Secomax™ CH2540 07:18

High performance PCBN Grades for hard part turning

CH2540 was launced in SECO NEWS 2016-1 and is a completely new grade for H25, interrupted cuts, but also for mixed operations with both interrupted and continuous cuts.

CH2540 is developed to replace CBN160C and to be a part of the new grade chain and has bimodal grain size distribution, where fine grained cBN (1 µm) with 15 µm grains added to the structure. This adds both wear resistance and toughness to the substrate which leads to a larger working window.

There are more advantages

The new CH2540 is available in solid format. This format increase number of cutting edges. Comparing with CBN160C has number of cutting edges been increased with 100%.

While it is clear to see the economic and insert integrity advantages of solid PCBN, other advantages include reduced inventory and ease of handling of one multi-edged solid insert compared with several single or multi-tipped inserts required to achieve the same amount of work.

For more information, please contact your local Seco representative, or our Advanced material (PCBN/PCD/CERAMIC) team.

Author: Per Ola Jönander Product Specialist SECOMAX PCBN/PCD/CERAMIC SECO TOOLS AB 737 82 Fagersta, Sweden Office +4622340818 Mobile +46703163555 email:perola.jonander@secotools.com

Selecting the right grade 00:00

Selecting the right grade for the specific application is crucial for the success of a PCBN-test. The selection should be based on the application, but it is also important to look at the existing grade, cutting data and tool wear to be able to make the right choice.

In a continuous application, turning the face and inner diameter of a gear, a typical H05 application, a hard and wear resistant grade like CH0550 should be the right choice, but testing was not successful.



The competition was using a tougher grade suitable for more interrupted turning. Tool wear was chipping of the insert. Looking at the surface of the component, it was obvious that there were small vibrations present.

In this case it was not possible to reduce the vibrations (by changing machine tool, clamping etc), so CBN060K was selected, which is tougher than CH0550, and more able to resist the vibrations, and the result was 25% longer tool life than the competitor.

Two conclusions can be drawn from this:

1. When selecting the grade, look at the application, and look at what the competitor is using. In this case, the competitor had selected the right grade. 
2. CBN060K has been available for a while, but it is part of the HPT-chain, and still a very good grade, and it has its given position in the wear resistance versus toughness (ISO application area) chart, fully capable of beating any competitor in the H15 area. In a continuous application, turning the face and inner diameter of a gear, a typical H05 application, a hard and wear resistant grade like CH0550 should be the right choice, but testing was not successful.

For more information, please contact your local Seco representative, or our Advanced material (PCBN/PCD/CERAMIC) team.

Author: Henrik Sandqvist Product Specialist SECOMAX PCBN/PCD/CERAMIC SECO TOOLS Shanghai CO., Ltd. Building 4, No 797, Puxing Road, Pujiang Town, Minhang District, Shanghai 201114, China Office: +86 21 5426 5849 Mobile: +86 185 1520 6942 e-mail: henrik.sandqvist@secotools.com

CH0550 continues to beat the competition 00:02

The new HPT-grades continue to show good results. When machining of a cylindrical part on a clutch cover, CH0550 improved tool life by 30% compared to the competitor.

The surface criterion was R_z < 2 mm, and a wiper insert was selected, CNGA120408S-01525-L1-WZ-B, CH0550. An additional test was done with a larger nose radius, and that improved tool life with another 10%.

The competitor could also select a larger nose radius and maybe get more tool life, but he had not done that. Instead we strengthened our relationship with the customer by being the practical experts and offering him the best solution.

For more information, please contact your local Seco representative, or our Advanced material (PCBN/PCD/CERAMIC) team.

Author: Henrik Sandqvist Product Specialist SECOMAX PCBN/PCD/CERAMIC SECO TOOLS Shanghai CO., Ltd. Building 4, No 797, Puxing Road, Pujiang Town, Minhang District, Shanghai 201114, China Office: +86 21 5426 5849 Mobile: +86 185 1520 6942 e-mail: henrik.sandqvist@secotools.com