Crystal Morphology
Irregular, relatively regular, friable and blocky grain structures are important initial selection factors.
SinoDiam International · Advanced Superabrasives
Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) Abrasive Grit for Precision Grinding
Explore SinoDiam's four synthetic cubic boron nitride abrasive grades for grinding wheel manufacturing and selected hardened ferrous material applications.
Compare CBN-A10, CBN-A20, CBN-B10 and CBN-B20 by crystal morphology, friability, toughness positioning, mesh size and bond compatibility.
Amber & Black CBN
Resin Bond
Vitrified Bond
Metal & Electroplated
Four specialized grades · Mesh selection by specification · Application-based bond selection
CBN Abrasive Grit
Representative CBN Abrasive Crystals · SinoDiam CBN Series
01 / Technical Overview
CBN Abrasives for Hardened Steel & Ferrous Grinding
Cubic boron nitride is an important superabrasive for selected hardened ferrous-material grinding operations.
Cubic boron nitride (CBN) is a synthetic superabrasive used in grinding tools for many hardened steels and other suitable ferrous materials. CBN grades differ in particle morphology, crystal toughness, fracture behavior and intended tool-manufacturing applications.
SinoDiam offers four established CBN grit grades: A10, A20, B10 and B20. Choosing among them requires matching the abrasive to the grinding wheel bond, grit size, workpiece and operating conditions.
Bond Compatibility
Resin, vitrified, metal and electroplated tools have different grain-retention requirements.
Application-Oriented Selection
Mesh size, workpiece hardness, grinding load, coolant and wheel design influence finished-tool performance.
CBN Grit Is Not the Same as PCBN Cutting Material
CBN grit consists of individual abrasive grains used in bonded grinding tools. PCBN is a consolidated polycrystalline cutting-material system used in selected machining applications. The two product forms have different selection and manufacturing requirements.
02 / CBN Product Portfolio
Explore SinoDiam Four CBN Abrasive Grades
Compare the amber and black CBN series according to crystal characteristics, toughness and primary bond-system applications.
Four Specialized CBN Grades
Select the Abrasive Around Your Grinding Wheel
Each SinoDiam grade is positioned for particular grinding-tool needs. Confirm the current mesh and technical specification before adopting a grade.
CBN-A10
Grade 01 · Amber Irregular
CBN-A10
Medium Toughness · Resin Bond
Amber-colored CBN grit with irregular crystal morphology and medium-toughness catalogue positioning.
Consider for resin-bond grinding wheels where grain retention, abrasive fracture and cutting behavior need to be balanced.
Explore CBN-A10 Specifications →
CBN-A20
Grade 02 · Amber Regular
CBN-A20
High Toughness · Multi-Bond
Relatively regular amber CBN crystals with high-toughness catalogue positioning.
Consider for selected vitrified, metal-bond and electroplated tools where grain integrity and appropriate retention are important.
Explore CBN-A20 Specifications →
CBN-B10
Grade 03 · Black Friable
CBN-B10
Low Toughness · Resin Bond
Black friable CBN abrasive with irregular particle morphology and low-toughness positioning.
Consider for resin-bond precision grinding where controlled grain fracture and cutting-edge renewal are relevant.
Explore CBN-B10 Specifications →
CBN-B20
Grade 04 · Bright Black Blocky
CBN-B20
High Toughness · Higher-Load Grinding
Bright black, blocky CBN crystals positioned for applications where grain strength and integrity are important.
Consider for higher-load grinding and selected vitrified, metal-bond and electroplated tool systems.
Explore CBN-B20 Specifications →Product characteristics describe catalogue positioning. Crystal toughness, size availability, bond compatibility and finished-tool performance require the applicable technical specification and process validation.
03 / Grade Selection
CBN-A10 vs. A20 vs. B10 vs. B20
A practical reference for matching crystal morphology and toughness positioning to abrasive-tool design.
| Grade | Crystal Characteristics | Toughness Positioning | Primary Bond | Selection Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBN-A10 | Amber · Irregular | Medium | Resin | Balanced retention and controlled grain fracture |
| CBN-A20 | Amber · Relatively Regular | High | Vitrified / Metal / Electroplated | Grain integrity and multi-bond compatibility |
| CBN-B10 | Black · Friable / Irregular | Low / Friable | Resin | Grain fracture and cutting-edge renewal |
| CBN-B20 | Bright Black · Blocky | High | Vitrified / Metal / Electroplated | Higher-load grinding and abrasive grain integrity |
Toughness descriptions are relative catalogue classifications, not measured numerical values. Crystal color alone does not determine material strength, purity, friability or grinding results.
04 / Bond Compatibility
Choose CBN Grit for Your Grinding Wheel Bond System
The bond determines how CBN grains are retained, exposed and renewed during grinding.
Resin Bond CBN Wheels
Resin-bond tools require the appropriate relationship between grain fracture, wheel wear and abrasive retention.
Grades to evaluate: CBN-A10 and CBN-B10.
View CBN-A10 →Vitrified Bond CBN Wheels
Vitrified tools require evaluation of ceramic chemistry, firing conditions, grain integrity, porosity and wheel dressing.
Grades to evaluate: CBN-A20 and CBN-B20.
View CBN-A20 →Metal Bond CBN Tools
Metal-bond tools depend on matrix chemistry, manufacturing conditions, abrasive exposure and effective grain retention.
Grades to evaluate: CBN-A20 and CBN-B20.
View CBN-B20 →Electroplated CBN Tools
Single-layer electroplated tools rely on deposited metal to support abrasive particles. Plating quality and grain protrusion are critical.
Grades to evaluate: CBN-A20 and CBN-B20.
View CBN-A20 →Bond Compatibility Is Formulation-Specific
A CBN grade positioned for vitrified, metal or electroplated bonds is not automatically compatible with every ceramic firing cycle, metal matrix or nickel plating process. Selection must be confirmed for the intended tool.
05 / Particle Size Selection
Understanding CBN Mesh Size & Grit Selection
Mesh size influences abrasive contact, material removal and the possible finished-surface condition.
The historical SinoDiam CBN product descriptions reference grit fractions from 50/60 to 325/400 mesh. Different grinding operations may require different abrasive-size distributions and wheel structures.
The examples below illustrate initial selection directions. They do not guarantee current stock, optimal performance or exact particle-size limits.
Coarser Grinding Evaluation
Consider when larger abrasive particles are acceptable within the tool design.
Confirm wheel retention, grinding force, workpiece damage and finishing requirements.
General Precision Grinding
Evaluate where intermediate particle size may help balance removal and surface requirements.
Compare actual wheel wear, abrasive exposure and grinding behavior.
Fine Grinding Evaluation
Consider for selected finer grinding operations.
Review oversize control, wheel structure, dressing and finished-surface quality.
Grading Standards
Nominal mesh labels should be interpreted using a specified grading standard and its particle-size acceptance limits.
Crystal Toughness by Size
Fracture behavior may vary across CBN particle-size fractions. Request grade-specific testing where necessary.
Bond Retention
Grain size and exposure must match the bond type, tool construction and expected grinding load.
Surface Quality
Surface roughness depends on the complete grinding process, not on mesh size alone.
Historical Size Range vs. Current Supply
The 50/60–325/400 mesh reference comes from previous product descriptions. Please confirm current available CBN fractions, grading specifications and test data before ordering.
06 / Industrial Applications
Applications of Cubic Boron Nitride Abrasive Grit
Select CBN by workpiece hardness, alloy composition, bond system, grinding load and tool design.
Hardened Tool Steel Grinding
CBN abrasive wheels are candidates for grinding suitable hardened tool steels, with attention to surface integrity and burn risk.
Explore CBN Grades →High-Speed Steel Tools
Selected high-speed steel cutting tools may use CBN grinding wheels for controlled edge and geometry preparation.
Explore CBN-A20 →Alloy Steel Precision Grinding
Suitable hardened alloy-steel components may require CBN tools with carefully selected grain toughness and bond.
Explore CBN-B10 →Vitrified CBN Grinding Wheels
Ceramic-bond tool manufacturing requires suitable crystal integrity, firing compatibility, porosity and grinding-wheel conditioning.
Explore CBN-A20 →Metal-Bond Grinding Tools
CBN grain selection must match the metal matrix, sintering conditions, abrasive exposure and expected grinding load.
Explore CBN-B20 →Electroplated Profile Grinding
Single-layer CBN tools may be evaluated for suitable profile grinding tasks where particle protrusion and retention matter.
Explore CBN-B20 →Applications are evaluation directions, not guaranteed suitability for every steel grade, machine or grinding condition. Material state, tool safety and actual processing requirements must be confirmed.
07 / Engineering Selection
How to Select the Right SinoDiam CBN Grade
A practical selection process for grinding-wheel manufacturers, abrasive-tool developers and technical buyers.
Identify the Workpiece
Define the alloy, hardness, heat treatment, geometry, stock removal and surface integrity requirements.
Confirm the Bond System
Specify resin, vitrified, metal or electroplated construction and the relevant manufacturing conditions.
Select Grade & Mesh Size
Compare CBN morphology, toughness, friability, particle-size distribution and abrasive concentration.
Validate Grinding Performance
Evaluate grinding forces, wheel wear, dressing behavior, surface quality, thermal effects and production economics.
Diamond or CBN for Hardened Ferrous Materials?
CBN is commonly selected for grinding many hardened ferrous alloys because of its chemical behavior in relevant steel-grinding conditions. Diamond is often considered for other workpieces, including suitable carbides, ceramics and abrasive nonferrous materials. The abrasive choice must follow the actual workpiece and process.
08 / SinoDiam Technical Support
Application-Focused CBN Grit Selection
SinoDiam supports industrial superabrasive selection and technical supply discussions for international customers.
Four CBN Grade Options
A10, A20, B10 and B20 provide different crystal characteristics and initial bond-selection directions.
Specification-Based Support
Discuss grading, toughness, crystal morphology, bond compatibility and tool manufacturing requirements.
China & Thailand
SinoDiam supports international industrial diamond and superabrasive supply discussions through its China and Thailand operations.
Related SinoDiam Advanced Superabrasives
CBN abrasive grit is one part of the SinoDiam advanced superabrasive portfolio, alongside PCD, PCBN and PDC cutting materials.
09 / Technical FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions — CBN Abrasive Grit
Common questions about CBN crystal morphology, bond compatibility, grit size and grinding applications.
1. What is cubic boron nitride abrasive grit?
CBN grit consists of synthetic cubic boron nitride abrasive particles used in suitable bonded grinding tools, especially for selected hardened ferrous materials.
2. What is the difference between CBN-A10 and CBN-A20?
A10 is amber irregular CBN with medium-toughness positioning and a resin-bond focus. A20 is relatively regular amber CBN with high-toughness positioning for selected vitrified, metal and electroplated tools.
3. What is the difference between CBN-B10 and CBN-B20?
B10 is black friable CBN primarily positioned for resin-bond fine grinding. B20 is bright black blocky CBN with high-toughness positioning for selected higher-load grinding and multi-bond tools.
4. Does black CBN always have higher toughness than amber CBN?
No. Color is not a direct measure of crystal strength or purity. Toughness depends on the particular CBN grade, size fraction, internal structure and test method.
5. Which SinoDiam CBN grades are intended for resin bonds?
CBN-A10 and CBN-B10 are the primary resin-bond-oriented grades in this portfolio. Their preferred use depends on desired grain fracture, bond retention and grinding conditions.
6. Which CBN grades should be evaluated for vitrified bonds?
CBN-A20 and CBN-B20 are initial candidates for selected vitrified-bond tools. The final choice must be checked against ceramic chemistry, firing conditions and finished-wheel requirements.
7. Can CBN-A20 and B20 be used in electroplated grinding tools?
Electroplated tools are among their intended evaluation directions. Actual suitability depends on the grit fraction, plating process, particle exposure and deposit retention.
8. What does friability mean for CBN-B10?
Friability describes a tendency to fracture under mechanical loading. Controlled fracture can expose cutting edges, but excessive breakage may increase wheel wear. The effect must be evaluated in the tool.
9. Is a higher-toughness CBN always better?
No. Grain toughness must match grinding load, bond retention and desired cutting-edge renewal. Some processes may benefit from a more friable abrasive.
10. What CBN mesh sizes are available?
Historical SinoDiam product descriptions reference fractions from 50/60 to 325/400 mesh. Current available sizes, grading standards and distributions must be confirmed.
11. Does CBN grit guarantee a particular surface roughness?
No. Surface quality is determined by the finished grinding wheel, grit size, workpiece, machine, dressing and operating conditions. A grain grade alone cannot guarantee a specific Ra value.
12. Is CBN suitable for grinding all steel grades?
No. Suitability depends on alloy type, hardness, heat treatment, tool design and economics. Conventional abrasives may be preferable for some lower-hardness steels.
13. Is CBN-B20 the same as PCBN cutting material?
No. CBN-B20 is an abrasive grit. PCBN is a consolidated polycrystalline cutting-material system. Their product forms, manufacturing methods and applications are different.
14. Can the same CBN grade work in every bond system?
No. Different resin, ceramic, metal and plated bonds use different retention mechanisms and manufacturing conditions. Grade compatibility must be qualified individually.
15. What information is needed for a CBN quotation?
Please share the required CBN grade, mesh fraction, bond system, workpiece material and hardness, grinding-tool design, operating conditions, estimated quantity and delivery destination.
SINODIAM INTERNATIONAL · CBN TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Looking for the Right CBN Abrasive Grade?
Selecting cubic boron nitride abrasive grit requires matching crystal morphology, toughness, particle size and bond compatibility to the finished grinding-tool application.
Whether your project involves resin-bond, vitrified-bond, metal-bond or electroplated CBN tools, SinoDiam can discuss the technical information required to evaluate the appropriate starting grade.
Please provide your target workpiece, CBN mesh size, bond system, tool manufacturing method, grinding requirements, estimated quantity and delivery destination.
Request CBN Technical Information & Quotation →