A report published by Global Industry Analysts at the beginning of this year predicts that the global market for cubic boron nitride (CBN) abrasives will be US$194 million by 2012, reflecting a CAGR of 3.6% over the period, 2008-2012. Asia-Pacific represents the fastest-growing region for CBN abrasives registering a CAGR of 5.2% for the period 2008-2012. Japan is the major regional market for CBN abrasives with an estimated US$42.2 million for 2008.

Although current economic conditions will no doubt affect that prediction, the report is still significant in identifying recent trends that show that CBN usage in the major industries is on the increase.

The report titled "Cubic Boron Nitride Abrasives: A Global Strategic Business Report" provides a comprehensive review of key markets worldwide, product innovations, and recent industry activity. The report analyses market data and analytics in value sales for major geographic regions including the US, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Middle East, Latin America, and Rest of World.

End-user segments analysed include automotive, aerospace, bearings, tools and dies, gears, and other applications including appliances, hydraulics, and medical equipment.

The report states that CBN is becoming the preferred choice of most grinding operations as it helps in achieving regular geometries, better integrity on the polished surface and decreased cycle times. Use of this abrasive is increasing due to its suitability for use on CNC machines. Closer finishes, structural integrity, and longer life of instruments are the advantages offered of CBN grinding that are leading more and more automakers to switch over to CBN wheels from the traditional abrasive wheels.

Although second only to diamond in hardness, the qualities of cubic boron nitride superabrasive have not been exploited to the fullest, due to lack of proper understanding, and due to high costs and general apprehensions that deter the adoption of a new product. The scenario is however changing, largely due to the development of more number of CBN capable systems leading to increased efficiencies, increased machine uptimes, shortened grinding cycle times, and improvements in CBN wheel materials.

The automotive industry continues to be the major end use segment and a key growth area for the CBN abrasive industry, throughout the analysis period. The segment accounts for more than 27% of the global demand for CBN abrasives, and is also expected to offer the highest growth opportunity with a CAGR of 4.3% over the period 2008-2012. The slow down in car sales worldwide will of course reduce this figure.