TOOL

Abstract

The present invention relates to cutting tools with cutting inserts and, more particularly, to cutting inserts having adjusted cutting edges. The cutting insert comprises a virtual clearance surface that is one of substantially flat and planar and substantially frustoconical. The virtual clearance surface forms a non-zero angle with a perpendicular to a virtual plane of a top surface of the insert. A first virtual cutting edge is disposed above the virtual clearance surface. All points on the first virtual cutting edge are disposed at the plane of the top surface. An adjusted clearance surface differs from the virtual clearance surface and forms the non-zero angle with the perpendicular to the plane of the top surface. An adjusted cutting edge above the adjusted clearance surface, at least some but fewer than all points on the adjusted cutting edge are disposed at different distances from the plane of the top surface. A profile of the adjusted cutting edge viewed in the direction of the perpendicular to the plane of the top surface corresponds to a profile of the first virtual cutting edge. The present invention also relates to a cutting tool.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention are well understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings in which like numerals indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a cutting insert in a tool holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2C are top, first side, and second side views of a cutting insert according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3C are top, first side, and second side views of a cutting insert according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are bottom schematic views of cutting inserts according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6C are top, first side, and second side views of a cutting insert according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 7A-7C are top, first side, and second side views of a cutting insert according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1-25. (canceled)

26. A cutting insert, comprising a clearance surface and a cutting edge, wherein a shape of the clearance surface is defined relative to an imaginary surface that is substantially frustoconical, the imaginary surface forming a non-zero angle with a perpendicular to a plane of a top surface of the insert, wherein the clearance surface differs from the imaginary surface and forms the non-zero angle with the perpendicular to the plane of the top surface, and wherein a shape of the cutting edge is defined relative to a first imaginary edge disposed above the imaginary surface, all points on the first imaginary edge being disposed at the plane of the top surface, the cutting edge being disposed above the clearance surface, at least some but fewer than all points on the cutting edge being disposed at different distances from the plane of the top surface, a profile of the cutting edge viewed in the direction of the perpendicular to the plane of the top surface corresponding to a profile of the first imaginary edge.

27. The cutting insert as set forth in claim 26, wherein the clearance surface extends around an entire periphery of the insert.

28. The cutting insert as set forth in claim 27, wherein the profile of the cutting edge viewed in the direction of the perpendicular to the plane of the top surface defines a substantially elliptical shape.

29. The cutting insert as set forth in claim 26, wherein the clearance surface extends at least partially around a periphery of the insert.

30. The cutting insert as set forth in claim 26, wherein the clearance surface extends to a bottom surface of the insert.

31. The cutting insert as set forth in claim 26, wherein the clearance surface is disposed axially above a bottom surface of the insert.

32. The cutting insert as set forth in claim 26, wherein it comprises a second imaginary edge above imaginary surface, all points on the cutting edge having corresponding points on the second imaginary edge and being disposed at equal distances from the plane of the top surface such that a profile of the second imaginary edge viewed in a direction of the perpendicular to the plane of the top surface is different than a profile of the first imaginary edge, and wherein a profile of a planar cross-section of the clearance surface, the cross-section being taken parallel to the plane of the top surface, viewed in the direction of the perpendicular to the plane of the top surface inversely corresponds to a profile of the second imaginary edge.

33. The cutting insert as set forth in claim 26, wherein the profile of the cutting edge viewed in the direction of the perpendicular to the plane of the top surface at least partially defines a substantially elliptical shape.

34. The cutting insert as set forth in claim 33, wherein the profile of the cutting edge viewed in the direction of the perpendicular to the plane of the top surface at least partially defines a substantially circular shape.

35. The cutting insert as set forth in claim 26, wherein the profile of the cutting edge viewed in the direction of the perpendicular to the plane of the top surface is substantially aligned with the profile of the first imaginary edge.

36. The cutting insert as set forth in claim 26, wherein the insert is at least one of a milling, turning, boring, parting, grooving, threading, and drilling insert.

37. A cutting tool, comprising a toolholder comprising a recess for receiving an insert and at least one abutment surface for abutting at least one side insert supporting surface on the insert, wherein the cutting tool comprises a cutting insert comprising a clearance surface and a cutting edge, the clearance surface being defined relative to an imaginary surface that is substantially frustoconical, the imaginary surface forming a non-zero angle with a perpendicular to a plane of a top surface of the insert, the clearance surface differing from the imaginary surface and forming the non-zero angle with the perpendicular to the plane of the top surface, and the cutting edge being disposed above the clearance surface and being relative to a first imaginary edge disposed above the imaginary surface, all points on the first imaginary edge being disposed at the plane of the top surface, at least some but fewer than all points on the cutting edge being disposed at different distances from the plane of the top surface, a profile of the cutting edge viewed in the direction of the perpendicular to the plane of the top surface corresponding to a profile of the first imaginary edge.

38. The cutting tool as set forth in claim 37, wherein the side insert supporting surface is at least partially recessed with respect to the clearance surface.

39. The cutting tool as set forth in claim 38, wherein the side insert supporting surface at least partially projects from the clearance surface.

40. The cutting tool as set forth in claim 39, wherein the side insert supporting surface is at least partially recessed with respect to the clearance surface.