Practical machining of cemented tungsten carbide using PCD and PCBN cutting tools

Although machining or "hard turning" of cemented tungsten carbide has been in practice for many years, the more traditional means of material removal using grinding methods still prevails in the industry. This is in part due to the lack of understanding of the capabilities of polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) products, and also the lack of understanding in properly using these advanced materials in such applications. To further advance this field of knowledge, this paper outlines the proper approach to cutting tool grade selection and applicable parameters for successful hard turning of cemented tungsten carbide.