Abstract: An indexable, helical cutting insert has multiple cutting edges. In an embodiment, the cutting insert includes four helical cutting edges. In another embodiment, the cutting insert includes eight helical cutting edges. In any embodiment, the cutting insert may include at least one axial clearance slash extending from a bottom surface to one of the side walls forming a wiper on an edge of the axial clearance slash. In any embodiment, the cutting insert may include at least one inside cutting edge that extends outwardly a distance from the side wall. The helical cutting insert may also include at least one progressive cutting edge and/or at least one helical cutting edge that is curved inwardly to enable the cutting insert to perform machining operations on cutters having different diameters.

Abstract: An indexable, helical cutting insert includes at least one axial clearance slash extending from a bottom surface to one of said side walls forming a wiper on an edge of the axial clearance slash. In another embodiment, the cutting insert includes at least one inside cutting edge that extends outwardly a distance from the side wall. In another embodiment, the helical cutting insert includes at least one progressive cutting edge. In another embodiment, the cutting insert includes at least one helical cutting edge that is curved inwardly to enable the cutting insert to perform machining operations on cutters having different diameters.

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 including a cutter body and a locking screw. The cutter body has one or more pockets for receiving one or more cutting inserts and at least one channel for delivering coolant from a milling machine to the cutting inserts.

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: An indexable, helical cutting insert includes at least one axial clearance slash extending from a bottom surface to one of said side walls forming a wiper on an edge of the axial clearance slash. In another embodiment, the cutting insert includes at least one inside cutting edge that extends outwardly a distance from the side wall. In another embodiment, the helical cutting insert includes at least one progressive cutting edge. In another embodiment, the cutting insert includes at least one helical cutting edge that is curved inwardly to enable the cutting insert to perform machining operations on cutters having different diameters.

Abstract: An indexable cutting insert (10) having a top surface (12) including a substantially planar central portion (48), a substantially planar bottom surface (14), and a plurality of side surfaces (16, 18, 20, 22). A long cutting edge (24, 26), a corner radius cutting edge (28, 30), a facet radius cutting edge (32, 34), and ramping cutting edge (36, 38) are defined at an intersection between the top surface (12) and one of the side surfaces (16, 18, 20, 22). A margin (87, 89) extends around a nose radius of the cutting insert (10) and blends into a flat surface (94, 96). A margin angle, C, formed by the margins (87, 89) is less than a seating angle, B, formed by the flat surfaces (94, 96).

Abstract: A cutting tool including a cutter body and a locking screw. The cutter body has one or more pockets for receiving one or more cutting inserts and at least one channel for delivering coolant from a milling machine to the cutting inserts.

Abstract: An indexable cutting insert (10) having a top surface (12) including a substantially planar central portion (48), a substantially planar bottom surface (14), and a plurality of side surfaces (16, 18, 20, 22). A long cutting edge (24, 26), a corner radius cutting edge (28, 30), a facet radius cutting edge (32, 34), and ramping cutting edge (36, 38) are defined at an intersection between the top surface (12) and one of the side surfaces (16, 18, 20, 22). A margin (87, 89) extends around a nose radius of the cutting insert (10) and blends into a flat surface (94, 96). A margin angle, C, formed by the margins (87, 89) is less than a seating angle, B, formed by the flat surfaces (94, 96).

Abstract: A rotary cutting tool such as a helical end mill, having pockets arranged to overcome harmonic vibrations. The tool has at least two and in one embodiment all three of three spacing irregularities. In the first irregularity, columns of pockets, typically associated with flutes, are staggered circumferentially out of even spacing. In a preferred embodiment having three flutes, the flutes are mostly not centered on one hundred twenty degree intervals. In the second irregularity, at least some pockets are arranged at different radial rake angles. In the third irregularity, at least some pockets are arranged at different axial rake angles.

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 cutter system that is designed to create a continuous cutting true helix while having true helical inserts that are indexable on at least two cutting edges. The shape of the insert allows an interlocking overlap of the cutting edges for an all effective true helical cut. The helix ground into the insert faces creates a smooth cutting action as a solid helical endmill. High positive radial and axial rakes enable free cutting machining with a fine finish and low horsepower consumption. The back of the insert has a diamond shaped island that is used for locating the insert in the mounting pocket of the cutter and is used for face contact on lockup when the insert screw is tightened. The mounting pocket is designed for ease of manufacture to limit tolerance buildup to ensure repeatable insert positioning and to maintain accuracy for a fine cutting finish. The insert screw hole is placed in the cross hole location for allowing an unobstructed cutting face and a larger diameter center core in the cutter body.

Abstract: A cutter system that is designed to create a continuous cutting true helix while having cutting inserts that are indexable on at least two cutting edges by rotating the cutting insert. High positive radial and axial rakes enable free cutting machining with a fine finish and low horsepower consumption. The back face of the insert is substantially flat and is used for face contact on lockup with a mounting pocket on the cutter body when the insert screw is tightened. The mounting pocket is designed for ease of manufacture to limit tolerance buildup to ensure repeatable insert positioning and to maintain accuracy for a fine cutting finish. The insert screw hole is placed in the cross hole location for allowing an unobstructed cutting face and a larger diameter center core in the cutter body. The larger core creates maximum strength and allows longer cutting lengths. Prior to grinding, the insert blank can be used for multiple diameters of cutters.

Abstract: A cutter system that is designed to create a continuous cutting true helix while having true helical inserts that are indexable on at least two cutting edges. The shape of the insert allows an interlocking overlap of the cutting edges for an all effective true helical cut. The helix ground into the insert faces creates a smooth cutting action as a solid helical endmill. High positive radial and axial rakes enable free cutting machining with a fine finish and low horsepower consumption. The back of the insert has a diamond shaped island that is used for locating the insert in the mounting pocket of the cutter and is used for face contact on lockup when the insert screw is tightened. The mounting pocket is designed for ease of manufacture to limit tolerance buildup to ensure repeatable insert positioning and to maintain accuracy for a fine cutting finish. The insert screw hole is placed in the cross hole location for allowing an unobstructed cutting face and a larger diameter center core in the cutter body.

Abstract: A cutter system that is designed to create a continuous cutting true helix while having cutting inserts that are indexable on at least two cutting edges by rotating the cutting insert. High positive radial and axial rakes enable free cutting machining with a fine finish and low horsepower consumption. The back face of the insert is substantially flat and is used for face contact on lockup with a mounting pocket on the cutter body when the insert screw is tightened. The mounting pocket is designed for ease of manufacture to limit tolerance buildup to ensure repeatable insert positioning and to maintain accuracy for a fine cutting finish. The insert screw hole is placed in the cross hole location for allowing an unobstructed cutting face and a larger diameter center core in the cutter body. The larger core creates maximum strength and allows longer cutting lengths. Prior to grinding, the insert blank can be used for multiple diameters of cutters.