CBN / PCBN TURNING INSERTS
CBN / PCBN Inserts for Hardened Steel & Cast Iron
Tipped, full-edge and solid CBN inserts for continuous and interrupted hard turning. Selection starts with workpiece grade and HRC, cut stability, ISO insert size and the roughing or finishing target.
Choosing CBN for Continuous or Interrupted Cuts
Send the workpiece grade and HRC, current insert, cut condition and cutting data.
To Get Started:Share the material and HRC, current insert, cut condition and surface target.

- Hardened Steel Turning
- Cast Iron Machining
- Interrupted Cut Grades
- ISO Insert Formats
Indexable CBN (PCBN) Inserts for Diverse Machining Needs
We offer a variety of indexable CBN/PCBN inserts. You can provide the tool model based on the ISO designation key, and we will manufacture the appropriate inserts to match the tool’s application and material performance. These indexable inserts are commonly used for turning, boring, grooving, milling, threading, and as part of a replaceable tooling system.
Full Edge CBN Turning Inserts
Continuous cutting edges deliver stability for high-speed turning.
View DetailsSolid CBN Inserts
Solid CBN tooling for heavy cutting and high stock removal in cast iron.
View DetailsCBN Threading Inserts
Reliable threading inserts for hardened steels with excellent tool life.
View DetailsCBN and PCBN Turning Inserts for Hardened Materials
APPLICATIONS
CBN / PCBN Insert Applications
Typical application examples include continuous hard turning, interrupted turning, cast-iron machining and shaft components. The examples shown are not exhaustive and do not define the full machining capabilities of CBN / PCBN inserts. Suitability depends on the material grade, hardness and cutting conditions.

Continuous Hard Turning
Continuous cuts on hardened-steel surfaces

Interrupted Turning
Turning across interrupted workpiece surfaces

Cast-Iron Turning
Turning cast-iron components and profiles

Shaft Components
Turning cylindrical and stepped surfaces
Advantages of Using CBN Inserts
CBN inserts deliver exceptional hardness and superior wear resistance, which ensures extremely slow tool wear and extended tool life during the machining of quenched steels, chilled cast iron, and other materials containing hard carbides or martensite. Thanks to outstanding thermal stability, the cutting edge remains sharp and reliable even under high cutting temperatures, consistently guaranteeing precision. And unlike PCD inserts, CBN exhibits very low chemical affinity with ferrous elements (Fe, Ni, Co), establishing it as the ideal solution for machining ferrous metals.
Materials & Applications
When it comes to machining ferrous materials and superalloys (Ni-base, Co-base), CBN inserts are an excellent choice, especially for the following applications:
User Case CBN (PCBN) Inserts
CBN Inserts for Turning Hardened Steel

PerformanceCompare with other brands
1.7 x
Tooling LifeCompare with carbide Inserts
50 x
Hardened Steel, 57–62 HRC
Working Material100 M/Min
Cutting Speed (V)0.1 mm/Rev
Feed (f)0.15 mm
Cutting Depth (d)
Performance
- Over 500 pcs per insert set
- Better dimensional accuracy
- Superior surface roughness control
CBN Inserts for Turning Half Shaft

PerformanceCompare with other brands
1.5 x
Tooling LifeCompare with carbide Inserts
53 x
HRC55–60 (20CrNiMoH)
Working Material170 M/Min
Cutting Speed (V)0.22 mm/Rev
Feed (f)0.1 mm
Cutting Depth (d)
Performance
Tooling life increased 15% over competitors at the same parameter
Greatly reduced the user’s cost
Why Choose SUNDI as Your CBN (PCBN) Inserts Manufacturer
Our CBN/PCBN turning inserts are engineered for longer tool life and uniform surface finish, as well as exceptional dimensional control. As a result, component costs can be reduced, leading to higher productivity and cost savings in the overall manufacturing process.

Cost Reduction
Longer tool life reduces machining cost and improves efficiency.High-Quality Materials
UK E6 CBN raw materials ensure hardness and stability.Experienced Team
Skilled engineers and workers guarantee reliable performance.Advanced Equipment
Peripheral grinders, laser cutting, vacuum brazing ensure precision.

The CBN Material Behavior
E6 CBN deliver strength, stability, and superior performance.
Strength/toughnessLow CBN 40-70% 0.5-5μm
Thermal conductivity
Strength/toughnessHigh CBN 70-95% 2-10μm
Thermal conductivity

DCN450
Sub-μm CBN grain size

DCC500
1.5 μm average grain size

DCX650
Average 3 μm proprietary multi-modal grain size

DBW85
2 μm average grain size

DBS900
2 μm average grain size
| Work Material | Hardness | Cutting Speed(m/min) | Cutting Depth d(mm) | Feed Rate f(mm/rev) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardened Steel | >55HRC | 130~210 | - 0.5 | - 0.5 | DCN450 |
| <56HRC | 100~190 | - 0.5 | 0.3~0.5 | DCC500 | |
| Gray Cast Irons | <55HRC | 600~2500 | 0.2~2.0 | 0.5~5.0 | DBW85 |
| >55HRC | 600~2500 | 0.1~1.0 | 0.1~2.0 | DBS900 / DBW85 | |
| Nodular Cast Iron | - | 150~350 | 0.2~2.0 | 0.1~1.0 | DCC500 / DCX650 |
| White and Chrome Cast Irons | - | 50~80 | 0.2~2.0 | 0.1~0.5 | DBW85/DBS900 |
| 50~100 | 1.0~3.0 | 0.2~2.0 | |||
| Valve Seat Rings | <350HV | 50~180 | 0.1~0.5 | 0.05~0.2 | DBW85 |
| >350HV | 50~180 | 0.1~0.5 | 0.05~0.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions for CBN Insers and Catalogs
FAQ
Is It Real That CBN Turning Doesn't Cut Steel but That It Creates a Chemical Reaction That Burns the Steel?
This is a common misunderstanding. CBN inserts do not “burn” the steel. Instead, the extreme hardness and thermal stability of CBN allow it to mechanically cut hardened steels at very high temperatures, where carbide tools would fail. There is no burning; it is still a cutting process with controlled wear.
What Is the Average CBN Insert Price?
Lead time depends on the product and order volume. Standard items can often be shipped within 3-7 days, while customized inserts may take 10-20 days.
What Is the Usual Delivery Time?
Lead time depends on the product and order volume. Standard items can often be shipped within 3-7 days, while customized inserts may take 10-20 days.
Do You Support International Shipping?
Yes. We work with DHL, FedEx, UPS, and other carriers. Sea or air freight can also be arranged according to customer requirements.
I Don’t Have Experience in Overseas Purchasing. Can I Still Buy From You?
Of course. We provide full support for new buyers, including guidance on quotation, payment, customs, and shipping, so you can purchase without concerns.
What After-Sales Service Do You Provide?
We offer complete after-sales support, including product quality tracking, usage guidance, and technical advice. In case of quality issues, we will arrange a return or replacement promptly.
Do You Provide Technical Support?
Yes. Our experienced engineers can recommend the right CBN grade and cutting parameters based on your workpiece material, hardness, and machine condition.
Why Is the CBN Insert Price Higher Than Carbide Inserts?
CBN is a super-hard material that requires advanced manufacturing technology. Although the unit price is higher, CBN inserts last much longer and reduce downtime, which lowers the overall machining cost.





