Diamond remains unchallenged as the hardest known material, but researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory developed a material slightly harder than CBN. They are collaborating with other research laboratories, universities and industrial partners to create a hard, tough and slippery coating based on the material for cutting tools and wear parts, according to Ames Laboratory. For example, the research group is working with the toolmaker Greenleaf Corp., Saegertown, Pa., to deposit a longer-lasting coating on its cutting tools. If a tool cuts with reduced friction, less applied force is needed. This reduces the energy required for the machining operation.
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