KYOCERA Expands Hard Turning Insert Offering with New KBN010 for High-Speed Finishing

When turning steel above 45 Rc, it is advantageous to choose a CBN insert grade that can stand up to multiple hard turning operations and produce the finish, stability, and tool life needed to power through a variety of parts. Turning parts that have sections of continuous surfaces mixed with interruptions like automotive suspension, shafts, or gears requires repeatable tooling options that perform well in different situations. To give manufacturers a larger range of hard turning capabilities, Kyocera is introducing the brand new KBN010 high-speed CBN grade to broaden its offering of KBN series grades. 

While KBN020, released in early 2023, excels as a 1st choice for general purpose continuous to heavily interrupted machining, Kyocera’s new KBN010 grade expansion is specialized for high-speed finishing. The unique, mixed structure of micro grain and coarse grain CBN provides greater wear resistance and optimal surface finish at higher speeds compared to KBN020. 

Utilizing innovative new layering techniques, Kyocera has developed the MEGACOAT TOUGH coating technology. This coating combines a highly wear-resistant layer on the surface adhered to high-content CBN which is used to toughen up the edge for greater fracture resistance when encountering interruptions. The adhesion layer is laminated between the wear-resistance layer and the CBN to reduce layer peeling for longer tool life and stable machining. Providing both excellent wear resistance and fracture resistance gives the user more flexibility, range, performance, and tool life when turning hardened materials. 

To take full advantage of Kyocera’s new hard turning technology, it is important to follow the listed speed and feed recommendations to make the most out of your tool life and surface finish.