Abstract: An apparatus and method for training a search engine generates synthetic search arguments and target information that are provided to the search engine as training. A search argument simulator ingests product information and historical interaction data, determines relevant descriptors, creates compound descriptors, and creates candidate search arguments. A trainer checks the candidates against historical search arguments, identifies similar search arguments and determines likely search arguments that are used for training. An evaluator monitors search engine responses and triggers retraining of the search engine.

Abstract: A near-net shape cutting tool has a main cooling passage along a longitudinal axis of the near-net shape cutting tool and at least one arcuate cooling channel having a first end and a second end, the first end in fluid communication with the main cooling passage, the second end spaced from the main cooling passage and providing a coolant exit in one or both of a radial surface and an axial surface of the near-net shape cutting tool.

Abstract: A core pin used to create a cutting tool has at least one flute configured as an inverse shape of at least a portion of the cutting tool. Alternatively or in addition, a core pin has at least one step mold configured to form an axial surface with a stepped diameter having a diameter smaller than an overall diameter an outer axial surface of the core pin, and a radial surface between the axial surface and the outer axial surface. A core pin can include a main cooling passage mold and either a straight coolant channel mold or at least one arcuate cooling channel mold having a first end and a second end, the first end engaging the main cooling passage mold and the second end configured to create a coolant exit on a surface of the cutting tool. Carbide blanks are carbide material embedded with a core pin, and near-net shape cutting tools are created by pressing and heating the carbide blanks.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for making a cutting tool includes a cylindrically shaped elastic bag having an internal cavity for receiving a granulated material, such as a mixture of cobalt and carbide. The profile of the interior cavity substantially corresponds to the shape of the cutting tool being produced. The ends of the bag are open to provide access to the interior cavity of the bag. A substantially rigid tubular-shaped pressure sleeve encloses an outer circumference of the elastic bag. A pair of end caps operate to seal the open ends of the elastic bag and are engageable with the ends of the pressure sleeve. The granulated material can be formed into a solid coherent structure by placing the assembled mold containing the granulated material into a hydrostatic press for applying a substantially uniform compressive load to the outer periphery of the elastic bag.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for making a cutting tool includes a cylindrically shaped elastic bag having an internal cavity for receiving a granulated material, such as a mixture of cobalt and carbide. The profile of the interior cavity substantially corresponds to the shape of the cutting tool being produced. The ends of the bag are open to provide access to the interior cavity of the bag. A substantially rigid tubular-shaped pressure sleeve encloses an outer circumference of the elastic bag. A pair of end caps operate to seal the open ends of the elastic bag and are engageable with the ends of the pressure sleeve. The granulated material can be formed into a solid coherent structure by placing the assembled mold containing the granulated material into a hydrostatic press for applying a substantially uniform compressive load to the outer periphery of the elastic bag.