Abstract: A cutting insert that is remanufactured from an insert blank using one or more of four unique shapes to provide at least one sharpened edge. The blank can be either a new insert or one that has been dulled and is due to be discarded. The four unique shapes are a compound shape, a radius and flank shape, a bias helical shape and a helical rake shape. The bias helical shape and the helical rake shape can be either positive or negative. The radius and flank shape can be either concave or convex. One or more shapes can be ground on a blank using standard grinding machinery. Performance of the remanufactured insert frequently exceeds the performance obtained from newly manufactured inserts. Further, the expense to produce a remanufactured insert using a discarded blank is far less than the expense to produce a new insert.

Abstract: A swing grinding fixture and process for using the same is disclosed that enables a conventional surface grinder to remanufacture a machine tool cutting insert by grinding a predetermined shape into the insert. A quick clamping insert holder coupled to a slide secures the tool insert in the fixture. A precision spindle cartridge is mounted in a rigid fixture body and coupled to the slide to provide the swing motion required to generate the radius to be ground. The rigid fixture body includes a pair of micrometer adjustable stops which limit the arc through which the slide may be swung and control the flank shape ground into the insert. In an alternative embodiment, a sine plate is attached to the fixture body and is used to incline the fixture to a predetermined insert rake angle. In operation, the grinding fixture is securely mounted to the table of a surface grinder and a cutting tool insert is secured in the insert holder.