Borazon: A Popular Alternative to Diamond Grinding Tools

Borazon, generically known as a cubic form of boron nitride or CBN, is one of the hardest known materials in existence today. It is second in hardness only to diamond. This extremely solid quality of CBN makes it a popular choice in manufacturing steel tools.

Until a few decades ago, diamond was the preferred tool used for grinding extremely hard superalloys, while aluminum oxide was relegated to steel and other softer metals. But with the advent of CBN, diamond and aluminum oxide were pushed to second place, as CBN is the abrasive grinder used worldwide.

Before CBN was popularized, aluminum oxide was the conventional abrasive used on tools made of steel. CBN eventually replaced aluminum oxide as the leading grinder for hardened steel, and in comparison to the latter, CBN’s abrasive properties have taken the industry by storm due to its effectiveness. Aside from this, CBN’s tolerance for extreme temperatures is phenomenal, as it can withstand temperature conditions of more than 2000 degrees Celsius (3500 degrees Fahrenheit). This is even higher than diamond’s temperature tolerance, which is capped at 871 degrees Celsius or 1600 degrees Fahrenheit.

CBN is also used in more delicate industries such as jewelry making, glass cutting and diamond laceration.

It was first produced by General Electric company physical chemist Robert H. Wentorf Jr. in 1957. Although more than half a century has passed since it was first introduced, CBN still remains the preferred material for industrial grinding. The name “Borazon” was adopted by General Electric as its trademark for the CBN Wentorf produced.

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Continental Diamond Tool Corporation is a supplier of diamond drilling equipment. They use only the best materials to manufacture their tools, such as Borazon. Visit http://www.cdtusa.net or call (800) 443-6629 for more information.