What is the difference between PCBN and PCD inserts?
PCBN (polycrystalline cubic boron nitride) is used for ferrous materials — cast iron, hardened steels, superalloys and powder metallurgy. PCD (polycrystalline diamond) is used for non-ferrous materials — aluminium, high-silicon alloys, composites and copper. PCD must not be used on steel or cast iron, and PCBN is generally uneconomic on aluminium.
Which PCBN grade should I use for my workpiece?
Grade selection depends on the workpiece material, hardness, and whether the cut is continuous or interrupted. As a rule: continuous hard turning of hardened steel favours low-CBN-content grades; interrupted cuts and gray cast iron favour higher-CBN-content grades with tougher binder phases. Send us your material, hardness and operation — our engineers recommend grade, geometry and starting parameters from actual test data.
Do you supply samples before series orders?
Yes. Trial inserts can be supplied for verification in your machine. In many projects we first verify performance in our own cutting laboratory using your workpiece data, then ship trial quantities with recommended cutting parameters.
Can you produce non-standard (custom) insert geometries?
Yes. Custom geometries, special edge preparations and dedicated grades are a core part of our business. We work from your workpiece drawing, operation list and machine data; prototype tooling is verified before series supply.
Do you support tooling for a whole production line, not just single inserts?
Yes. A project package takes a part from process analysis through to a working tool set: material and hardness assessment, grade and geometry selection, cutting data establishment, tooling supply, stock management and edge life monitoring. The aim is to lower cost per part across the line, not to offer the lowest unit price.
What information do you need to quote a tool?
Workpiece material and hardness (e.g. HT250 at HB 190, or 42CrMo at HRC 55), the operation and whether the cut is continuous or interrupted, machine and set-up rigidity, target surface finish and tolerance, and batch size. Current tool cost per part is helpful but optional.
What are your MOQ and lead times?
Our standard minimum order is 5 pieces per item. Standard lead time is 7-10 days after order confirmation; custom and special geometries are quoted individually. Final MOQ and lead time are always confirmed on the quotation.
Do you hold ISO certification?
Yes. Koves is certified to ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety). The certificates are shown on our Quality page, and copies are provided with quotations on request.
Can you match cutting data to my machine?
Yes. Cutting data depends on machine rigidity, spindle power and clamping. Starting parameters are adjusted during trial to your machine, and final parameters are documented with the delivery.
Where do you ship from, and which markets do you serve?
Production is based in Chang'an Town, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China. We ship worldwide from Shenzhen and Guangzhou airports and ports, with customers across Europe, Russia, Southeast Asia and the Americas.
Need help choosing a grade?
Send us your workpiece material, hardness and machine parameters. Our engineers will recommend the right grade and cutting data.
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