High Feed Turning Tool Kits

Abstract

A bidirectional high-feed turning tool assembly (10) includes a tool holder (14), a cutting insert (12), and a clamping element that secures the cutting insert (10) to the tool holder (14). The cutting insert (12) includes an active cutting edge (24A, 24B, 24C) having a centrally located frontmost edge portion (34) and a first main edge portion (36A) and a second main edge portion (36B), the first main edge portion and the second main edge portion extending rearwardly from the frontmost edge portion (34) and extending laterally to a range further than the lateral tool sides (46, 48) of the tool holder (14). The first main edge portion (36A) and the second main edge portion (36B) may also each have a relatively small undercut angle (K1, K2) to facilitate cutting in two lateral directions (D S1 , D S2 ) on high feed turning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter of the present application relates to so-called high feed turning inserts, turning tool holders and turning tool assemblies comprising the turning inserts and the turning tool holders (hereinafter may be referred to as "inserts", "tool holders" and "tool assemblies" for the sake of brevity). Background Art

[0002] So-called high feed turning inserts, tool holders and tool assemblies (a tool assembly is an insert, a tool holder and a clamping element such as a screw or a clamp for holding the insert to the tool holder) are special purpose tools designed for special machining operations, namely high feeds.

[0003] Generally speaking, the concept of high feed turning is to remove relatively small chips of metal or similar material from a rotating workpiece relatively quickly, rather than removing relatively large chips at a slower rate.

[0004] A known example of a high feed (referred to herein as "high-efficiency cutting" or "rapid feed cutting") turning tool assembly is shown in FIG. 8 of US 10,086,435.

[0005] It should be noted that in FIG. 8 there is a relatively small so-called "immersion angle λ4". In the disclosure of milling high feed, the comparative angle is usually indicated as angle "k", and will also be indicated as such in the present application. Returning to the disclosure, the immersion angle λ4 is stated to be in the range from 15° to 30°. In other words, in the disclosure, the length l of the main cutting edge 124 is significantly longer than the depth d (in the language of "twice or more"). This allows so-called fast feed cutting, because the smaller chips processed exert less cutting forces on the tool holder.

[0006] Although the present application is not intended to be limited by the specific angles and limitations in US 10,086,435, the disclosure can help understand the type of machining operation addressed in the present application, namely high feed turning. In the present application, "high feed" can be quantitatively considered to include the following two: a feed rate (F) that satisfies the condition 0.8≤F≤3.5mm / rev, preferably 1.5≤F≤3.0; and a feed rate (F) that satisfies the condition 0.3≤a p ≤3.0mm, preferably 0.5≤a p Cutting depth (a) ≤ 2.0 mm (e.g. at a cutting speed (V) of about 150 m / min) p ). The undercut angle "k" typically satisfies the condition of about 6°≤k≤30°, preferably 12°≤k≤20°. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is generally provided a bidirectional high feed turning tool assembly, the bidirectional high feed turning tool assembly comprising a tool holder and a blade fixed to the tool holder by a clamping element. The blade comprises an active cutting edge (i.e., the cutting blade comprises an active cutting edge for each indexable position of the cutting blade), the active cutting edge extending laterally further than the two sides of the front end of the tool holder at least at the position where machining is performed (i.e., the head of the tool holder), and the active cutting edge has a main cutting edge portion configured to perform machining in one lateral direction and another main cutting edge portion designed to perform machining in the opposite lateral direction (in other words, the cutting edge does not collapse on one side according to the design of the cutting edge designed to work in one direction), thereby configuring the tool assembly to rapidly machine not only in one lateral direction but also in two lateral directions during a single machining operation, thereby providing a significant advantage over the known prior art.

[0008] To distinguish with respect to FIG. 8 of US 10,086,435, while the cutting edge appears symmetrical in the top view shown, from the various angles described with reference to both FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, and in view of the side walls described above, it should be understood that the cutting edge is recessed. This understanding is supported by the larger side walls, which indicate that the tool assembly shown is only used for high feed turning in one lateral direction, because at any small depth, the tool holder will be limited in one lateral direction by the side walls and external objects (e.g., a side wall of the workpiece that is no longer cylindrical, or a part of the machining station). In other words, the tool assembly cannot groove (remove material while moving in the forward direction) to a considerable depth beyond the front cutting edge of the tool assembly, or machine the workpiece adjacent to the lateral side adjacent to the front tool end.

[0009] The dimensions of the side walls of the disclosure positioned adjacent to the insert pocket aid in understanding the strength required to securely hold the cutting insert even in only a single direction during machining at high feeds due to the expected high machining forces.

[0010] Returning to a more specific description of the features of the present invention, a bidirectional high-feed turning tool assembly may include: a tool holder, a cutting insert, and a clamping element; the tool holder includes: opposite front tool ends and rear tool ends defining a longitudinal direction, the longitudinal direction including a forward direction toward the front tool end and a rearward direction opposite to the forward direction; opposite upper tool sides and lower tool sides defining a vertical direction, the vertical direction including an upward direction toward the upper tool side and a downward direction opposite to the upward direction; opposite first lateral tool sides and second lateral tool sides defining a lateral direction, the lateral direction including a first lateral tool side toward the rear tool end; a first lateral direction toward a first lateral tool side and a second lateral direction opposite to the first lateral direction; a vertical bisector plane extending parallel to the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction and bisecting the first lateral tool side and the second lateral tool side adjacent to the front tool end; a shank portion; a head portion extending from the shank portion; and a blade pocket formed at the intersection of the front tool end of the head portion and the upper tool side, the blade pocket including a pocket base surface; a cutting blade fixed to the blade pocket via a clamping element; the cutting blade including: opposite top and bottom surfaces and a top surface The blade has a lateral surface connected to the bottom surface; and a peripheral cutting edge formed along at least a portion of the intersection of the blade lateral surface and the top surface, the peripheral cutting edge including at least one active cutting edge; the active cutting edge including: a frontmost edge portion, the frontmost edge portion being located in front of the front tool end, extending further in the forward direction than the rest of the active cutting edge, and having a transverse edge length that can be measured parallel to the lateral direction; a first main edge portion, the first main edge portion extending from the frontmost edge in both the first lateral direction and the rearward direction to a position in the first lateral direction that is further than the first lateral tool side portion adjacent to the front tool end The tool end of the tool is provided with a first main edge portion having a first edge length measurable parallel to the lateral direction and a first edge depth measurable parallel to the longitudinal direction; a second main edge portion extending from the foremost edge in both the second lateral direction and the rearward direction to a position farther in the second lateral direction than a second lateral tool side portion adjacent to the front tool end, the second main edge portion having a second edge length measurable parallel to the lateral direction and a second edge depth measurable parallel to the longitudinal direction; the first edge length is greater than each of the first edge depth and the transverse edge length; and the second edge length is greater than each of the second edge depth and the transverse edge length.

[0011] While there may be other ways to clamp the insert without the restrictive side walls of the described prior art and still perform the high feed bi-directional machining operation described above, a preferred structure for achieving such high feed operation will be described below.

[0012] Specifically, according to the second aspect of the invention, it has been envisaged to provide an asymmetric clamping configuration for machining in two opposite directions. Although this is somewhat counterintuitive, since one would think that a symmetrical clamping arrangement would be advantageous for two opposite directions, it is difficult to manufacture cutting inserts and tool holders that are rigid elements and that can simultaneously contact more than three lateral abutment surfaces, and it is believed that symmetrical abutment requires four lateral abutment surfaces (it should be noted that this statement is for lateral or lateral abutment, i.e., does not include vertical abutment of, for example, the bottom insert surface and abutment of the base surface of the cavity). Without being bound by theory, the above difficulties may be one of the reasons for the hitherto unknown high feed machining in two directions.

[0013] More precisely, the bidirectional high-feed turning tool assembly may include: a tool holder, a cutting blade and a clamping element; the tool holder includes: opposite front tool ends and rear tool ends defining a longitudinal direction, the longitudinal direction including a forward direction toward the front tool end and a rearward direction opposite to the forward direction; opposite upper tool sides and lower tool sides defining a vertical direction, the vertical direction including an upward direction toward the upper tool side and a downward direction opposite to the upward direction; opposite first lateral tool sides and second lateral tool sides defining a lateral direction, the lateral direction including a first lateral direction toward the first lateral tool side a first lateral tool side portion and a second lateral tool side portion opposite to the first lateral direction; a vertical bisector plane extending parallel to the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction and bisecting a first lateral tool side portion and a second lateral tool side portion adjacent to the front tool end; a shank portion; a head portion extending from the shank portion; and a blade pocket formed at the intersection of the front tool end of the head portion and the upper tool side portion, the cutting blade being fixed to the blade pocket via a clamping element; the cutting blade comprising: opposite top and bottom surfaces and a blade lateral surface connecting the top surface to the bottom surface; and a blade lateral surface extending along the blade lateral surface and the top surface The blade side surface comprises: a first blade side sub-surface, the first blade side sub-surface faces both in the rearward direction and in the second side tool side direction; and a second blade side sub-surface, the second blade side sub-surface faces both in the rearward direction and in the first side tool side direction; the bottom surface comprises: a side blade abutment surface facing the first side tool side direction; the blade pocket comprises: a pocket base surface; a first pocket abutment wall, the first pocket abutment wall extends upward from the pocket base surface and faces both in the forward direction and in the second side tool side direction; and a second pocket abutment wall, the second pocket abutment wall The wall extends upward from the hole base surface and faces both the forward direction and the first side tool side direction; the hole base surface includes a side hole adjacent surface, which is positioned closer to the front tool end than the first hole adjacent wall and the second hole adjacent wall, and the side hole adjacent surface faces the second side tool side direction; wherein the adjacent positions of the blade and the blade hole are only: the position where the first blade side sub-surface is adjacent to the second hole adjacent wall; the position where the second blade side sub-surface is adjacent to the first hole adjacent wall; the position where the side blade adjacent surface is adjacent to the side hole adjacent surface; and the position where the bottom surface is adjacent to the hole base surface.

[0014] For simplicity, for example, the side blade abutment surface is defined above as facing the first side tool side direction, and the side pocket abutment surface to be abutted is defined as facing the second side tool side direction. It will be understood that these directions can be reversed and the specific directions selected are only for simplicity (because "first" or "second" can be either side direction (sideways direction)).

[0015] Detailing the above-mentioned asymmetric abutment, although both the cavity and the blade have two surfaces facing in each of the two directions, at the more forward portion of the blade cavity, the lateral cavity abutment surface and the corresponding lateral blade abutment surface only provide stability for one lateral direction, while processing in the opposite lateral direction seems to lack stability.

[0016] It is of course conceivable that the novel bi-directional high feed turning method of the present invention may be feasible without any lateral insert abutment surfaces and lateral cavity abutment surfaces (e.g., relying entirely on insert lateral abutment walls and cavity abutment walls), or may rely on a second pair of lateral insert abutment surfaces and lateral cavity abutment surfaces facing the other lateral direction (providing symmetry but being overly constrained by the four lateral connecting surfaces). Although such a solution is feasible using high precision grinding, the above construction is considered to be very advantageous due to simplified and much less precise manufacturing. Nevertheless, the inventive method and first aspect of the present application should not be considered to be limited to such independent inventive constructions.

[0017] Although the previous paragraph states that the lateral blade abutment surfaces and the lateral pocket abutment surfaces are not theoretically essential, the lateral blade abutment surfaces and the lateral pocket abutment surfaces do help provide a stable mounting of the blade while still allowing for machining in both opposite directions (without interfering with the lateral abutment walls adjacent to the front tool end). This is particularly important for high feed operations that generate relatively high forces compared to other machining operations, such as, for example, finishing operations. It will be understood that high feed operations or configurations suitable for high feed operations are roughing operations designed to remove material quickly.

[0018] Due to the increased stability and allowing machining in two directions at the same time, it will be appreciated that the mounting arrangement of the second aspect can even be used to provide this advantage for different insert shapes or cutting edges designed for applications other than high feed machining. Therefore, the second aspect should not be seen as being limited to only a particular cutting edge configuration.

[0019] Nevertheless, such a mounting arrangement is obviously particularly advantageous for cutting edges designed for high feed machining, as described in conjunction with the first aspect.

[0020] Similarly, although it has been pointed out that the first aspect and the method pointed out can be implemented in different configurations, it is clear that the mounting arrangement features (abutment surfaces etc.) defined in the second aspect are preferred.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tool holder as described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blade as described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0023] For example, according to some embodiments, the blade includes: opposite top and bottom surfaces and a blade side surface connecting the top surface with the bottom surface; and a peripheral cutting edge formed along at least a portion of the intersection of the blade side surface and the top surface; the cutting edge includes an active cutting edge, which in turn includes: a front edge portion having a transverse edge length that can be measured parallel to the lateral direction; a first main edge portion that extends from the front edge along both the first lateral direction and the rearward direction and has a first edge length that can be measured parallel to the lateral direction and a first edge depth that can be measured parallel to a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction; a second main edge portion that extends from the front edge along both the second lateral direction and the rearward direction and has a transverse edge length that can be measured parallel to the lateral direction A second edge length measured and a second edge depth measurable parallel to the longitudinal direction; the first edge length is greater than each of the first edge depth and the transverse edge length; and the second edge length is greater than each of the second edge depth and the transverse edge length; each of the first main edge portion and the second main edge portion defines a first undercut angle K1 and a second undercut angle K2 that satisfy the conditions 6°≤K1, K2≤30°; and at least the bottom surface includes a lateral insert abutting surface arranged on an internal recess or protrusion; the lateral insert abutting surface is closer to the position where the first main edge portion is connected to the frontmost end portion than any other portion of the cutting edge (that is, in an indexable insert, the cutting edge may have other frontmost edge portions as well as the first main edge portion and the second main edge portion, but the lateral insert abutting surface is closest to one of them).

[0024] The above preferred bidirectional high feed blade preferably has the preferred features mentioned in the second aspect or below.

[0025] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a method for machining in two opposite lateral directions as described above is provided. It will be understood that this method may include providing a tool assembly according to either or both of the first and second aspects. Similarly, a tool holder or blade according to the aforementioned aspects may be used with this method. However, whether utilizing the construction of the second aspect or utilizing the high feed structure of the first aspect, machining in two lateral directions and / or close to a side surface or workpiece or machine as described above is hitherto unknown. Therefore, it should be noted that the machining method may not be strictly limited to the features of these two.

[0026] The method may include the step of machining under high feed conditions as defined above, i.e., the high feed conditions include a feed rate (F) satisfying the condition 0.8≤F≤3.5 mm / rev, preferably 1.5≤F≤3.0, and a feed rate (F) satisfying the condition 0.3≤ap ≤3.0mm, preferably 0.5≤a p Cutting depth (a) ≤ 2.0 mm (e.g. at a cutting speed (V) of about 150 m / min) p ).

[0027] More particularly, the method may include the steps of machining in one direction under the above-mentioned high feed conditions and then machining in the opposite direction under the same high feed conditions.

[0028] Even more specifically, the method may include machining adjacent to a side surface of a workpiece or a side surface of a machine holding a workpiece. Furthermore, the method may include machining adjacent to a side surface of a workpiece or a side surface of a machine holding a workpiece in either lateral direction or in both lateral directions.

[0029] Furthermore, the method may include the step of grooving (machined in the forward direction) further than half the depth of the entire insert, or preferably further than the full depth of the entire insert.

[0030] Some preferred features related to these aspects are described below.

[0031] The first main edge portion and the second main edge portion can define a first undercut angle K1 and a second undercut angle K2 with respect to the lateral direction that satisfy the following conditions: 6°≤K1, K2≤30°, preferably 12°≤K1, K2≤20°. In some preferred embodiments, the first undercut angle K1 and the second undercut angle K2 and the values ​​of the first undercut angle K1 and the second undercut angle K2 are equal.

[0032] The clamping element may be a rod, a top clamp or a screw as known in the art. Each known clamping method has known benefits.

[0033] The insert can theoretically be a single-sided or double-sided insert. In some embodiments, a single-sided insert is preferred, even though a double-sided insert provides more cutting edges, because it is significantly simpler to provide a relief relative to the cutting edges due to the bidirectional machining operation.

[0034] The insert is preferably indexable. In other words, the insert is indexable about a central insert axis extending through the center of the insert. Although a three-way indexable insert has been exemplified as the most preferred embodiment, it will be understood that even non-indexable inserts or inserts configured for more than three-way indexing are possible. Each design has advantages and disadvantages, wherein a three-way indexable insert has more cutting edges than a non-indexable insert or a two-way indexable insert, but a three-way indexable insert has longer cutting edges than an insert having more than three-way indexing.

[0035] The foremost edge portion is preferably a wiper edge portion (i.e. straight in a top view of the insert and typically having a length of about 1 mm). Nevertheless, since a high feed operation is a roughing operation, it is feasible that the foremost portion is, for example, a radius corner portion (i.e. leaving the surface with a poorer finish, but a slightly longer main edge may be provided; the radius portion is preferably as close to a straight edge as possible). Alternatively, the foremost edge portion may have a concave shape in a top view of the insert.

[0036] It will be appreciated that the foremost edge portion itself is not only a corner necessary for joining two functional main edge portions, but also provides a separation gap between the first and second main edge portions, i.e. the foremost edge portion separates the use of the edges when moving in different directions (i.e. theoretically reduces the wear produced when moving in one direction, but wears the oppositely positioned main edge). It is even feasible that the foremost edge portion is, for example, an inwardly concave edge instead of the straight edge shown, as this will also provide such a separation gap between the first and second main edge portions.

[0037] The first main edge and the second main edge are preferably straight in a top view of the first main edge and the second main edge. However, as is well known, in feed applications, such edges may also be slightly curved in their top view. It will be appreciated that both the first main edge and the second main edge are longer than the foremost edge, since the first main edge and the second main edge provide the main cutting function in high feed operations. For example, each of the first main edge and the second main edge (individually) is preferably at least twice the length of the foremost edge, preferably each of the first main edge and the second main edge is at least three times the length of the foremost edge.

[0038] Although it is highly preferred that the first and second main edge portions are angularly symmetrical as this will maintain similar knife life of the first and second main edge portions when operating in both directions, the first and second main edge portions may have a slight asymmetry.

[0039] It is preferred that the lengths of the first and second main edge portions are equal, as this will maintain similar knife lifespans of the first and second main edge portions when operating in both directions.

[0040] The active cutting edge may be defined as the portion of the cutting edge extending forwardly from the front tool end.

[0041] Preferably, the first and second main edge portions extend in the lateral direction further than the lateral tool sides adjacent to the front tool end. It will be appreciated that this allows the slotting operation (i.e., machining further in the forward direction than the front tool end because the lateral tool sides of the front tool end have a shorter width than the first and second main edge portions in a top view).

[0042] Additionally, said preferably shorter width of the tool head at least adjacent to the insert pocket allows said unobstructed machining in the lateral direction. In simpler language, the width of the active cutting edge of the insert measured in the lateral direction is wider than the corresponding width of the head portion adjacent to the front end of the tool. Alternatively, in a top view of the insert, the circumscribed circle of the cutting edge of the insert (or the intersection of the top surface and the side surface if the cutting edge does not extend continuously along it) may have a maximum width of the tool head that is greater than the front end. Alternatively, said diameter may be greater than the maximum width of the insert pocket.

[0043] Since the preferred embodiment is a tool holder with a head portion for turning rather than cutting, the head has a significantly larger width and can withstand forces, and can therefore be longer than the length of the blade pocket. As shown in the preferred example below, the head portion, at least the head portion adjacent to the front end, can be thinner than the width of the blade (measured in the lateral direction via the maximum extension of the first main edge and the second main edge) (hereinafter "thin portion"), and the length of the head portion measured in the longitudinal direction is at least as long as the blade pocket measured parallel to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the thin portion of the head portion can extend in the longitudinal direction by at least twice the length of the blade pocket. More precisely, the first main edge portion and the second main edge portion can extend further in the respective first and second lateral directions than the first lateral tool side and the second lateral tool side defining the thin portion of the head portion; and the length of the thin portion extending in the longitudinal direction is at least as long as the longitudinal blade pocket length measured parallel to the longitudinal direction of the blade pocket, preferably, the length of the thin portion of the head portion extending in the longitudinal direction is at least twice the length of the longitudinal blade pocket.

[0044] Each of the first main edge portion and the second main edge portion should preferably extend a greater length in the lateral direction than in the longitudinal direction. It will be understood that high feed operations without this feature are difficult because the forces caused by processing are increased. This can be alternatively explained with reference to the sinker angle k, in particular the preferred angle of the sinker angle k described above. In some prior art tool assemblies with similar tool holders, the circular blade blade is shown to be provided with a pin for easy indexing. It will be understood that the present application relates to high feed operations that are not suitable for such circular blades for the reasons mentioned above. In other words, when viewed in a top view, the main edge portion recedes behind the circumscribed circle of the cutting edge. Similarly, the pin is used only for positioning, and it is unknown to be used to withstand processing forces.

[0045] Preferably, the same chip former arrangement is formed along each of the first and second main edge portions, as both provide similar functions. For indexable inserts, it is preferred that the same chip former arrangement is formed along the entire cutting edge.

[0046] Preferably, the blade pocket further comprises: a pocket base surface; a first pocket adjacent wall extending upward from the pocket base surface and facing both in the forward direction and in the second lateral tool side direction; and a second pocket adjacent wall extending upward from the pocket base surface and facing both in the forward direction and in the first lateral tool side direction.

[0047] Preferably, the blade bottom surface and the cavity base surface are flat. Although some tool assembly designs have a prismatic / ridged connection between the blade bottom surface and the cavity base surface to prevent lateral movement, for the higher forces in high feed applications, it is preferred to make the blade more stable, which is achieved by having a large portion of the blade's abutment (i.e., the abutment of the blade bottom surface and the cavity base surface) be flat. Although it is disadvantageous that the lateral blade abutment surfaces and lateral cavity abutment surfaces detract from such stable abutment, they are considered to be favorable features of lateral abutment, so a compromise is made. Nevertheless, it is certainly preferred that the vertical abutment is carried out via abutment of flat surfaces.

[0048] Similarly, it is preferred that the blade side surface is used for abutment, even though such abutment could be made on a surface adjacent to, for example, the blade bottom surface (e.g., an internal recess). Again, this preference is due to the relatively high forces mentioned and the assumption that the blade side surface will generally be larger than the alternative surface adjacent to the blade bottom surface or internal recess.

[0049] Nevertheless, to achieve the desired bi-directional machining capability without lateral restriction, the present design provides the insert with a lateral abutment surface adjacent the insert bottom surface, ie, the insert side surface, and of course, a complementary side pocket abutment surface.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the cutting insert further comprises a lateral insert abutment surface adjacent to the insert bottom surface, and the pocket base surface further comprises a lateral pocket abutment surface; and the lateral insert abutment surface abuts the lateral pocket abutment surface.

[0051] Advantageously, the lateral blade abutment surface is arranged on an internal recess in the blade bottom surface. In this case, the lateral pocket abutment surface is arranged on a protrusion formed on the pocket base surface. Even though the lateral blade abutment surface could be arranged on an external surface of, for example, a protrusion of a protrusion of the blade (and in this case, the lateral pocket abutment surface would be arranged on a recess in the pocket base surface), which would be easier to grind, the internal recess design on the cutting blade is preferred because it allows the blade to be more compact and the preferred blade can avoid being ground (at least for this particular surface, i.e. the blade bottom surface).

[0052] Another advantage is that a non-central protrusion formed on the insert is disadvantageous for the manufacture of the pocket base surface, which requires multiple insert base recesses for the indexable insert. Although the latter reason will not apply to a centrally located protrusion, having a non-centrally located insert flank (i.e., the insert lateral surface near the front tool end or active cutting edge) provides greater stability to the insert. In other words, it is preferred that the lateral insert abutment surface is closer to the active cutting edge than to the center of the insert.

[0053] For the same reasons as described above, it is preferred that the side hole abutment surfaces are preferably formed on the protrusions, ie, projections.

[0054] The lateral blade abutment surface is preferably the abutment surface of the blade closest to the active cutting edge. In terms of the tool assembly, the lateral blade abutment surface is preferably the abutment surface closest to the front tool end. It should be understood that all of these features of closer and more distal abutment surfaces throughout the specification and claims are not intended to include the blade bottom surface and the pocket base surface.

[0055] Due to the consideration of higher forces, at least at the location where the desired contact is located, both the blade side abutment surface and the side pocket abutment surface are flat. It will be understood that the abutment of two flat surfaces is better than a single point contact area. This is certainly true in the case of high feed operations with relatively high forces.

[0056] It is necessary to ensure that only the lateral abutment surfaces of the hole are in contact and the surfaces on the opposite side of the vertical plane are not in contact. The protrusion may preferably extend further in one of the first lateral direction or the second lateral direction than in the other of the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction. In other words, the protrusion may be about the vertical plane P V Asymmetric. This configuration allows the recesses in the blade to be made completely symmetrical. Alternatively, each recess in the bottom surface of the blade may be slightly shorter on one side, and the protrusions may be symmetrical about the vertical plane P. V Symmetrical, as long as the insert is rotationally symmetrical for each recess. In other words, each recess in the bottom surface of the insert is shorter on one side in one of the first lateral direction or the second lateral direction.

[0057] Since the purpose of the lateral blade abutment surface is to stabilize the blade near the cutting edge of the blade, the lateral blade abutment surface is preferably close to the cutting edge for operation. In other words, the lateral blade abutment surface is preferably closer to the active cutting edge than the blade lateral surface for the rear abutment blade pocket. In other words, the lateral blade abutment surface is preferably located between the central axis of the blade and the active cutting edge.

[0058] In all preferred embodiments, the blade side surface is adjacent to both the first pocket abutment wall and the second pocket abutment wall. In detail, the first blade side sub-surface is adjacent to the first pocket abutment wall, and the second blade side sub-surface is adjacent to the second pocket abutment wall.

[0059] The abutment position is preferably asymmetric to allow three-point contact while still allowing machining in opposite directions. In other words, in a top view of the insert pocket, the first pocket abutment wall and the second pocket abutment wall are asymmetric about the vertical bisector plane at the position where the first pocket abutment wall and the second pocket abutment wall abut the cutting insert.

[0060] Preferably, the first abutment position (eg, the first blade side square sub-surface and the first pocket abutment wall) is farther from the tool holder front end portion than the second abutment position (eg, the second blade side square sub-surface and the second pocket abutment wall).

[0061] More precisely, preferably, the second abutment position (the abutment position closer to the front end of the tool holder) and the third abutment position, ie, the abutment position where the lateral blade abutment surface abuts the lateral hole abutment surface, are located on the same side of the tool holder.

[0062] In other words, the blade may include a lateral blade abutment surface adjacent to the blade bottom surface, and the blade pocket further includes a pocket base surface; and the lateral blade abutment surface is adjacent to the lateral pocket abutment surface; wherein, compared with the abutment between the cutting blade and the first pocket abutment wall and the second pocket abutment wall, the lateral blade abutment surface is adjacent to the lateral pocket abutment surface farther from the front tool end in the longitudinal direction.

[0063] The abutment of the first pocket abutment wall with the cutting insert may preferably be further from the front tool end in the longitudinal direction than the abutment of the first insert lateral pocket abutment surface with the second pocket abutment wall. In this case, preferably, the lateral pocket abutment surface and the second pocket abutment wall are located on the same side of the vertical bisector plane, and the first pocket abutment wall is located on the other side of the vertical bisector plane.

[0064] While the above examples define preferred arrangements where the blade pockets are asymmetric, it will be appreciated that asymmetric abutments are desirable and so alternatives to all abutment surfaces will be illustrated below.In summary, an asymmetric abutment design may be provided in different ways.

[0065] It should be noted that the two illustrated approaches only provide for abutting the blade on one side adjacent to the front tool end (i.e., there is no more than one abutment location on the protrusion on the blade pocket base surface). This is to ensure that an unground blade (or less ground, it should be noted that the cutting edge or bottom surface may be ground, but the lateral abutment surface may not need to be ground) is not overly constrained and can correctly abut the two pocket abutment walls.

[0066] In one preferred example shown, a non-circular screw hole surface is used to allow the screw to direct the clamping force toward a specific insert side surface location.

[0067] Preferably, the blade side surface also includes: a first blade side sub-surface, the first blade side sub-surface faces both the rearward direction and the second side tool side direction; and a second blade side sub-surface, the second blade side sub-surface faces both the rearward direction and the first side tool side direction; the bottom surface of the blade also includes: a side blade adjacent surface facing the second side tool side direction; the blade pocket also includes: a pocket base surface; a first pocket adjacent wall, the first pocket adjacent wall extending upward from the pocket base surface and facing both the forward direction and the first side tool side direction; and a second pocket adjacent wall extending from the pocket base surface Extending upward and facing both the forward direction and the second lateral tool side direction; the hole base surface also includes a lateral hole adjacent surface, which is positioned closer to the front tool end than the first hole adjacent wall and the second hole adjacent wall, and the lateral hole adjacent surface faces the second lateral tool side direction; wherein the adjacent positions of the blade and the blade hole are only: the position where the first blade side sub-surface is adjacent to the first hole adjacent wall; the position where the second blade side sub-surface is adjacent to the second hole adjacent wall; the position where the side blade adjacent surface is adjacent to the side hole adjacent surface; and the position where the bottom surface is adjacent to the hole base surface.

[0068] In another preferred example shown, the asymmetric abutment is provided with only a standard screw hole, but recessing the pocket abutment wall ensures that the symmetrical insert side sub-surfaces contact the pocket abutment wall at different distances from the tool holder front end.

[0069] An alternative or additional feature applicable to any of the above examples may be that the pocket abutment wall extends asymmetrically (in top view) at least in its portion intended for abutment to ensure abutment positions at different distances from the front end of the tool holder.

[0070] Preferably, the leading edge portion intersects the vertical bisecting plane. This symmetry is beneficial for bidirectional processing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] In order to better understand the subject matter of the present application and to show how the subject matter of the present application may be implemented in practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0072] Figure 1A is a top view of an example high feed tool assembly according to the subject matter of the present application, wherein a schematic portion of a workpiece is shown;

[0073] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A side view of a tool assembly in FIG.

[0074] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A perspective view of a tool assembly in FIG.

[0075] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A A front view of a tool assembly in FIG.

[0076] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A top view of the blade in FIG. 1 , wherein a schematic portion of a workpiece is shown;

[0077] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A side view of the blade in FIG.

[0078] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A bottom view of the blade in FIG.

[0079] Figure 3A yes Figure 1A A top view of a tool holder in FIG.

[0080] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A side view of a tool holder in FIG.

[0081] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A A perspective view of a tool holder in FIG.

[0082] Figure 3D yes Figure 3A A front view of a tool holder in FIG.

[0083] Figure 4A yes Figure 3A an enlarged view of a blade pocket of a tool holder in FIG.

[0084] Figure 4B is Figure 4A An enlarged side perspective view of the blade pocket in FIG. Figure 3C A similar view of the blade pocket in;

[0085] Figure 5Ais a top view of another example high feed tool assembly according to the subject matter of the present application;

[0086] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A side view of a tool assembly in FIG.

[0087] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A A perspective view of a tool assembly in FIG.

[0088] Figure 5D yes Figure 5A A front view of a tool assembly in FIG.

[0089] Fig. 6A yes Figure 5A A top view of the blade in FIG.

[0090] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A A side view of the blade in FIG.

[0091] Figure 6C yes Fig. 6A A bottom view of the blade in FIG.

[0092] Fig. 7A yes Figure 5A A top view of a tool holder in FIG.

[0093] Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A A side view of a tool holder in FIG.

[0094] Figure 7C yes Fig. 7A A perspective view of a tool holder in FIG. 1 ; and

[0095] Fig.7D yes Fig. 7A Front view of the tool holder in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] Reference Figures 1A to 1D , a high feed tool assembly 10 is shown, which includes a three-way indexable insert 12 , a tool holder 14 , and a screw 16 that secures the insert 12 to the tool holder 14 .

[0097] To describe the cutting insert 12 in more detail, please note that FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C .

[0098] The blade 12 includes opposing top and bottom surfaces 18 , 20 and a blade side surface 22 connecting the top and bottom surfaces 18 , 20 .

[0099] The insert 12 also includes a peripheral cutting edge 35 formed at the intersection of the top surface 18 and the insert side surface 22. The peripheral cutting edge 35 includes a first active cutting edge 24A, a second active cutting edge 24B, and a third active cutting edge 24C. Each of the first active cutting edge 24A, the second active cutting edge 24B, and the third active cutting edge 24C is formed on a different side of the three-way indexable insert 12 (i.e., when the cutting insert 12 is rotated about the centrally located insert axis A). I When rotated 120 degrees, a different one of the active cutting edges appears).

[0100] like Figure 2A As seen in FIG. 1 , the first active cutting edge 24A includes the leading edge portion 34, the first main edge portion 36A and the second main edge portion 36B. Each "active cutting edge" is so called because it is the portion of the peripheral cutting edge 35 that is active when machining the workpiece 35 when mounted to the tool holder 14. After the cutting insert 12 is indexed, different active cutting edges are active. Figure 2A As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the first active cutting edge 24A participates in cutting the workpiece 25 .

[0101] Since all three sides of the blade are rotationally identical, this description will only refer to one feature out of the three symmetrical feature groups.

[0102] Although the first active cutting edge 24A is shown as being located Figure 2A However, for the purpose of describing the abutment or installation of the insert 12, for ease of description, the first active cutting edge 24A is located at Figure 2C on the right side of the bottom view.

[0103] The bottom surface 20 includes an inner recess 26, which in turn includes a second side direction D facing the inner recess 26. S2 The flat lateral blade abutment surface 28 is provided.

[0104] When mounted to the tool holder 14 , as described below, the lateral blade abutment surface 28 provides abutment relative to the distally located first and second lateral blade sub-surfaces 30A, 30B.

[0105] The insert 12 is a positive insert, the lower portion 32 of which is relieved inwardly relative to the peripheral cutting edge 35, such as Figure 2B shown.

[0106] like Figure 2A As best shown in FIG. 1 , the leading edge portion 34 has a shape that can be parallel to the lateral direction D S Measured transverse edge length L FThe leading edge portion 34 is preferably straight in a top view of the blade 12 .

[0107] The first main edge portion 36A extends from the front edge portion 34 along the first side direction D Sl and backward direction D R Both extend and have a first edge length L El and first edge depth L Dl (In this case, it is equivalent to specifying a p ).

[0108] The second main edge portion 36B extends from the front edge portion 34 in the second side direction D S2 and backward direction D R Both extend and have a second edge length L E2 and the second edge depth L D2 (In this case, it is equivalent to specifying a p ).

[0109] As described above, the first main edge 36A and the second main edge 36B are preferably Figure 2A ) is straight. It should be noted that these edges can even remove material up to half of the radius corner portions 36C, 36D through these edges as shown. Half of the radius corner portions 36C, 36D are included in the above-mentioned length. It will be understood that all three active cutting edges, namely the first active cutting edge 24A, the second active cutting edge 24B and the third active cutting edge 24C, intersect at the corner portion. Since most of the main edge portion is straight (except for the small unavoidable corner portion), the main edge portion is considered to be straight.

[0110] As shown, each of the first main edge portion 36A and the second main edge portion 36B is oriented in the lateral direction D S On the longitudinal direction D L Upper extends to significantly longer length.

[0111] Therefore, the first undercut angle K1 and the second undercut angle K2 in the preferred embodiment are both 15°, which are relatively small angles.

[0112] This geometry is also related to the distance R, as described below.

[0113] Returning to the description of the top surface 18 (also referred to as the “rake face”), in the example shown there is an identical chip former arrangement 37 formed along the entire peripheral cutting edge 35 .

[0114] Reference Figure 2C , although usually the imaginary circumscribed circle I of the peripheral cutting edge 35 located along the upper surface C will typically be drawn on Figure 2A, but for ease of visibility it is shown in Figure 2C Since the exemplary insert 12 is a so-called positive insert, the peripheral cutting edge 35 is visible in the bottom view.

[0115] The circumscribed circle IC of the insert allows the calculation of the diameter Dc.

[0116] It will be appreciated that a similarly sized circular blade will have Figure 2C The circumscribed circle I shown in C Matching cutting edges, but the high feed cutting edge is from the circumscribed circle I C Depression, such as Figure 2C The distance R shown in (relating to an active cutting edge which is different from the active cutting edge currently described as an example but is symmetrical thereto).

[0117] Reference Figure 2C , the side insert abutment surface 28 is closer to the first active cutting edge 24A than the first side insert abutment sub-surface 30A and the second side insert abutment sub-surface 30B. Alternatively, the side insert abutment surface 28 is closer to the first active cutting edge 24A than the second active cutting edge 24B and the third active cutting edge 24C.

[0118] To describe the tool holder 14 in more detail, please note that Figures 1A to 1D and FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D .

[0119] The tool holder 14 includes: a longitudinal direction D L The opposite front tool end 38 and rear tool end 40 are arranged in the longitudinal direction D L The forward direction D includes the forward direction D towards the front tool end 38. F and forward direction D F Opposite backward direction D R ; Limit the vertical direction D V The upper tool side 42 and the lower tool side 44 are opposite, and the vertical direction D V Including the upward direction D towards the upper tool side U and upward direction D U Opposite downward direction D D ; and define the lateral direction D S The first lateral tool side 46 and the second lateral tool side 48 are opposite to each other, and the lateral direction D S The first side direction D includes a first side direction D toward the first side tool side 46 S1 and the first side direction D S1 The opposite second side direction D S2 .

[0120] More specifically, the tool holder 14 includes a shank portion 50 and a head portion 52 extending from the shank portion 50 , and a blade pocket 54 formed at the intersection of the front tool end 38 and the upper tool side 42 of the head portion 52 .

[0121] Vertical bisector plane P V ( Figure 1A ) parallel to the longitudinal direction D L and vertical direction D V The tool end 38 of the front tool is connected to the first side tool side 46 and the second side tool side 48. Fig. 7A In the example shown in FIG, the vertical bisector plane P V ' extends through the center of the handle 50', vertically bisects the plane P V The meaning is that for purposes of defining the features of the present invention only relates to the tool head portion 52 , and not the handle portion 50 .

[0122] The tool holder 12 may optionally include a coolant arrangement which, in the preferred example, shows a plurality of coolant outlets 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D, 56E, 56F (in Figure 3D (marked in the middle).

[0123] Briefly refer to Figure 1A The head portion 52 may have a thin portion, that is, smaller than the blade width W adjacent to the front end. C Width of head part W H It should be noted that the blade width W C Equal to the effective cutting edge length, which is the transverse edge length L F With the first blade length L E1 and the second edge length L E2 The combined length of

[0124] Figure 3A The longitudinal blade pocket length L measured in the longitudinal direction is shown in IL .

[0125] It will be appreciated that the first main edge portion 36A and the second main edge portion 36B are arranged in the respective first side directions D S1 and the second side direction D S2 The thinned portion 52 extends further than the first and second lateral tool sides 46 and 48, thereby defining a thinned portion (in this case, the thinned portion extends the entire length of the head 52). Figure 1A As shown, it will be understood that the length of the thin portion extending in the longitudinal direction is the longitudinal blade pocket length L of the blade pocket 54. IL ( Figure 3A) at least twice, or even greater than the longitudinal blade pocket length L IL twice as much.

[0126] Will also refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B The blade pocket 54 is described.

[0127] The blade pocket 54 includes a pocket base surface 58, a pocket extending upwardly from the pocket base surface 58 and facing in the forward direction D. F and the second side direction D S2 The first hole abutment wall 60A of both and the hole base surface 58 extending upward and facing the forward direction D F and the first side direction D S1 The second holes of both are adjacent to the wall 60B.

[0128] The hole base surface 58 includes an upwardly protruding protrusion 62, and the protrusion 62 includes a side of the protrusion 62 and facing the second lateral direction D S2 The flat side hole abutment surface 64.

[0129] In order to ensure that only the hole side abutment surface 64 contacts and the hole side non-abutment surface 66 on the opposite side of the protrusion 62 does not contact, the screw hole axis A of the screw hole 68 is H From the vertical plane P V Alternatively, the protrusion may be offset with respect to the vertical plane P V asymmetric and extending slightly further in the second lateral direction DS2 (not shown). It should be noted that there may be other solutions with similar effects. Nevertheless, these two solutions (including the one about the vertical plane P V asymmetry) allows the recess 26 in the blade 12 to be made symmetrically.

[0130] Alternatively, the blade pocket 54 may be symmetrical and each recess 26 in the bottom surface 20 of the blade may be slightly shorter on one side, as long as the blade 12 is rotationally symmetrical for each recess 26 .

[0131] It should be pointed out that in Figure 4A , the required lateral abutment surfaces of the blade pocket 54 (i.e., the first pocket abutment wall 60A, the second pocket abutment wall 60B and the lateral pocket abutment surface 64; it should be noted that this statement does not relate to the pocket base surface 58 which does not provide lateral support) are each located at a distance from the front end 38 that can be extended in the longitudinal direction D L In some embodiments, the first hole adjacent wall 60A and the second hole adjacent wall 60B partially overlap in the distance from the front end 38, and the term "different distances" means that they are in the longitudinal direction D LIn other words, one of the first and second pocket abutment walls 60A, 60B may start or end further away from the front end portion 38 than the other.

[0132] The side pocket abutment surface 64 is closest to the front end 38 of the tool holder.

[0133] The first hole abutment wall 60A is farthest from the front end portion and is located farther than the other portions in the first lateral direction.

[0134] The second hole abutment wall 60B can be formed along the longitudinal direction D L Measured between the lateral pocket abutment surface 64 and the first pocket abutment wall 60A, and positioned farther in the second lateral direction than the other portions.

[0135] It will be appreciated that no matter in which lateral direction the tool assembly is machining the workpiece, the same abutment surface is always in contact with the insert 12 .

[0136] That is, the first blade lateral sub-surface 30A abuts the second pocket abutment wall 60B, the second blade lateral sub-surface 30B abuts the first pocket abutment wall 60A, the lateral blade abutment surface 28 abuts the lateral pocket abutment surface 64; and the bottom surface 20 of the blade abuts the pocket base face 58.

[0137] However, the force distribution at the individual abutment locations varies depending on the machining direction.

[0138] Therefore, when the tool assembly is processed with the cutting insert 14, relatively speaking, in the second lateral direction D S2 The movement is relative to the workpiece—it will be understood that the workpiece can be moved in the second lateral direction D with the blade 14 fixed. S2 but in this case the force applied is with the blade in a first lateral direction D S1 When the workpiece moves upward and the workpiece is fixed, a larger force is applied to the side hole abutment surface 64. S1 On the other hand, the force exerted on the side pocket abutment surface 64 is much smaller, while the force exerted on the second pocket abutment wall 60B is significantly greater. The different distances from the front end 38 of the tool holder help prevent the blade from rotating in the blade pocket.

[0139] Although the rear portion of the blade pocket is Figure 3A It appears symmetrical, but it should be noted that upon closer inspection Figure 4A This is not the case when it comes to the enlarged blade pocket in the .

[0140] It should be noted that for purposes of structural strength, the first pocket-adjacent wall 60A is part of the larger first wall 70A, while the second pocket-adjacent wall 60B is part of the larger second wall 70B.

[0141] To ensure contact at designated abutment portions, the larger first and second walls 70A and 70B are tilted away from the first and second pocket abutment walls 60A and 60B. For the purpose of understanding only, such angles are artificially exaggerated and schematically shown as first, second, and third inclination angles α1, α2, and α3.

[0142] Reference FIG. 5A to FIG. 7D Another example tool assembly 10' is shown in Figure 1, showing an alternative abutment arrangement. Corresponding elements have the same reference numerals as above, but with a prime (') added.

[0143] The high feed tool assembly 10 ′ includes a three-way indexable insert 12 ′, a tool holder 14 ′, and screws 16 ′ that secure the insert 12 ′ to the tool holder 14 ′.

[0144] Only the notable differences will be noted. While it is clear that there is a different handle portion 50', the primary difference is in the blade mounting arrangement (noting that in fact the previously described blade mounting arrangement can be used with this handle portion 50', and vice versa).

[0145] Specifically, in the tool holder 10', the first hole abutment wall 60A' and the second hole abutment wall 60B' are about the vertical plane P V 'Symmetrical.

[0146] To ensure an asymmetric force arrangement, the screw hole 74 ( Fig. 6A ) is non-circular. More precisely, the screw hole 74 is provided with three linear screw hole abutment surfaces, namely the first screw hole abutment surface 72A, the second screw hole abutment surface 72B and the third screw hole abutment surface 72C, one screw hole abutment surface being used for each of the three indexable positions. At the same time, the blade hole 68'( Fig. 7A ) has a relative to the blade axis A I 'Offset hole axis A H As a result, a biasing force F is generated, providing an asymmetric force distribution effect similar to the previous examples using differently positioned first and second pocket abutment walls.

[0147] The bias force F is in the rearward direction D R and (in this optional example) in a first lateral direction DS1.

[0148] More precisely, the biasing force F is directed to a greater extent in the rearward direction D than in the first lateral direction DS1. R In other words, the direction of the bias force F is the same as the backward direction D R The vertical plane P V The first offset angle α4 formed between the direction of the force F and the lateral direction D S It should be understood that the arrows and angles in the drawings are schematic and are not intended to be used for measurement.

[0149] This can also be understood only from the blade 14', in which the first screw hole adjacent surface 72A is not parallel to the blade side adjacent sub-surface adjacent to the first screw hole adjacent surface 72A (in this example, the first blade side adjacent sub-surface 30A'), but is inclined relative to the blade side adjacent sub-surface.

[0150] To describe the tilt in a more geometrical way, the first normal direction D of the screw hole abutment surface 72A is B1 The second normal direction D to the first adjacent sub-surface 30A′ B2 In other words, from the center of the blade 12' (i.e., through the blade axis A I The imaginary line LI extending from the center of the first active cutting edge 24A' can be aligned with the first normal direction D of the screw hole abutting surface 72A. B1 A first acute angle β1 is formed, and the imaginary line LI can be aligned with the second normal direction D of the first adjacent sub-surface 30A′. B2 The first acute angle β1 is greater than the second acute angle β2. In other words, the second normal direction D B2 Can be compared to the first normal direction D B1 It is directed more towards the frontmost portion 34'.

[0151] Back to Figure 1B , but common to both embodiments, the leading edge portion 34 is located forward of the front tool end 38 and is positioned further in the forward direction than the remainder of the active cutting edge, i.e., the first active cutting edge 24A in this example. The leading edge portion 34 is also similar to Figure 1A The vertical bisector plane P is best shown in V intersect.

[0152] like Figure 1AAs best shown in the drawings, the first main edge portion 36A extends further in the first lateral direction than the first lateral tool side 46 adjacent the front tool end, and the second main edge portion 36B extends further in the second lateral direction than the second lateral tool side 48 adjacent the front tool end. Thus, the insert 12 (or insert 12') is shown sunk into the workpiece to a depth that is not possible in the above-described prior art designs and may even extend completely within the workpiece 25. This is a significant advantage because, currently, high feed tool holders 12 or tool assemblies 10 configured for machining in two opposing lateral directions are not even known (hence an additional benefit of the present invention) without such significant advantages.

Claims

1. A bidirectional high feed turning tool assembly, comprising: Tool holders, cutting inserts and clamping elements; The tool holder comprises: opposing front and rear tool ends defining a longitudinal direction including a forward direction toward the front tool end and a rearward direction opposite the forward direction; an upper tool side and a lower tool side defining opposite vertical directions, the vertical direction including an upward direction toward the upper tool side and a downward direction opposite the upward direction; defining opposing first and second lateral tool sides that have lateral directions, the lateral directions comprising a first lateral direction toward the first lateral tool side and a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction; a vertical bisector plane extending parallel to the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction and bisecting the first lateral tool side and the second lateral tool side adjacent the front tool end; The handle portion; a head portion extending from the handle portion; and a blade pocket formed at the intersection of the front tool end and the upper tool side of the head portion, the blade pocket including a pocket base surface; The cutting insert is fixed to the insert pocket via the clamping element; The cutting blade comprises: Opposing top and bottom surfaces and blade side surfaces connecting the top and bottom surfaces; and a peripheral cutting edge formed along at least a portion of an intersection of the insert side surface and the top surface, the peripheral cutting edge including at least one active cutting edge; The active cutting edge comprises: a forward-most edge portion located forward of the forward tool end, extending further in the forward direction than the remainder of the active cutting edge, and having a transverse edge length measurable parallel to the lateral direction; a first main edge portion extending from the foremost edge in both the first lateral direction and the rearward direction to a position further in the first lateral direction than the first lateral tool side adjacent the forward tool end, the first main edge portion having a first edge length measurable parallel to the lateral direction and a first edge depth measurable parallel to the longitudinal direction; a second main edge portion extending from the foremost edge in both the second lateral direction and the rearward direction to a position further in the second lateral direction than the second lateral tool side adjacent the forward tool end, the second main edge portion having a second edge length measurable parallel to the lateral direction and a second edge depth measurable parallel to the longitudinal direction; The first edge length is greater than each of the first edge depth and the transverse edge length; and the second edge length is greater than each of the second edge depth and the transverse edge length, in: The tool assembly is configured for use in a forward direction (D F ) and also in two opposite lateral directions (D S1 , D S2 ) processing, two lateral directions (D S1 , D S2 ) are perpendicular to the forward direction (D F ), The blade pocket also includes: a first pocket adjacent wall, which extends upward from the pocket base surface and faces both the forward direction and the second lateral direction; and a second pocket adjacent wall, which extends upward from the pocket base surface and faces both the forward direction and the first lateral direction; and both the first pocket adjacent wall and the second pocket adjacent wall are adjacent to the blade side surface of the cutting blade, wherein, in a top view of the blade pocket, the first pocket adjacent wall and the second pocket adjacent wall are asymmetric about the vertical bisector plane at the position where the first pocket adjacent wall and the second pocket adjacent wall are adjacent to the cutting blade.

2. The tool assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first main edge portion and the second main edge portion define, relative to the lateral direction, a first undercut angle K1 and a second undercut angle K2 that satisfy the following condition: 6° ≤ K1, K2 ≤ 30°.

3. The tool assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first undercut angle K1 and the second undercut angle K2 satisfy the following condition: 12° ≤ K1, K2 ≤ 20°.

4. The tool assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first main edge portion and the second main edge portion define a first undercut angle K1 and a second undercut angle K2, and a value of the first undercut angle K1 is equal to a value of the second undercut angle K2.

5. The tool assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The cutting insert further comprises a lateral insert abutment surface adjacent to the insert bottom surface, and the pocket base surface further comprises a lateral pocket abutment surface; and the lateral insert abutment surface abuts the lateral pocket abutment surface.

6. The tool assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The lateral blade abutment surfaces are disposed on interior recesses in the blade bottom surface, and the lateral pocket abutment surfaces are disposed on projections formed on the pocket base surface.

7. The tool assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The protrusion extends further in one of the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction than in the other of the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction.

8. The tool assembly of claim 6, wherein: One side of the inner recess in one of the first lateral direction or the second lateral direction is shorter.

9. The tool assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The lateral insert abutment surface is the abutment surface of the cutting insert which is closest to the active cutting edge.

10. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The leading edge portion is straight in a top view of the cutting insert.

11. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first main edge and the second main edge are straight in a top view of the first main edge and the second main edge.

12. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The length of the first main edge portion is equal to the length of the second main edge portion.

13. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The length of each of the first main edge and the second main edge is at least twice the length of the foremost edge.

14. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The blade side surface also includes: a first blade lateral sub-surface facing both the rearward direction and the second lateral direction; and a second blade lateral sub-surface facing both the rearward direction and the first lateral direction; The bottom surface of the blade further includes: a lateral blade abutment surface facing the first lateral direction; The blade cavity also includes: a first pocket abutment wall extending upwardly from the pocket base surface and facing in both the forward direction and the second lateral direction; and a second pocket abutment wall extending upwardly from the pocket base surface and facing in both the forward direction and the first lateral direction; the pocket base surface further comprising a lateral pocket abutment surface facing the second lateral direction, the lateral pocket abutment surface being located closer to the front tool end than the first pocket abutment wall and the second pocket abutment wall; and Wherein, the adjacent position of the blade and the blade cavity is only: A position where the side surface of the first blade is adjacent to the adjacent wall of the second hole; The position where the side surface of the second blade is adjacent to the first hole adjacent wall; The location where the lateral blade abutment surface abuts the lateral pocket abutment surface; and The bottom surface is located adjacent to the hole base surface.

15. The tool assembly of claim 14, wherein: The second insert side square sub-surface abuts the first pocket abutment wall further from the front tool end in the longitudinal direction than where the first insert side square sub-surface abuts the second pocket abutment wall.

16. The tool assembly of claim 15, wherein: The lateral pocket abutment surface and the second pocket abutment wall are located on the same side of the vertical bisector plane, and the first pocket abutment wall is located on the other side of the vertical bisector plane.

17. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The cutting insert includes an identical chip former arrangement formed along each of the first main edge portion and the second main edge portion.

18. The tool assembly of claim 17, wherein: The same chip former arrangement is formed along the entire cutting edge.

19. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The cutting insert is a three-way indexable insert.

20. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The cutting insert is a single-sided insert.

21. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The cutting insert is formed with a non-circular screw hole surface configured to direct a clamping force toward a side surface location of the insert.

22. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first and second main edge portions extend further than the first and second lateral tool sides in respective first and second lateral directions, thereby defining a thin portion of the head portion; as well as The thinned portion extends a length measured in the longitudinal direction that is at least as long as a longitudinal blade pocket length of the blade pocket measured parallel to the longitudinal direction.

23. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The blade bottom surface and the pocket base surface are planar.

24. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The leading edge portion intersects the vertical bisector plane.

Images