Abstract: A cutting insert comprises a polygonal body having an upper chip surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral edge surface extending therebetween. The peripheral edge surface intersects the upper chip surface to form a main cutting edge. The upper chip surface defines a chip face including a chip former comprising a wall extending downwardly from an elevated plateau to a cutting edge having a plurality of chip forming grooves and a rib formed between adjacent chip forming grooves. The chip former of the cutting insert effectively controls the formation of a chip by forming the chip to a desired shape and guiding the chip to an obstruction that impedes chip flow until the chip breaks.