Abstract: A cutting insert includes a top surface; a bottom surface; a plurality of clearance side surfaces extending between the top and bottom surfaces; a cutting edge formed at an intersection between the top surface and at least one of the plurality of clearance side surfaces; and a threaded hole extending from the bottom surface to a predetermined distance from the top surface. The threaded hole is capable of receiving an insert screw for mounting the cutting insert to a cutter body. A cutting tool for mounting the cutting insert to an insert-receiving pocket is also disclosed.

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: 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 insert includes a top surface; a bottom surface; a plurality of clearance side surfaces extending between the top and bottom surfaces; a cutting edge formed at an intersection between the top surface and at least one of the plurality of clearance side surfaces; and a threaded hole extending from the bottom surface to a predetermined distance from the top surface. The threaded hole is capable of receiving an insert screw for mounting the cutting insert to a cutter body. A cutting tool for mounting the cutting insert to an insert-receiving pocket is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool holder includes a shank portion, a head portion that includes an insert pocket defined by a seat surface, a first or radial support sidewall and a second or axial support sidewall, and a spherical contact point protruding from one of the first and second support sidewalls. The spherical contact point minimizes a contact area between a cutting insert mounted in the insert pocket and one of the first and second support sidewalls of the insert pocket. In one embodiment, the radial support sidewall includes two spherical contact points, and the axial support sidewall includes one spherical contact point. The spherical contact point may be formed by inserting a rivet-like structure into an aperture formed in the support sidewalls of the pocket.

Abstract: A tool holder includes a shank portion, a head portion that includes an insert pocket defined by a seat surface, a first or radial support sidewall and a second or axial support sidewall, and a spherical contact point protruding from one of the first and second support sidewalls. The spherical contact point minimizes a contact area between a cutting insert mounted in the insert pocket and one of the first and second support sidewalls of the insert pocket. In one embodiment, the radial support sidewall includes two spherical contact points, and the axial support sidewall includes one spherical contact point. The spherical contact point may be formed by inserting a rivet-like structure into an aperture formed in the support sidewalls of the pocket.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a tool body having a plurality of insert receiving pockets and at least one cutting insert mounted in each pocket. Each pocket includes a pocket base wall, a side wall and a stress relief groove. The tool body also includes a top surface including a first portion and a second portion, and a stress splitter that extends from the stress relief groove and intersects the first and second portions. The stress splitter may be in the form of a sharp peak or ridge, a radiused peak, rounded mass or protuberance, and the like. The stress splitter reduces a maximum amount of stress in an area of the stress relief groove during a machining 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: An insert retention screw comprises 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 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: 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.