Abstract: A modular drill for machining applications includes a central pilot drill made of cemented carbide and outboard radial inserts having cutting edges with a diamond surface. Additionally, the diamond surface associated with the cutting edges includes indicia identifying each cutting edge, such that indexing of the inserts is made easier. To ensure the indicia withstands the harsh machining environment, the indicia is laser etched onto the diamond surface of the insert.

Abstract: A modular drill for machining applications includes a central pilot drill made of cemented carbide and outboard radial inserts having cutting edges with a diamond surface. Additionally, the diamond surface associated with the cutting edges includes indicia identifying each cutting edge, such that indexing of the inserts is made easier.

Abstract: An uncoated cutting tool that comprises a body containing a pocket. A polycrystalline cubic boron nitride blank has a cutting tip. The blank is brazed into the pocket using a braze alloy whereby there is a braze joint between the body and the polycrystalline cubic boron nitride blank. The braze alloy has a liquidus temperature of at least about 900 degrees Centigrade wherein the braze alloy is selected from the group comprising a nickel-gold braze alloy containing nickel and gold, a copper-gold braze alloy containing copper and gold, a silver-titanium braze alloy containing silver and titanium, and a silver-palladium braze alloy containing silver and palladium.

Abstract: An uncoated cutting tool that comprises a body containing a pocket. A polycrystalline cubic boron nitride blank has a cutting tip. The blank is brazed into the pocket using a braze alloy whereby there is a braze joint between the body and the polycrystalline cubic boron nitride blank. The braze alloy has a liquidus temperature of at least about 900 degrees Centigrade wherein the braze alloy is selected from the group comprising a nickel-gold braze alloy containing nickel and gold, a copper-gold braze alloy containing copper and gold, a silver-titanium braze alloy containing silver and titanium, and a silver-palladium braze alloy containing silver and palladium.

Abstract: A coated cutting tool that comprises a body containing a pocket. The tool further includes a polycrystalline cubic boron nitride blank that is brazed into the pocket using a braze alloy. The braze alloy has a liquidus temperature of at least about 900 degrees Centigrade. There is a coating applied to the cutting tool.

Abstract: An uncoated cutting tool that comprises a body containing a pocket. A polycrystalline cubic boron nitride blank has a cutting tip. The blank is brazed into the pocket using a braze alloy whereby there is a braze joint between the body and the polycrystalline cubic boron nitride blank. The braze alloy has a liquidus temperature of at least about 900 degrees Centigrade wherein the braze alloy is selected from the group comprising a nickel-gold braze alloy containing nickel and gold, a copper-gold braze alloy containing copper and gold, a silver-titanium braze alloy containing silver and titanium, and a silver-palladium braze alloy containing silver and palladium.

Abstract: An uncoated cutting tool that comprises a body containing a pocket. A polycrystalline cubic boron nitride blank has a cutting tip. The blank is brazed into the pocket using a braze alloy whereby there is a braze joint between the body and the polycrystalline cubic boron nitride blank. The braze alloy has a liquidus temperature of at least about 900 degrees Centigrade wherein the braze alloy is selected from the group comprising a nickel-gold braze alloy containing nickel and gold, a copper-gold braze alloy containing copper and gold, a silver-titanium braze alloy containing silver and titanium, and a silver-palladium braze alloy containing silver and palladium.

Abstract: An uncoated cutting tool that comprises a body containing a pocket. A polycrystalline cubic boron nitride blank has a cutting tip. The blank is brazed into the pocket using a blaze alloy whereby there is a braze joint between the body and the polycrystalline cubic boron nitride blank. The braze alloy has a liquidus temperature of at least about 900 degrees Centigrade wherein the braze alloy is selected from the group comprising a nickel-gold braze alloy containing nickel and gold, a copper-gold braze alloy containing copper and gold, a silver-titanium braze alloy containing silver and titanium, and a silver-palladium braze alloy containing silver and palladium.

Abstract: A cutting assembly that includes a tool holder that contains a pocket therein. A shim and/or pocket insert along with a cutting insert are within the pocket of the tool holder. The shim may present an oxidation-resistant surface. Exemplary materials for the shim include ceramics and coated cemented carbides and cermets. The pocket may present an oxidation-resistant surface wherein the pocket may have an oxidation-resistant coating or an oxidation-resistant pocket insert may be positioned within the pocket.

Abstract: A coated cutting tool that comprises a body containing a pocket. The tool further includes a polycrystalline cubic boron nitride blank that is brazed into the pocket using a braze alloy. The braze alloy has a liquidus temperature of at least about 900 degrees Centigrade. There is a coating applied to the cutting tool.

Abstract: An uncoated cutting tool that comprises a body containing a pocket. A polycrystalline cubic boron nitride blank has a cutting tip. The blank is brazed into the pocket using a braze alloy whereby there is a braze joint between the body and the polycrystalline cubic boron nitride blank. The braze alloy has a liquidus temperature of at least about 900 degrees Centigrade wherein the braze alloy is selected from the group comprising a nickel-gold braze alloy containing nickel and gold, a copper-gold braze alloy containing copper and gold, a silver-titanium braze alloy containing silver and titanium, and a silver-palladium braze alloy containing silver and palladium.

Abstract: A cutting tool and method for machining hardened steel including a substrate of polycrystalline cubic boron nitride having one or more layers of a hard refractory coating containing aluminum. The coating may contain a titanium aluminum nitride layer applied by a physical vapor deposition (PVD). Alternatively, the coating may include a layer of aluminum oxide applied by chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A cutting assembly that includes a tool holder that contains a pocket therein. A shim and/or pocket insert along with a cutting insert are within the pocket of the tool holder. The shim may present an oxidation-resistant surface. Exemplary materials for the shim include ceramics and coated cemented carbides and cermets. The pocket may present an oxidation-resistant surface wherein the pocket may have an oxidation-resistant coating or an oxidation-resistant pocket insert may be positioned within the pocket.