VBN Components has launched ground-breaking products within its range of Vibenite® materials, such as “The world’s hardest steel”, Vibenite® 290, in 2017 (hardness ~72 HRC), and the hybrid carbide Vibenite® 480 in 2018 (hardness ~70 HRC). Customers can order components from VBN, but also get a license to produce Vibenite® components in-house. Vibenite® materials have a strong competitive edge. Components in need of wear resistance have proved to last ten times longer than corresponding ones made with traditional steel, after replacing the old material with Vibenite®. Shortened lead times for product development and alterations thanks to additive manufacturing are other important factors. Testing new designs or adapting parts to specific needs such as cooling channels or reduced weight becomes very accessible. The paradigm shift lies in the possibility for customers to use a much better material in the final application, since so many limitations from traditional production are removed.
