Abstract: A modular drill includes a shank, a retaining pin, a cutting insert, and a locking pin. The shank includes a shank bore having an axial direction leading into the shank bore, and a locking pin opening. The retaining pin includes a retaining pin shaft axially movable positioned with the shank bore, the retaining pin shaft having a locking pin engagement surface. The retaining pin includes a retaining pin head having a retaining pin head engagement surface. The cutting insert includes a cutting insert passage for passing the retaining pin head therethrough; and a cutting insert cavity having a cutting insert engagement surface for engaging the retaining pin head engagement surface. The locking pin is for positioning within the locking pin opening and engaging with the locking pin engagement surface to force the retaining pin shaft to move further in the axial direction.

Abstract: A cutting insert includes a tool carrier having a body with a pocket, and a cutting tip affixed to the pocket by brazing. The pocket is defined by a vertical back wall and a horizontal support surface. A notch is formed at the intersection between the vertical back wall and the horizontal support surface. The notch has a non-planar first portion proximate the vertical back wall and formed with a radius, R1, and a planar second portion extending between the first portion and the horizontal support surface and formed at an inclination angle with respect to a plane parallel to the horizontal support surface of the pocket. The design of the notch significantly reduces thermal stress and eliminates the formation of cracks in the pocket of the tool carrier when using an injection molding process to form the tool carrier.

Abstract: A cutting insert includes a tool carrier having a body with a pocket, and a cutting tip affixed to the pocket by brazing. The pocket is defined by a vertical back wall and a horizontal support surface. A notch is formed at the intersection between the vertical back wall and the horizontal support surface. The notch has a non-planar first portion proximate the vertical back wall and formed with a radius, R1, and a planar second portion extending between the first portion and the horizontal support surface and formed at an inclination angle with respect to a plane parallel to the horizontal support surface of the pocket. The design of the notch significantly reduces thermal stress and eliminates the formation of cracks in the pocket of the tool carrier when using an injection molding process to form the tool carrier.

Abstract: In one aspect, composite blanks and tooling are described herein employing composite structures for efficient use of high grade materials, such as high grade sintered cemented carbides and/or ceramics.