I’ve been comparing different abrasive systems for precision grinding and finishing, and one topic that often comes up is the choice between cubic boron nitride tools and diamond tools. Both have their strengths, but understanding where each excels can make a big difference in surface finish, tool life, and thermal behavior.
From what I’ve gathered, CBN tends to outperform diamond when working on ferrous materials — hardened steels in particular — because it maintains form at higher temperatures and doesn’t degrade like diamond can when used on iron. Diamond, on the other hand, is excellent for non-ferrous hard materials such as ceramics and carbides.
This comparison resource breaks down the differences in properties, bond behavior, and typical applications:
https://ukam.com/diamond-vs-cbn-cubic-boron-nitride-tools/
Curious to hear what settings and tool types other folks prefer for specific materials - especially in high-precision or high-volume grinding contexts.