Available Technologies

Executive Summary

Compacted graphite iron (CGI) has recently been gaining more attention due to its superior mechanical properties over the currently more popular flake graphite iron (FGI), aka gray cast iron. However, the poor machinability has prevented CGI to be used in a wider range of potential applications. Researchers at Michigan State University have recently developed a new insert that allows high speed cutting of CGI materials with low tool wear.

Description of the Technology

The technology is a method of method for machining an iron-based workpiece involving an insert comprised of cubic boron nitride and binder, where the binder contains at least at least one of alumina (Al2O3) and a manganese material and zirconia (ZrO2).

Benefits

• Allows efficient cutting of compacted graphite iron materials with low tool wear
• May be used for all steels or cast irons

Applications

• Steel or cast iron work pieces
• Compacted graphite iron (CGI), flake graphite iron (FGI) or nodular graphite iron (NGI) workpieces
• Automotive and trucking parts

Patent Status

Issued US Patent US 12,194,546

Publications

“Formation mechanism of alumina layer in protecting cubic boron nitride inserts in turning cast irons”, International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 2020

Licensing Rights

Full licensing rights available

Inventors

Dr. Patrick Kwon

TECH ID

TEC2020-0124