PRE-CURVED MILLING CUTTERS

Abstract

Preloaded milling cutters are disclosed in which compressive preloads are induced to counteract tensile stresses that could otherwise lead to crack propagation. The preloaded milling cutters have a mounting end for attachment to a cutter holder, a cutting end opposite the mounting end, and a body with multiple cutting insert pockets between the mounting end and the cutting end. A central bore extends from the mounting end to the cutting end, and a tie rod is located in this central bore. The tie rod has an end near the mounting end and an opposite end near the cutting end. A clamping mechanism engages with the tie rod to generate a tensile stress in the tie rod and a reactive compressive stress in the cutter body. The preloaded milling cutters can withstand high bending loads and exhibit improved fatigue strength. The degree of preload can be adjusted to a desired level.Coolant can be supplied to the cutting inserts of the milling cutters via continuous coolant channels.

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