WIDIA CBN POSITIVE
Guides & Resources
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about WIDIA CBN POSITIVE from 3G Electric.
What is the difference between WIDIA CBN POSITIVE inserts and conventional carbide inserts?
WIDIA CBN POSITIVE inserts are made from cubic boron nitride, a material with higher hardness and thermal stability than tungsten carbide. This makes them suitable for machining hardened steels and superalloys, where carbide inserts may wear rapidly. The positive rake geometry further reduces cutting forces, which can improve surface finish and dimensional control in finishing operations. Carbide inserts are generally used for softer materials or roughing operations where the higher toughness of carbide is beneficial. The choice between CBN and carbide depends on the workpiece material, hardness, and required surface quality.
What are the available geometries for WIDIA CBN POSITIVE inserts?
The WIDIA CBN POSITIVE line includes several ISO-standard insert shapes, such as diamond (C), triangle (T), and others. Specific models include CCGW, DCGW, TCGW, and DCMW, with various sizes and corner radii. For example, CCGW3252S0415M and DCGW11T304S01015MT are common configurations. The part numbers, such as 6904855 for TCGW inserts, help identify the exact geometry and grade. The positive rake is a common feature across the line, designed to reduce cutting forces. The selection depends on the turning operation, workpiece material, and machine tool conditions.
Can WIDIA CBN POSITIVE inserts be used for interrupted cutting?
WIDIA CBN POSITIVE inserts are generally designed for continuous cutting and finishing operations. Interrupted cutting, such as in milling or turning with interruptions, can subject the insert to impact loads that may cause chipping or breakage. The CBN material is hard but relatively brittle compared to carbide. For interrupted cuts, a tougher grade or a different tooling solution may be required. It is recommended to consult the manufacturer's guidelines for specific applications. In general, these inserts are best suited for smooth turning operations on hardened materials where the cutting edge is continuously engaged.
How do I select the correct WIDIA CBN POSITIVE insert for my application?
Selection depends on several factors: the workpiece material and its hardness, the type of turning operation (finishing, medium, or roughing), the machine tool's rigidity and speed capabilities, and the required surface finish and tolerance. The insert shape (e.g., C, D, T) affects the accessibility and strength of the cutting edge. The corner radius influences surface finish and cutting forces. The grade of CBN determines wear resistance and toughness. Manufacturer catalogs and technical guides provide detailed recommendations. 3G Electric can provide part numbers and specifications for the available SKUs to assist in matching the insert to the application.
What is the typical speed and feed for WIDIA CBN POSITIVE inserts?
Cutting parameters for WIDIA CBN POSITIVE inserts vary with the workpiece material, hardness, and operation. As a general guideline, CBN inserts are run at higher cutting speeds than carbide, often in the range of 100 to 300 m/min for hardened steels, depending on the specific grade and conditions. Feed rates are typically moderate to low for finishing, such as 0.05 to 0.2 mm/rev. Depth of cut is usually light, especially for finishing. These are starting points; optimal parameters should be determined through testing or by consulting the manufacturer's recommendations. The positive geometry allows for lower cutting forces, which can permit higher speeds or feeds in some cases.
Are WIDIA CBN POSITIVE inserts available in different grades?
The WIDIA CBN POSITIVE line includes inserts with different CBN grades, which are indicated by the suffix in the part number, such as S0415M or S01015MT. These grades may differ in CBN content, binder material, and coating, affecting properties like wear resistance, toughness, and thermal stability. The specific grade should be selected based on the workpiece material and cutting conditions. For example, a grade with higher CBN content may offer better wear resistance for high-speed finishing, while a grade with a ceramic binder may provide improved toughness. The manufacturer's technical data provides guidance on grade selection for various applications.
