Can CBN grinding wheels grind tungsten carbide？ Why？

Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) grinding wheels are known for their exceptional hardness, thermal stability, and abrasive properties. CBN is a synthetic material with hardness second only to diamond, and it excels in grinding hard and abrasive materials. Tungsten carbide, being a hard and wear-resistant material, is indeed a suitable candidate for grinding with CBN wheels. 

Here's why:

1. Hardness of CBN:

CBN is extremely hard, similar to diamond, and is well-suited for grinding hard materials like tungsten carbide. The high hardness allows CBN wheels to effectively remove material from the carbide surface.

2. Abrasive Properties:

CBN has excellent abrasive properties, allowing it to maintain its sharp cutting edges and abrasive efficiency during grinding. This is crucial when grinding hard materials like tungsten carbide that can quickly wear down less abrasively resistant materials.

3. Thermal Stability:

CBN exhibits excellent thermal stability, making it suitable for grinding operations where high temperatures are generated during the process. Tungsten carbide is known for its ability to withstand high temperatures, and CBN wheels complement this property.

4. Chemical Inertness:

CBN is chemically inert and does not react with most materials. This is advantageous when grinding tungsten carbide, which is also chemically stable. The lack of chemical reactions reduces the risk of unwanted interactions during the grinding process.

5. Reduced Wear on the Grinding Wheel:

Tungsten carbide is abrasive, and grinding with conventional abrasives can lead to rapid wear of the grinding wheel. CBN wheels experience significantly less wear when grinding tungsten carbide, contributing to longer wheel life.

6. Consistent Performance:

CBN grinding wheels offer consistent performance and can maintain their sharpness over extended periods. This consistency is crucial for achieving precise and repeatable results when grinding tungsten carbide components.

While CBN grinding wheels are effective for many applications, it's important to note that the choice of the specific CBN wheel grade and bond type is critical for optimal performance. Different grades and bonds are designed for specific materials and grinding conditions.

It's recommended to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and specifications for CBN wheel selection and usage. Additionally, factors such as the type of tungsten carbide, grinding parameters, and coolant considerations should be taken into account for achieving the best results in grinding tungsten carbide with CBN wheels.