final Turning
- Vc: 70–160 m/min
- ap: 0.1–1.0 mm
- f: 0.1–0.35 mm/rev
Final Turning
- Vc: 800–2000 m/min
- ap: 0.3–1.5 mm
- f: 0.1–0.35 mm/rev
Start from the lower half of the range for a new setup, unstable clamping or interrupted cutting. Increase one parameter at a time after checking edge wear, dimensional stability and surface finish.
CBN Insert Grades for Hard Turning and Cast Iron
Select a grade by CBN content, cutting continuity, toughness requirement and workpiece material.
| Grade | Approx. CBN Content | Recommended Condition | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBN45 | 45% | Continuous to moderately interrupted | Finish hard turning, high-speed turning and fine surface finish |
| OBC50 | 50% | Continuous to lightly interrupted | General hard machining and cold-work tool steels |
| O2C50 | 50% | Continuous to lightly interrupted | High-speed hard machining with abrasion resistance |
| OBX60 / OBX65 | Approx. 65% | Moderate to heavy interrupted turning | Hardened steel applications requiring higher toughness |
| OBW85 | 85% | Heavy interruption and abrasive materials | Grey-iron fine boring, valve seats and abrasive workpieces |
| OMB90 | 90% | High wear resistance | Grey/hard cast iron and hardened-steel turning or milling |
Catalog note: the grade overview uses “OBX60,” while several size tables use “OBX65.” Confirm the final commercial grade name before publishing.
Available PCBN Insert Structures
Choose the cutting-edge structure according to cost per edge, edge engagement and machining stability.
Popular CBN Insert Codes and ISO Sizes
Search common catalog codes or send a CNMG, TNMG, WNMG or other current part number for cross-reference.
| Insert Code | Shape / Family | Catalog Structures | Nose Radius | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNGA120408 | C-Type 80° Rhombic | 1N / 2N | 0.8 mm | Get Price |
| CNGA160608 | C-Type 80° Rhombic | 1N / 2N | 0.8 mm | Get Price |
| DNGA150408 | D-Type 55° Rhombic | 1N / 2N / Long Edge | 0.8 mm | Get Price |
| SNGA120408 | S-Type Square | 1N / 2N / Entire Edge | 0.8 mm | Get Price |
| TNGA160408 | T-Type Triangle | 1N / 3N / Entire Edge | 0.8 mm | Get Price |
| VNGA160404 | V-Type 35° Rhombic | 1N / 2N | 0.4 mm | Get Price |
| WNGA080408 | W-Type Trigon | 1N / 3N | 0.8 mm | Get Price |
| CCGW09T304 | Positive C-Type | 1N / 2N / Entire Edge | 0.4 mm | Get Price |
| DCGW11T304 | Positive D-Type | 1N / 2N | 0.4 mm | Get Price |
| TCGW16T304 | Positive T-Type | 1N / Entire Edge | 0.4 mm | Get Price |
Available grades vary by insert size and structure. Use the catalog matrix or request confirmation before ordering.
CBN Inserts Price and Manufacturing Support
CBN inserts price depends on the insert code, PCBN grade, number of tips, edge structure, quantity and custom requirements.
How to Specify Your PCBN Insert
Send the complete insert code and application details to shorten the selection and quotation process.
CBN Inserts: Common Questions
What is the full form of CBN insert?
CBN stands for cubic boron nitride. Commercial indexable CBN inserts are commonly made from PCBN, or polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, bonded into a cutting edge for hard machining.
What are CBN inserts used for?
CBN inserts are used for hard turning, hardened-steel finishing, cast-iron machining and selected interrupted-cutting applications where carbide tools may wear too quickly.
What is the difference between CBN and PCBN inserts?
CBN describes cubic boron nitride as a cutting material. PCBN describes a polycrystalline CBN compact used to manufacture practical cutting inserts. Buyers often use “CBN inserts” and “PCBN inserts” interchangeably.
Which CBN inserts are suitable for hard turning?
The correct choice depends on workpiece hardness, cutting continuity and required finish. Lower-CBN grades are commonly selected for finish hard turning, while tougher grades are preferred as interruption increases.
Can CBN inserts machine cast iron?
Yes. High-CBN grades are commonly applied to grey cast iron, hard cast iron, fine boring and valve-seat machining because of their wear resistance and edge strength.
What is the difference between CBN and ceramic inserts?
Both are used in hard machining, but PCBN generally provides higher wear resistance and can be more reliable in selected hard-turning and cast-iron applications. The better option depends on cost, speed, interruption and required tool life.
How much do CBN inserts cost?
Price depends on ISO code, PCBN grade, tip structure, edge preparation, quantity and customization. Send the current insert code and annual demand for an accurate quotation.
Can ONMY cross-reference another CBN insert code?
Yes. Send the current brand, part number, workpiece material and cutting condition. ONMY can review the catalog geometry and recommend a corresponding PCBN insert for testing.
Send Your CBN Insert Requirement
Provide the insert code, workpiece material, hardness and cutting condition. Our team will recommend a PCBN grade, structure and quotation.
- Insert code, drawing or current brand part number
- Workpiece material and hardness
- Continuous, light-interrupted or heavy-interrupted cutting
- Current grade, tool life or surface-finish target
- Trial quantity and estimated annual demand
