The 315 system from Ringwood-based Horn Cutting Tools (www.phorn.co.uk) for internal and external grooving has gained a new range of single-edged, CBN-tipped inserts suitable for hard machining applications. They are available for producing grooves from 1 to 3mm wide and up to 5mm deep.

The insert seat has a large contact area to direct the cutting pressure efficiently into the holder, and the central clamping screw enables optimum tightening of the insert for vibration-free accurate machining.

These properties make the system ideal for counteracting the high forces generated during hard turning. The holder range is available in monoblock design and as a cartridge system for HSK-T and PSC connections.

CBN is the second-hardest material in the world.

Unlike diamond, it can be used to machine ferrous metals, as no carbon diffusion occurs.