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Precision machining is what produces a huge number of both large and small objects that we use in daily life. Each intricate piece that makes up an object requires one level or another of a machinist's skills. Likewise, a tool or machine that has been worn down will often require machine tool calibration, welding, or grooving by a precision machinist. From the production of aircraft aluminum alloys to surgical bone drilling devices and custom automotive tools, precision machining reaches into every technology and industry, including oil and gas. In other words, if an object contains parts, it required precision machining.

Quality precision machining requires the ability to follow extremely specific blueprints made by CAD (computer-aided design) or CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) programs like AutoCAD and TurboCAD. The software can help produce the complex, 3-dimensional diagrams or outlines needed in order to manufacture a tool, machine, or object. These blueprints must be adhered to with great detail to ensure that a product retains its integrity. While most precision machining companies work with some form of CAD/CAM programs, they still work often with hand-drawn sketches in the initial phases of a design.

Precision machining is used on a number of materials including steel, bronze, graphite, glass, and plastics to name a few. Depending on the size of the project and the materials to be used, various precision machining tools will be used. Any combination of lathes, milling machines, drill presses, saws and grinders, and even high-speed robotics may be used.The aerospace industry may use high-velocity machining, while a woodwork tool-making industry might use photo-chemical etching and milling processes. The churning out of a run, or a specific quantity of any particular item, can number in the thousands, or be just a few. Precision machining often requires the programming of CNC devices which means they are computer numerically controlled. The CNC device allows for exact dimensions to be followed throughout the run of a product.

Cemented carbides have been widely applied in cutting tools and wear-resistant components due to their ultrahigh hardness and good wear resistance. However, the disadvantages of limited impact toughness and high cost have restricted their further application. Consequently, cemented carbides are usually joining with ductile steels to combine the advantages of both. Among various materials joining technologies, brazing have been an effective method to achieve high quality dissimilar cemented carbide joints. In this paper, the research status of cemented carbide brazing is reviewed. The materials utilized as brazing filler metal in cemented carbide brazing joints are summarized in detail. Researchers have done lots of works utilizing Cu based and Ag based brazing filler metals which are the most commonly used interlayers in brazed joints of cemented carbide and ductile steel. The effects of different filler metal on wettability, microstructure, phase constitution and mechanical properties of brazed cemented carbides joints are analysed. Besides, a series of newly developed brazing filler material such as nickel-based high temperature brazing filler metal, amorphous brazing filler metal and high entropy alloy brazing filler materials are also involved.
A common failure mode with CBN in hard turning applications is flaking of the CBN blank. The cause is often the braze. The CBN tip is relatively small so the brazing area is too, then, the braze softens due to heat and causes the CBN to move, causing the flaking. End-users often lose productivity by moving to a softer CBN grade, that runs slower and does not last as long. However, the root cause is often the braze between the CBN and the carbide insert softened and caused the premature flaking. Another common failure mode is the tip comes off while machine. This is an obvious symptom of the braze softening.

This is the reason Tungaloy has introduced its “CBN WavyJoint”. The WavyJoint is a connection surface between the CBN segment and the carbide insert that is an irregular curving surface, alternating in opposite directions, similar to that of waves. This increases the contact surface between the CBN and the carbide insert by 160%. This feature alone decreases the probability of braze softening significantly.

The CBN WavyJoint insert is available in Tungaloy’s new BXA20 grade.

BXA20 is a new substrate, with a lower CBN content, coupled with a new coating that has excellent adhesion strength, making this grade ideal for resisting both crater and flank wear.

The BXA20 coating is a multi-layered titanium aluminum nitride that is 2 times thicker than conventional grades, which enhances flank wear resistance.

The binder in BXA20 has special chemical composition in titanium carbo-nitride base that is well balanced between hardness and toughness. Because of this, BXA20 has very high fracture resistance. This gives BXA20 a wide range of applications from continuous to heavy interrupted cuts.

BXA20 can run at speeds of up to 180 m/min (590 SFM)

WavyJoint is available with an “H” (heavy) edge prep which strengthens the cutting edge, making this ideal for interrupted applications.

This insert is also available with the new HM chip breaker. This breaker enables smooth and reliable chip control, while reducing crater wear on the rake surface. The chip breaker also works to reduce any chatter.

The CBN Wavy inserts are available in CNG*, DNG*, TNG*, VNG* and WNG* geometries.

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