3D characterization of cubic boron nitride (CBN) composites used as tool material for high precision abrasive machining processes

Cubic boron nitride (CBN) composites are widely used as cutting tool materials for high precision abrasive machining processes. They are composed of super hard CBN abrasives and a softer binder. CBN abrasives are one of the hardest materials. They are embedded in the binder which can be metallic, polymeric or ceramic. The binder supports the abrasives and offers suitable toughness. The two components are consolidated by sintering processes under high pressure and temperature. Hence, abrasive particles exhibit an irregular spatial distribution in terms of size, location and orientation. In this work, X-ray computed tomography (CT scan) is used to investigate the geometrical properties of CBN abrasives in the volume regarding quantity, dimension and shape. A three-dimensional (3D) model is generated and the CBN abrasives are correspondingly characterized. The contribution includes both detailed explanation of CT scan and 3D modeling implementation, as well as quantification analysis of the key microstructural features for CBN composites.