PCBN Insert Grades for Hard Turning and Cast Iron
Compare ONMY PCBN grades by CBN content, cutting continuity, wear resistance, toughness and workpiece application. Use the grade range to narrow the choice, then confirm availability for the required insert code and tip structure.
PCBN Grade Range at a Glance
Lower-CBN grades are commonly selected for stable hard finishing, while higher-CBN and tougher grade directions become more relevant for abrasive materials or stronger interruption.
Fine hard turning and stable surface-finish applications.
General hard machining and lightly interrupted cuts.
Higher-speed hard machining with abrasion-resistance direction.
Tougher direction for moderate to heavy interruption.
Abrasive materials, heavy interruption and grey-iron boring.
High-wear cast iron and selected hardened-material applications.
| Grado | Contenido aproximado de CBN | Cutting Continuity | Primary Direction | Aplicación típica |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OBN45 | 45% | De continuo a moderadamente interrumpido | Wear control and surface finish | Finish hard turning and high-speed continuous turning |
| OBC50 | 50% | De continuo a ligeramente interrumpido | General hard-machining balance | Hardened steel and cold-work tool steel |
| O2C50 | 50% | De continuo a ligeramente interrumpido | Abrasion resistance at higher speed | High-speed hard machining |
| OBX60 / OBX65 | Aprox. 65% | Moderate to heavy interruption | Higher toughness | Interrupted hardened-steel turning |
| OBW85 | 85% | Heavy interruption and abrasive conditions | Chip resistance and abrasive-material performance | Grey-iron fine boring, valve seats and hard abrasive workpieces |
| OMB90 | 90% | High-wear conditions | High-CBN wear resistance | Grey cast iron, hard cast iron and selected turning or milling |
Grade availability varies by insert code and tip structure. The catalog overview uses OBX60, while several size tables use OBX65. Confirm the final commercial grade name before publication.
Understand Each PCBN Grade Direction
These descriptions help narrow the choice before the exact insert code, geometry and edge preparation are confirmed.
Fine Hard Turning Grade
A lower-CBN grade direction for stable hard finishing and surface-quality requirements.
- CBN content: approximately 45%
- Cut condition: continuous to moderately interrupted
- Aplicación: hardened-steel finishing
- Selection focus: wear pattern and surface finish
General Hard-Machining Grade
A balanced direction for continuous and lightly interrupted hard machining.
- CBN content: approximately 50%
- Cut condition: continuous to light interruption
- Aplicación: hardened and cold-work tool steels
- Selection focus: general-purpose hard turning
High-Speed Hard-Machining Grade
A 50% CBN direction emphasizing abrasion resistance for stable hard machining.
- CBN content: approximately 50%
- Cut condition: continuous to light interruption
- Aplicación: higher-speed hard turning
- Selection focus: flank-wear resistance
Interrupted Hard-Turning Grade
A tougher grade direction for hardened-steel cuts with stronger interruption and impact.
- CBN content: approximately 65%
- Cut condition: moderate to heavy interruption
- Aplicación: interrupted hardened-steel turning
- Selection focus: edge chipping and toughness
Heavy-Interruption and Abrasive Grade
A high-CBN direction for abrasive materials and applications demanding stronger edge reliability.
- CBN content: approximately 85%
- Cut condition: heavy interruption and abrasion
- Aplicación: grey-iron boring and valve seats
- Selection focus: chipping and abrasive wear
High-Wear Cast Iron Grade
A high-CBN wear-resistance direction for grey iron, hard iron and selected demanding cuts.
- CBN content: approximately 90%
- Cut condition: high-wear applications
- Aplicación: grey and hard cast iron
- Selection focus: abrasive tool life
PCBN Grades for Hard Turning
Begin with the continuity of cut and current failure mode, then confirm the insert geometry and available grade matrix.
Continuous and Light-Interrupted Cutting
Use wear-focused grades where dimensional consistency and surface finish are the main priorities.
Moderate and Heavy Interruption
Move toward tougher grade directions where keyways, holes or interrupted engagement cause edge chipping.
PCBN Grades for Cast Iron Machining
Cast-iron selection depends on abrasive structure, hardness, scale, inclusions and interruption.
Grey Iron and Fine Boring
High-CBN grade directions are commonly selected where abrasion and production consistency dominate.
Hard or Interrupted Cast Iron
Review the balance between wear resistance and toughness when hard phases or interruption increase edge impact.
How to Choose a PCBN Insert Grade
Identify the Material
Provide the steel or cast-iron grade, hardness, hardened layer and surface condition.
Define the Cut
Classify the operation as continuous, lightly interrupted, moderately interrupted or heavily interrupted.
Review the Failure Mode
Distinguish flank wear, chipping, breakage, poor finish and dimensional instability.
Confirm the Insert Matrix
Check the selected grade against the exact ISO code, tip structure, radius and edge preparation.
Information Needed for a PCBN Grade Recommendation
The grade name alone is not enough. Share the actual material, insert, operation and current result so the grade and edge condition can be reviewed together.
PCBN Insert Grades: Common Questions
What is a PCBN insert grade?
A PCBN grade defines the cutting material formulation and its balance of wear resistance, toughness and application suitability. The grade must also be matched to the insert geometry and edge preparation.
Does higher CBN content always mean a better grade?
No. Higher CBN content can support abrasive-material wear resistance, but lower-CBN grades may perform better in stable hardened-steel finishing. The correct balance depends on the workpiece and cutting condition.
Which PCBN grade is suitable for continuous hard turning?
OBN45, OBC50 and O2C50 are the main starting directions for continuous or lightly interrupted hard turning, subject to insert-code availability and the required finish.
Which PCBN grade is suitable for interrupted hard turning?
OBX60/OBX65 and OBW85 are tougher starting directions as interruption increases. Setup rigidity, edge preparation and actual impact still need to be reviewed.
Which PCBN grades are used for cast iron?
OBW85 and OMB90 are the main high-CBN directions for grey and hard cast iron, while tougher grades may be considered where interruption creates edge impact.
Is every PCBN grade available in every insert code?
No. Grade availability varies by insert family, size and tip structure. The exact catalog matrix must be confirmed before ordering.
Can ONMY cross-reference another brand's PCBN grade?
Send the original brand, grade, insert code, material and machining condition. A proposed alternative should be verified by application testing rather than grade name alone.
Send Your PCBN Machining Application
Share the material, insert code and current cutting condition. Our team will review the grade direction, geometry and quotation.
- Material y dureza de la pieza de trabajo
- Continuous or interrupted cutting condition
- Insert code, radius and tip structure
- Current grade and cutting data
- Tool life and failure mode
- Required quantity and target result
