Abstract: In one aspect, rotary cutting tools are described herein comprising sets of coolant channels having exit aperture in the flutes of the tools for efficient coolant delivery to multiple cutting surfaces. Briefly, a rotary cutting tool comprises a shank portion, and a cutting portion extending from the shank portion along a longitudinal axis, the cutting portion comprising flutes helically extending along the longitudinal axis and internal coolant channels comprising exit apertures in the flutes. A projection of an exit aperture of a first set of internal coolant channels intersects a rake face extending below a corner edge of the rotary cutting tool, and a projection of an exit aperture of a second set of internal coolant channels intersects a rake face below a radial cutting edge of the rotary cutting tool.

Abstract: In one aspect, centrifuge feed pipes are described herein having design and architecture for mitigating wear during centrifuging operations. In some embodiments, a centrifuge feed pipe comprises a feed material inlet, a feed material outlet, and a conduit body extending along an axis between the feed material inlet and outlet, the conduit body having a variable inner diameter at one or more locations along the axis. In being variable, the inner diameter is not uniform over all radial positions of the inner diameter.

Abstract: In one aspect, rotary cutting tools are described herein comprising sets of coolant channels having exit aperture in the flutes of the tools for efficient coolant delivery to multiple cutting surfaces. Briefly, a rotary cutting tool comprises a shank portion, and a cutting portion extending from the shank portion along a longitudinal axis, the cutting portion comprising flutes helically extending along the longitudinal axis and internal coolant channels comprising exit apertures in the flutes. A projection of an exit aperture of a first set of internal coolant channels intersects a rake face extending below a corner edge of the rotary cutting tool, and a projection of an exit aperture of a second set of internal coolant channels intersects a rake face below a radial cutting edge of the rotary cutting tool.

Abstract: Powder alloy compositions and associated additive manufacturing techniques are described herein for production of sintered articles with microstructure and/or enhanced wear and corrosion resistance. In some embodiments, an article comprises sintered cobalt-based alloy having chromium carbide precipitates dispersed therein, the chromium carbide precipitates having an average size less than 4 ?m.

Abstract: In one aspect, centrifuge feed pipes are described herein having design and architecture for mitigating wear during centrifuging operations. In some embodiments, a centrifuge feed pipe comprises a feed material inlet, a feed material outlet, and a conduit body extending along an axis between the feed material inlet and outlet, the conduit body having a variable inner diameter at one or more locations along the axis. In being variable, the inner diameter is not uniform over all radial positions of the inner diameter.

Abstract: A cutting tool having an outer surface with a plurality of inserts connected to a distinct pocket extending generally radially on the outer surface. The cutting inserts are arranged in a helical array on the outer surface in a manner that at least one cutting edge of each cutting insert is spaced in an angular circumferential direction from the pocket of the next adjacent cutting insert. The spacing of the inserts is such that a distinct point on the each one of the one or more cutting edges define part of a layout line having a non-uniform slope.

Abstract: A cutting tool has a cutter body, which carries a cutting insert, and an adapter, which has a longitudinal adapter axis, wherein a locking screw attaches the cutter body to the adapter. A coolant volume is defined in a vicinity of a meeting of the cutter body, the adapter and the locking screw. The adapter contains an axial adapter bore. The locking screw contains a transverse locking screw bore in fluid communication with the axial adapter bore. The locking screw further contains a peripheral transverse locking screw bore passage in fluid communication with the coolant volume and the transverse locking screw bore. The coolant volume and the transverse locking screw bore are in fluid communication with the cutter body coolant passage.

Abstract: A coupling system for mounting a cutting apparatus to a machine tool having a cutting apparatus and an adapter. The cutting apparatus has a first mounting flange having either a central bore or a central boss. The adapter has a second mounting flange having the other of a central bore or a central boss. The central boss on one of the mounting flanges forms a mating engagement with the central bore of the other mounting flange to align the two mounting flanges at a common center when the cutting apparatus is connected to the adapter. Additionally, each mounting flange may have at least one of a post or a groove located between an outer perimeter of the mounting flange and the central bore or central boss. When the cutting apparatus is connected to the adapter, at least one of the posts forms a mating engagement with a corresponding groove.

Abstract: A cutting tool has a cutter body, which carries a cutting insert, and an adapter, which has a longitudinal adapter axis, wherein a locking screw attaches the cutter body to the adapter. A coolant volume is defined in a vicinity of a meeting of the cutter body, the adapter and the locking screw. The adapter contains an axial adapter bore. The locking screw contains a transverse locking screw bore in fluid communication with the axial adapter bore. The locking screw further contains a peripheral transverse locking screw bore passage in fluid communication with the coolant volume and the transverse locking screw bore. The coolant volume and the transverse locking screw bore are in fluid communication with the cutter body coolant passage.

Abstract: A cutting insert comprises an elliptical cutting edge. The cutting insert has a mounting hole through which a retention screw may pass, wherein the retention screw makes contact with the mounting hole in a seating plane that is perpendicular to the mounting hole. The cutting insert is adapted for use in a cutting tool comprising a tool body having a pocket partially defined by a floor that is parallel to a seating plane. The insert can have a shape complimentary to a tool body so as to cooperate with the tool body to form a continuous flute. According to one embodiment of the invention, the insert has a flank edge inboard with respect to the tool body. An insert according to another embodiment of the invention has a rake face with a positive cutting geometry.

Abstract: A coupling system for mounting a cutting apparatus to a machine tool having a cutting apparatus and an adapter. The cutting apparatus has a first mounting flange having either a central bore or a central boss. The adapter has a second mounting flange having the other of a central bore or a central boss. The central boss on one of the mounting flanges forms a mating engagement with the central bore of the other mounting flange to align the two mounting flanges at a common center when the cutting apparatus is connected to the adapter. Additionally, each mounting flange may have at least one of a post or a groove located between an outer perimeter of the mounting flange and the central bore or central boss. When the cutting apparatus is connected to the adapter, at least one of the posts forms a mating engagement with a corresponding groove.

Abstract: A cutting tool, such as a slotting cutter, includes a support disc rotatable in a predetermined direction on a central axis. The support disc is of a generally cylindrical shape has a plurality of cartridge-receiving pockets. A cartridge assembly is capable of being mounted to the pocket and includes a cutting insert with at least one cutting edge secured to each cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a tapered, threaded hole for receiving a tapered, threaded screw. The threaded hole is off-center to divide the lower portion of the cartridge assembly into two portions having different thicknesses and flexibility. A slot extends from the threaded hole to a bottom face of the cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly expands as the tapered, threaded screw is received in the tapered, threaded hole to secure the cartridge assembly in the pocket.

Abstract: An insert retention screw having a head with a radius that is sufficient size to fit within a mounting hole of a cutting insert and seat within a seating plane within the mounting hole that is generally perpendicular to the axis of the insert when the screw is at an angle of about 0-15 degrees is disclosed. The retention screw provided for holding a cutting insert in the pocket of a tool body. The pocket is partially defined by a floor and a seating surface. A threaded hole is at an angle that is taken with reference to the pocket floor. The insert has a mounting hole passing therethrough. The retention screw passed through the mounting hole and threads into the threaded hole so as to draw the insert against the seating surface.

Abstract: A cutting tool having an outer surface with a plurality of inserts connected to a distinct pocket extending generally radially on the outer surface. The cutting inserts are arranged in a helical array on the outer surface in a manner that at least one cutting edge of each cutting insert is spaced in an angular circumferential direction from the pocket of the next adjacent cutting insert. The spacing of the inserts is such that a distinct point on the each one of the one or more cutting edges define part of a layout line having a non-uniform slope.

Abstract: A milling cutter 1 with a directed coolant delivery system is disclosed. The milling cutter 1 may have a plurality of coolant ducts 40 which span from a centrally located reservoir 42 or distribution point within the body 20 of the milling cutter 1 to a series of recesses 10 on the exterior of the body 20. Coolant nozzles 50 are inserted into a countersunk portion 51 between the coolant duct 40 and the recesses 10. The countersunk portions 51 provide protection for the coolant nozzles 50. Each coolant nozzle 50 has a bore 58 which may be narrower than the coolant duct 40 or alternatively may have a bore 58 and a restriction 60. Nozzles of the present invention provide consistent streams of coolant to the to the tool-workpiece interface to enable precise adjustment of the streams of a coolant from a position close to the tool-workpiece interface.

Abstract: An axial seating pin contacting and supporting an insert attached to a cutting tool body. The axial seating pin eliminates the need for forming an axial wall on the body of the cutting tool and contributes to the life of the cutting tool by providing a replaceable axial seating pin. The axial seating pin has a shank that slides into an aperture on the tool body and is then held to the body using a fastener.

Abstract: A cutting tool (10) having a body (12) with an axis (20). A pocket (22?)w having a primary bearing face (24) and a radial wall (26) formed on the surface of the body (12). An insert (28) is removably connected to the pocket (22?) at the primary bearing face (24) and is positioned adjacent the radial wall (26). An axial seating pin (32) is removably connected to the body (12) and extends at an angle substantially perpendicular to the axis (20) of the body (12). The axial seating pin (32) has an abutting face that contacts a face (30) of the insert (28) and prevents the insert (28) from moving axially during operation.

Abstract: A cutting tool comprises a tool body having a pocket for supporting an insert. The tool body may have a flute for evacuating chips from a workpiece during a cutting operation. The tool body and the insert may have complimentary shapes to cooperatively form an uninterrupted flute. The tool body may comprise a axial clearance face. The tool body may also comprise a radial clearance face.

Abstract: An insert retention screw has a head with a radius that is a sufficient size to fit within a mounting hole of a cutting insert and seat within a seating plane within the mounting hole that is generally perpendicular to the axis of the insert when the screw is at an angle in a range of about 0–15 degrees. The retention screw is provided for holding a cutting insert in the pocket of a tool body. The pocket is partially defined by a floor and a seating surface. A threaded hole is at an angle that is taken with reference to the pocket floor. The insert has a mounting hole passing therethrough. The retention screw passes through the mounting hole and threads into the threaded hole so as to draw the insert against the seating surface.

Abstract: A cutting tool body that is adapted for use in milling operations comprises at least one pocket for supporting a cutting insert. The pocket is defined, at least in part, by a cylindrical wall and a seating surface within the tool body. At least one passage is provided through the tool body for evacuating chips upward and away from the surface of a workpiece. The seating surface of the pocket extends radially inward from the cylindrical wall and intersects the passage through the tool body. At least one slot traverses the pocket to separate a part of the tool body into first and second portions, at least one of which is movable relative to the other for clamping the cutting insert into the pocket.