How to Increase Tool Life When Machining Inconel 718

The Challenges of Machining Inconel 718

Inconel 718 is preferred for critical engine components due to its exceptional heat resistance, oxidation resistance, and precipitation-hardened structure, which provide excellent creep and fatigue resistance. These material properties enable the design of lighter, more efficient engines. However, the benefits of Inconel 718 also make it difficult to machine. The toughness, low thermal conductivity, and tendency to harden quickly lead to accelerated tool wear, thermal fatigue, and increased downtime for tool changes.

Developing Long-Lasting Tooling for Inconel 718

To maintain productivity and precision, OEMs depend on cutting tools that can withstand prolonged use without sacrificing performance. The choice of tooling material plays a critical role. Suboptimal materials can lead to premature wear, while advanced material solutions can significantly extend life and improve output.

To address this need, Hyperion Materials and Technologies developed BZN™ M6500, a next-generation PCBN grade engineered for durability, consistency, and high-performance machining of superalloys like Inconel 718. Designed to thrive in the most demanding environments, BZN M6500 helps toolmakers produce longer-lasting, more reliable tools.

In a comprehensive evaluation, Hyperion tested BZN M6500 against competitive PCBN grades in finish facing operations on Inconel 718. BZN M6500 demonstrated a clear advantage, achieving up to 30% longer tool life compared to the closest competing grade, while maintaining superior surface finish and process stability.

Explore how BZN M6500 outperforms industry benchmarks and empowers toolmakers to reduce downtime, lower costs, and meet the rigorous quality standards for OEMs in the aerospace industry.