face milling cutter

Abstract

A face milling cutter comprising: - a cutter body (2); - a number of main cutting inserts (60) mounted in respective main insert seats (30); and - a reference insert (50) mounted in a reference insert seat (20); - a finishing insert (40) mounted in a finishing insert seat (10). The reference and main cutting inserts (50, 60) are configured to be detachably mounted in their insert seats in fixed positions, as seen in the axial direction of the cutter body. The reference insert seat (20) is arranged further forward in the cutter body than the main insert seats (30), such that the reference insert protrudes forward from the cutter body beyond the axially forwardmost point of each main cutting insert. The position of the finishing insert (40) is adjustable by means of an adjustment mechanism (70) to allow the finishing insert to be positioned such that the axially forwardmost point of the finishing insert is substantially flush with, or further forward than, the axially forwardmost point of the reference insert (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a face milling cutter. Background Technology

[0002] A face milling cutter is a rotary cutting tool used to perform face milling operations on a workpiece. In face milling, a flat surface is cut perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cutter body. A face milling cutter can have multiple cutting inserts, which are detachably mounted in corresponding insert holders within the cutter body. Each individual cutting insert can have several identical cutting edges, allowing each insert to rotate to different working positions. When the cutting edge of an insert has worn down, the insert can be repositioned in its insert holder and installed in a new working position where another cutting edge is in an active cutting position.

[0003] In face milling cutters of the type described above, it is previously known to use a combination of several identical primary cutting inserts and one or more finishing inserts. Each primary cutting insert is configured to perform so-called roughing (i.e., chip removal with a considerable depth of cut) via its primary cutting edge currently in the active cutting position, and each finishing insert is configured to perform so-called finishing (i.e., shallow surface smoothing of the milled surface on the workpiece) via its surface-wiping cutting edge currently in the active cutting position. In this case, each finishing insert must be mounted in the face milling cutter body in a position such that its active surface-wiping cutting edge protrudes forward from the front end of the cutter body a short distance beyond the axial foremost point of each primary cutting insert. To enable this positioning of the finishing insert in the cutter body while taking into account tolerances of the primary cutting inserts, finishing inserts, and insert holders, it is previously known to provide adjustability of the position of each finishing insert in the axial direction of the cutter body. This adjustability can be provided, for example, by an adjustable tool holder mounted in the cutter body, which is configured to support the finishing insert relative to the cutter body.

[0004] EP 3375 552A1 discloses a face milling cutter comprising a tool body having a plurality of identical insert holders, wherein, as seen in the axial direction of the tool body, a plurality of primary cutting inserts are configured to be removably mounted in a corresponding insert holder in a fixed position, and wherein at least one finishing insert is configured to be removably mounted in one of the insert holders in an adjustable tool magazine to allow adjustment of the position of the finishing insert in the axial direction of the tool body.

[0005] JP 4330709 B2 discloses another type of face milling cutter, which has a plurality of main cutting inserts mounted in respective insert holders and a finishing insert adjustablely mounted in an associated insert holder, wherein the plurality of main cutting inserts are mounted in fixed positions in the respective insert holders in the axial direction of the tool body, thereby allowing the position of the finishing insert to be adjusted in the axial direction of the tool body.

[0006] US2009 / 0060662 A1 discloses a face milling cutter having a plurality of main cutting inserts fixedly mounted in corresponding insert holders of the cutter body and three finishing inserts adjustablely mounted in corresponding insert holders of the cutter body, thereby allowing adjustment of the position of each finishing insert in the axial direction of the cutter body.

[0007] In face milling cutters of the type described above, which have several fixed (i.e., non-adjustably mounted) master cutting inserts and one or more adjustable finishing inserts, it is important to adjust the position of each finishing insert such that, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the cutter body, the wiping cutting edge of the working surface of the finishing insert protrudes forward from the cutter body of the face milling cutter by a small distance, for example, about 0.03-0.10 mm, beyond the axial foremost point of each master cutting insert. This allows the finishing insert to perform the desired finishing on the milled workpiece surface in a suitable manner. However, due to tolerances in the master cutting inserts and their insert holders, the exact position of the axial foremost point of the master cutting inserts may vary slightly among the cutting inserts. To achieve correct positioning of the adjustable finishing inserts relative to the fixed master cutting inserts, it is necessary to establish the exact position of the axial foremost point of each master cutting insert using appropriate measurement techniques before the position of the finishing inserts can be adjusted. This can be a rather time-consuming and cumbersome operation. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a face milling cutter of the above type with a new and advantageous design.

[0010] According to the present invention, the objective is achieved by a face milling cutter having the following defined features.

[0011] The face milling cutter according to the present invention comprises:

[0012] - A tool body having a front end and a opposite rear end, the rear end being configured for attachment to a machine, wherein a longitudinal axis of the tool body extends between the rear end and the front end of the tool body;

[0013] - At least two main cutting inserts;

[0014] -Reference blade;

[0015] - Finishing blades;

[0016] - A plurality of blade holders, said plurality of blade holders being disposed in the tool body and being uniformly distributed or at least substantially uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction of the tool body, wherein these blade holders include:

[0017] • At least two main insert holders, configured to receive a corresponding main cutting insert of at least two main cutting inserts, wherein, viewed in the axial direction of the tool body, each main cutting insert is configured to be detachably mounted in its associated main insert holder in a fixed position.

[0018] • A reference insert holder, configured to receive a reference insert, wherein, viewed in the axial direction of the tool body, the reference insert is configured to be detachably mounted in the reference insert holder in a fixed position, and

[0019] • Finishing blade holder, configured to receive finishing blades, wherein the finishing blades are configured to be detachably mounted on the finishing blade holder.

[0020] China; and

[0021] - An adjustment mechanism, associated with the finishing insert holder, for adjusting the position of the finishing insert in the axial direction of the tool body.

[0022] The plurality of insert holders are disposed in the tool body and are uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction of the tool body, or, due to manufacturing tolerances or due to differential pitch known in the art (which reduces the risk of self-excited oscillation and chatter), the plurality of insert holders are at least substantially uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction of the tool body.

[0023] In a reference direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool body and viewed from the rear end of the tool body toward the front end of the tool body, the reference insert holder is positioned further forward in the tool body than the at least two main insert holders, such that the reference insert protrudes forward in the reference direction beyond the axial foremost point of each main cutting insert. The position of the finishing insert in the axial direction of the tool body can be adjusted by the adjustment mechanism to allow the finishing insert to be positioned in the tool body such that, viewed in the reference direction, the axial foremost point of the finishing insert is substantially flush with or further forward than the axial foremost point of the reference insert. This arrangement of the reference insert holder further forward in the tool body compared to the main insert holders aims to ensure that, when the reference insert is correctly mounted in the reference insert holder, the reference insert is always positioned such that its axial foremost point is further forward in the aforementioned reference direction than the axial foremost point of each main cutting insert. This, in turn, means that the machine operator must only pay attention to the position of the axial foremost point of the reference insert when adjusting the axial position of the finishing insert. Therefore, the machine operator does not need to combine the adjustment of the axial position of the finishing insert to establish the position of the axial foremost point of any main cutting insert, which means that such adjustment can be performed in a relatively quick manner.

[0024] In addition, depending on the number of main insert holders, the reference insert holder is arranged in one of the following locations within the tool body:

[0025] - If the tool body has an even number of main insert seats, the reference insert seat and the finishing insert seat are arranged opposite or substantially opposite each other in the diametrical direction; and

[0026] - If the tool body has an odd number of main insert seats, the reference insert seat is arranged as close as possible to a point on the periphery of the tool body that is diametrically positioned relative to the finishing insert seat.

[0027] Therefore, in the latter case, when taking into account the above-mentioned uniform or at least substantially uniform distribution of all insert holders in the circumferential direction of the tool body, the reference insert holder constitutes one of the following two insert holders in the tool body, wherein the two insert holders are arranged at the point closest to the periphery of the tool body and positioned relative to the finishing insert holder in the diametrical direction.

[0028] If the tool body has an even number of main insert holders, the reference insert holder and the finishing insert holder are arranged opposite each other in the diametrical direction. However, due to manufacturing tolerances or differential pitch, the reference insert can also be arranged to be substantially opposite the finishing insert holder in the diametrical direction.

[0029] By arranging the reference insert holder opposite the finishing insert holder in the diametrical direction, or at least as close as possible to a point on the periphery of the tool body that is positioned opposite the finishing insert holder in the diametrical direction, the reference insert can be used as an additional finishing insert along with the adjustable finishing insert mounted in the finishing insert holder, when needed. When the reference insert is to be used as such an additional finishing insert, the machine operator only needs to adjust the axial position of the adjustable finishing insert so that, viewed in the axial direction of the tool body, the adjustable finishing insert is positioned in the tool body, and its axial foremost point is flush with or at least substantially flush with the axial foremost point of the reference insert. In this case, each of the finishing insert and the reference insert is advantageously positioned in the tool body such that, viewed in the aforementioned reference direction, its axial foremost point is 0.03-0.07 mm, preferably 0.05 mm, further forward than the axial foremost point of each main cutting insert. When using a single finishing insert, the axial position of the adjustable finishing insert mounted in the finishing insert holder is adjusted so that, in the reference direction, the adjustable finishing insert is positioned in the tool body and its axial foremost point is further forward than the axial foremost point of the reference insert.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, the finishing insert holder is arranged in a tool magazine, which can be mounted in the tool body and is configured to support the finishing insert. In this case, the adjustment mechanism can be configured to adjust the position of the tool magazine in the tool body, wherein the position of the finishing insert in the axial direction of the tool body can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the tool magazine in the tool body. Alternatively, the finishing insert holder can be formed directly in the tool body, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the position of the finishing insert in the axial direction of the tool body by acting directly on the finishing insert.

[0031] Given the normal tolerances of different types of cutting inserts commonly used in face milling cutters, the reference insert holder is advantageously positioned within the tool body 0.02-0.10 mm further forward than the at least two main insert holders, preferably 0.03-0.07 mm, and more preferably 0.05 mm, in the aforementioned reference direction. Within the same batch of cutting inserts, the dimensional tolerance of ground cutting inserts (i.e., cutting inserts machined by grinding) is typically about ±0.005 mm. By positioning the reference insert holder at least 0.02 mm further forward than the at least two main insert holders within the tool body in the reference direction, it is ensured that when the reference insert and the main cutting inserts consist of ground cutting inserts from the same batch, the reference insert will always be positioned within the tool body such that, in the reference direction, its axial foremost point is further forward than the axial foremost point of each main cutting insert. If, viewed in the reference direction, the reference insert holder is positioned more than 0.10 mm forward within the tool body compared to the at least two main insert holders, there is a risk that the finishing insert will protrude too far beyond the axial foremost point of the main cutting insert in the axial direction of the tool body, producing undesirably thick chips, which will lead to rapid wear of the finishing insert. The dimensional tolerance of directly pressed cutting inserts from the same batch can be approximately ±0.015 mm. By positioning the reference insert holder at least 0.03 mm forward within the tool body compared to the at least two main insert holders in the reference direction, it is ensured that when the reference insert and main cutting inserts consist of directly pressed cutting inserts from the same batch, the reference insert will always be positioned within the tool body such that, in the reference direction, its axial foremost point is forward of the axial foremost point of each main cutting insert. In the reference direction, if the reference insert holder is positioned forward of at least 0.07 mm beyond the at least two main insert holders within the tool body, this arrangement may result in an undesirable longer axial distance between the axial foremost point of the reference insert and the axial foremost point of the main cutting insert, especially when the main cutting insert and possibly the reference insert are also composed of cutting inserts directly pressed from the same batch. This implies a risk that the finishing insert will protrude too far beyond the axial foremost point of the main cutting insert in the axial direction of the tool body, leading to rapid wear of the finishing insert. In the reference direction, positioning the reference insert holder forward of at least 0.05 mm beyond the at least two main insert holders within the tool body provides a better balance between good surface finish and finishing insert life.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the invention, the outermost radial point of the finishing insert is arranged closer to the longitudinal axis of the tool body than the outermost radial point of each of the at least two primary cutting inserts. The finishing insert thus experiences less wear than the primary cutting inserts, which is particularly advantageous when the finishing insert is in the form of a wiper insert, which can be mounted to the tool body in only one working position or in fewer alternative working positions than the primary cutting inserts.

[0033] According to another embodiment of the invention, the outermost radial point of the reference insert is arranged closer to the longitudinal axis of the tool body than the outermost radial point of each of the at least two main cutting inserts. The reference insert therefore experiences less wear than the main cutting inserts, which is particularly advantageous when the reference insert is in the form of a wiper insert, which can be mounted to the tool body in only one working position or in fewer alternative working positions than the main cutting inserts.

[0034] The at least two main cutting inserts, the reference insert, and the finishing insert can be substantially identical in geometry. Therefore, in this case, no specially designed wiper insert is used in the finishing insert holder or the reference insert holder. However, as an alternative, the finishing insert can take the form of a specially designed wiper insert, the shape of which differs from the shape of the at least two main cutting inserts. In the latter case, a main cutting insert of the type without any surface wiping cutting edge can be used. The wiper insert has a surface wiping cutting edge that is longer than any possible surface wiping cutting edge on the main cutting insert. When the reference insert is also used for finishing, the reference insert can also take the form of a specially designed wiper insert, the shape of which differs from the shape of the at least two main cutting inserts.

[0035] In a face milling cutter in which at least two main cutting inserts and a reference insert are substantially identical in geometry, the position of the finishing insert in the axial direction of the tool body is advantageously adjustable by an adjustment mechanism so that, viewed in the aforementioned reference direction, the finishing insert is positioned in the tool body such that its axial foremost point is 0.03-0.07 mm, preferably 0.05 mm, further forward than the axial foremost point of the reference insert.

[0036] The main cutting insert is preferably of a type that allows each main cutting insert to be mounted in an associated main insert holder in two or more different working positions. Similarly, the reference insert may be of a type that allows it to be mounted in a reference insert holder in two or more different working positions.

[0037] According to another embodiment of the invention, the tool body is provided with a mark indicating the position of the reference insert holder on the tool body. Thus, when the axial position of the finishing insert needs to be adjusted, the machine operator can quickly and reliably identify the reference insert.

[0038] Other advantageous features of the face milling cutter according to the invention will become apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the following is a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention cited as examples.

[0040] In the picture:

[0041] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a face milling cutter according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a face milling cutter.

[0043] Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective views of a face milling cutter viewed from different directions.

[0044] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Side view of a face milling cutter.

[0045] Figure 6 Is included Figure 1 A larger-scale schematic perspective view of the main cutting insert and reference insert in a face milling cutter.

[0046] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a face milling cutter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A plan view of a face milling cutter.

[0048] Figure 9 and Figure 10 yes Figure 7 Exploded perspective views of a face milling cutter viewed from different directions.

[0049] Figure 11 Is included Figure 7 A larger-scale schematic perspective view of the main cutting insert and reference insert in a face milling cutter.

[0050] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a face milling cutter according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A plan view of a face milling cutter.

[0052] Figure 14 Is included Figures 1 to 13 A perspective view of the tool holder and adjustment mechanism in a face milling cutter.

[0053] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 The knife box shown is a perspective view viewed from another direction.

[0054] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 An exploded perspective view of the adjustment mechanism shown.

[0055] Figure 17 yes Figure 14 The front view of the adjustment mechanism shown.

[0056] Figure 18 yes Figure 14 The side view of the adjustment mechanism shown.

[0057] Figure 19 It is based on Figure 5 The cross-section cut by line IXX-IXX in the middle.

[0058] Figure 20 and Figure 21 Is included Figures 1 to 13 Perspective views of the cutting inserts in a face milling cutter viewed from different directions.

[0059] Figure 22 yes Figure 20 and Figure 21 A plan view of the cutting insert.

[0060] Figure 23 and Figure 24 Is included Figures 7 to 13 Perspective views of the finishing insert in a face milling cutter viewed from different directions.

[0061] Figure 25 and Figure 26 yes Figure 23 and Figure 24 Plan views of the finishing blade viewed from different directions, and

[0062] Figure 27 yes Figure 23 and Figure 24 Side view of the finishing blade. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Figures 1 to 13Three different embodiments of a face milling cutter 1 according to the invention are shown. The face milling cutter 1 includes an elongated cutter body 2 and is configured to rotate about a rotation axis 3. The cutter body 2 has a front end 2a and an opposite rear end 2b. A longitudinal axis 4 of the cutter body 2 extends between the rear end 2b and the front end 2a of the cutter body, wherein the longitudinal axis 4 coincides with the rotation axis 3 of the face milling cutter 1. A connecting member 5 is formed at the rear of the cutter body 2, through which the cutter body 2 can be mounted directly or via an intermediate tool holder to a rotating spindle or similar component of a machine, such as a milling machine or a drilling machine. A plurality of insert holders 10, 20, 30 are provided at the front of the cutter body 2, which are evenly or at least substantially evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the cutter body 2 and are configured to receive corresponding cutting inserts 40, 40', 50, 50', 60. Thus, the insert holders 10, 20, 30 are evenly or at least substantially evenly distributed about the longitudinal axis 4 of the cutter body 2. Each insert holder 10, 20, 30 is located at the transition between the front end 2a and the periphery 6 of the tool body 2, wherein each insert holder 10, 20, 30 is open toward the front end 2a of the tool body 2 to allow the cutting inserts 40, 40', 50, 50', 60 mounted in the insert holder to protrude beyond the front end 2a of the tool body 2 in the axial direction, and is also open toward the periphery 6 of the tool body 2 to allow the cutting inserts 40, 40', 50, 50', 60 mounted in the insert holder to protrude beyond the periphery 6 of the tool body 2 in the radial direction. As seen in the intended rotation direction R of the tool body 2, a chip groove 7 is provided in the tool body 2, in front of each insert holder 10, 20, 30.

[0064] The insert holders 10, 20, and 30 disposed in the cutter body 2 include:

[0065] - A finishing insert holder 10, which is configured to receive and support the cutting inserts 40, 40' constituting the face milling cutter 1;

[0066] - A reference insert holder 20, configured to receive and support the cutting inserts 50, 50' constituting the face milling cutter 1; and

[0067] - Two or more main insert holders 30, which are configured to accommodate and support the corresponding cutting inserts of the main cutting inserts 60 constituting the face milling cutter 1.

[0068] exist Figures 1 to 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the tool body 2 is provided with six main blade holders 60 spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the tool body. Figures 12 to 13In the illustrated embodiment, the tool body 2 has five main blade holders 30 spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the tool body. However, as an alternative, the tool body 2 can have any other suitable number of main blade holders 30, depending particularly on the diameter of the tool body, as long as the number is greater than two. A smaller diameter tool body can, for example, have two main blade holders 30, while a larger diameter tool body can have six or more main blade holders 30.

[0069] like Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 7 to 10 As shown, when the tool body 2 has an even number of main insert holders 30, the finishing insert holder 10 and the reference insert holder 20 are located opposite each other in the diametrical direction. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, when the tool body 2 has an odd number of main insert holders 30, the reference insert holder 20 constitutes one of two insert holders in the tool body 2, which are arranged at point P closest to the periphery 6 of the tool body and opposite to the finishing insert holder 10 in the diametrical direction. Advantageously, the tool body 2 is provided with a mark 8 indicating the position of the reference insert holder 20 on the tool body 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the mark 8 is arranged on the front end surface 9 of the tool body 2 and has the form of an arrow, with the arrowhead 8a pointing towards the reference insert holder 20. Of course, the mark 8 can be designed in any other suitable manner, and alternatively, it can be arranged on the periphery 6 of the tool body 2 or in the chip groove 7 associated with the reference insert holder 20.

[0070] Finishing inserts 40 and 40' are detachably mounted in the finishing insert holder 10. The face milling cutter 1 includes an adjustment mechanism 70 associated with the finishing insert holder 10, through which the positions of the finishing inserts 40 and 40' in the axial direction of the cutter body 2 can be adjusted. Therefore, the precise positioning of the finishing inserts 40 and 40' along the longitudinal axis 4 of the cutter body 2 can be adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 70.

[0071] Viewed axially from the tool body 2, the reference inserts 50 and 50' are configured to be detachably mounted in a fixed position within the reference insert holder 20. Therefore, the positions of the reference inserts 50 and 50' in the axial direction of the tool body 2 are not adjustable. Correspondingly, viewed axially from the tool body 2, each main cutting insert 60 is configured to be detachably mounted in a fixed position within its associated main cutting insert holder 30. Therefore, the position of each main cutting insert 60 in the axial direction of the tool body 2 is not adjustable.

[0072] Viewed in the axial direction of the tool body 2, the main insert holders 30 are arranged flush with each other, such that when the main cutting inserts 60 are mounted in the main insert holders 30, as seen in the reference direction D1 from the rear end 2b of the tool body 2 toward the front end 2a of the tool body parallel to the longitudinal axis 4 of the tool body, the axial foremost point 61 of each individual main cutting insert 60 is positioned flush with the axial foremost point 61 of each of the other main cutting inserts 60.

[0073] Viewed in reference direction D1, the reference insert holder 20 is positioned further forward in the tool body 2 than each main insert holder 30, causing the reference inserts 50 and 50', when mounted in the reference insert holder 20, to protrude forward from the tool body 2 in reference direction D1 by a small distance d beyond the axial foremost point 61 of each main cutting insert 60. Figure 6 and Figure 11 As schematically shown. Therefore, when the reference inserts 50, 50' and the main cutting inserts 60 are mounted in their associated insert holders 20 and 30, the axial foremost point 51 of the reference inserts 50, 50' is positioned further forward in the reference direction D1 than the axial foremost point 61 of each main cutting insert 60. Viewed in the reference direction D1, the reference insert holders 50, 50' are suitably arranged in the tool body 2 further forward than each main insert holder 30 by 0.02-0.10 mm, preferably 0.03-0.07 mm, more preferably 0.05 mm.

[0074] The positions of the finishing inserts 40 and 40' in the axial direction of the tool body 2 can be adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 70 to allow the finishing inserts 40 and 40' to be positioned in the tool body 2 such that the axial foremost point 41 of the finishing insert, as viewed in the reference direction D1, is flush with or at least substantially flush with the axial foremost point 51 of the reference inserts 50 and 50', as viewed in the reference direction D1, or the axial foremost point 41 of the finishing insert is further forward in the reference direction D1 than the axial foremost point 51 of the reference inserts 50 and 50'. The adjustment mechanism 70 is preferably designed such that it allows the finishing inserts 40 and 40' to be positioned in the tool body 2 such that the axial foremost point 41 of the finishing insert is positioned in the reference direction D1 at least 0.03 mm forward, preferably at least 0.05 mm forward, than the axial foremost point 51 of the reference inserts 50 and 50'.

[0075] When it is necessary to adjust the position of the finishing inserts 40, 40' in the axial direction of the tool body 2, the axial foremost point 51 of the reference inserts 50, 50' is intended to be used as a reference point by the machine operator. This adjustment may be necessary, for example, when new finishing inserts 40, 40' have been installed in the finishing insert holder 10 and / or new reference inserts 50, 50' have been installed in the reference insert holder 20, or when any of the finishing inserts 40, 40' and reference inserts 50, 50' has been repositioned in its holder 10, 20 and installed in a new working position. When using the face milling cutter 1 to perform finishing face milling operations using only one finishing insert, the axial position of the finishing inserts 40, 40' installed in the finishing insert holder 10 is adjusted so that the finishing insert is positioned in the tool body 2 such that its axial foremost point 41 is positioned further forward in the reference direction D1 than the axial foremost point 51 of the reference inserts 50, 50'. When the face milling cutter 1 is used in a face milling operation where finishing is performed by two finishing inserts, the axial position of the finishing inserts 40, 40' mounted in the finishing insert holder 10 is adjusted so that the finishing inserts are positioned in the tool body 2 such that, viewed in the reference direction D1, the axial foremost point 41 of the finishing insert is flush with or at least substantially flush with the axial foremost point 51 of the reference inserts 50, 50'. In the latter case, the reference inserts 50, 50' serve as second finishing inserts together with the adjustable first finishing inserts 40, 40' mounted in the finishing insert holder 10.

[0076] The outermost radial point 42 of the finishing inserts 40 and 40' is the point on the finishing insert that is furthest from the longitudinal axis 4 of the tool body 2. Preferably, the outermost radial point 42 of the finishing inserts 40 and 40' is arranged closer to the longitudinal axis 4 of the tool body 2 than the outermost radial point 62 of each main cutting insert 60. Similarly, the outermost radial point 52 of the reference inserts 50 and 50' is the point on the reference insert that is furthest from the longitudinal axis 4 of the tool body 2. Preferably, the outermost radial point 52 of the reference inserts 50 and 50' is arranged closer to the longitudinal axis 4 of the tool body 2 than the outermost radial point 62 of each main cutting insert 60.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the finishing blade holder 10 is arranged in a blade magazine 80, which is mounted in the tool body 2 and configured to support the finishing blades 40, 40'. In this case, by adjusting the position of the blade magazine 80 in the tool body 2 using the adjusting mechanism 70, the position of the finishing blade holder 10 in the axial direction of the tool body 2 can be adjusted, and thereby the position of the finishing blades 40, 40' in the axial direction of the tool body 2 can be adjusted. The tool body 2 is provided with a recess 90 configured to receive the blade magazine 80 and the adjusting mechanism 70, wherein the recess 90 is open toward the front end 2a of the tool body 2 and toward the periphery 6 of the tool body. In the illustrated example, the blade magazine 80 is provided with a through hole 81 configured to receive a fastening element 82 in the form of a screw. The fastening element 82 extends through the through hole 81 in the blade magazine 80 and engages in a threaded hole 92 in a tangential support surface 93 in the recess 90. The fastening element 82 includes an extension shaft 82a and a head 82b, wherein the extension shaft 82a is provided with an external thread configured to engage with a corresponding internal thread in the threaded hole 92, and the head 82b is fixed to the shaft 82a. The outer diameter of the shaft 82a is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 81 in the tool holder 80, such that the shaft 82a is accommodated in the through hole 81 with clearance, thereby allowing the tool holder 80 to make small movements in the axial direction of the tool body 2 under the action of the adjusting mechanism 70 when the position of the finishing inserts 40, 40' in the axial direction of the tool body 2 is adjusted by the adjusting mechanism. Tangential abutment surface 83 (see Figure 14 and Figure 15 A tangential support surface 93 is disposed on the rear side of the tool holder 80 and configured to abut against the tangential support surface 93 in the recess 90 when the tool holder is installed in the recess. The tool holder 80 also has a radial abutment surface 84 (see...). Figure 15 and Figure 19 The radial abutment surface 84 is configured to abut against the radial support surface 94 of the recess 90 when the tool holder is installed in the recess. The finishing blade holder 10 is arranged at the upper end of the tool holder 80, and the tool holder has a bottom surface 87 at the opposite lower end.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting mechanism 70 includes a wedge-shaped member 71 and a screw 72, wherein the screw 72 extends through a through-hole 73 in the wedge-shaped member 71. The screw 72 includes an extension shaft 72a and a head 72b, wherein the extension shaft 72a is provided with an external thread 74 configured to engage with a corresponding internal thread 75 in the through-hole 73 in the wedge-shaped member 71, and the head 72b is fixed to the shaft 72a. When the screw 72 rotates relative to the wedge-shaped member, the wedge-shaped member 71 is movable along the shaft 72a of the screw. The wedge-shaped member 71 and the screw 72 are received in a housing 95 at the lower end of the aforementioned recess 90 in the tool body 2, wherein an external sliding surface 76 on the wedge-shaped member 71 forms a sliding engagement with a corresponding sliding surface 96 in the housing 95, and the head 72b of the screw abuts against an inner wall 97 in the housing, as shown. Figure 19 As shown. The wedge-shaped surface 77 on the wedge member 71 slides into contact with the bottom surface 87 of the tool holder 80, wherein the wedge-shaped surface 77 has an inclination relative to the sliding surface 76 such that when the wedge member 71 moves radially outward in the housing 95 along the axis 72a of the screw, the wedge member 71 will force the tool holder 80 forward in the reference direction D1. A socket 78 designed for releasable engagement with a torque tool (not shown) is provided at the outer free end of the axis 72a of the screw 72, so as to allow the torque tool to connect to the axis 72a when the screw 72 is to be rotated, so that the wedge element 71 moves the tool holder 80 and the associated finishing insert seat 10 forward in the reference direction D1 in adjusting the position of the finishing inserts 40, 40' in the axial direction of the tool body 2. The adjustment mechanism 70 can, of course, be designed in any other suitable manner.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, finishing blades 40, 40' are releasably secured to an associated finishing blade holder 10 by a fastening element 11 in the form of a screw, the fastening element 11 extending through through holes 63, 43 in the finishing blades 40, 40' and engaging a threaded hole 13 in a tangential support surface 14 in the finishing blade holder 10 (see [link]). Figure 3 and Figure 9 The finishing blade holder 10 is also provided with two side support surfaces 15a and 15b for supporting the finishing blades 40 and 40' when they are installed in the finishing blade holder 10.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, reference blades 50, 50' are releasably secured to an associated reference blade holder 20 by a fastening element 21 in the form of a screw, the fastening element 21 extending through through holes 63, 43 in the reference blades 50, 50' and engaging a threaded hole 23 in a tangential support surface 24 in the reference blade holder 20 (see [link]). Figure 4 and Figure 10The reference blade holder 20 is also provided with two side support surfaces 25a and 25b for supporting the reference blades 50 and 50' when they are installed in the reference blade holder 20.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, each main cutting blade 60 is releasably secured to an associated main blade holder 30 by a fastening element 31 in the form of a screw, the fastening element 31 extending through a through-hole 63 in the main cutting blade 60 and engaging a threaded hole 33 in a tangential support surface 34 in the main blade holder 30 (see [link]). Figure 4 and Figure 10 Each main cutting insert holder 30 is also provided with two side support surfaces 35a and 35b for supporting the main cutting insert 60 when it is installed in the main cutting insert holder 30.

[0082] As an alternative to screw-type fastening elements 11, 21, 31, finishing inserts 40, 40', reference inserts 50, 50' and main cutting insert 60 can be configured to be releasably secured to the associated insert holders 10, 20, 30 by a suitable clamping device.

[0083] exist Figures 1 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the main cutting insert 60, the reference insert 50, and the finishing insert 40 are geometrically identical, or at least substantially geometrically identical. Therefore, the main cutting insert 60, the reference insert 50, and the finishing insert 40 have the same shape. Figures 1 to 6 The cutting inserts 40, 50, and 60 shown are Figures 20 to 22 The types are shown in more detail below, but of course they can be designed in any other suitable way. Figures 20 to 22 The cutting insert shown has a polygonal basic shape and is rotatable to four different working positions. The cutting insert includes a first main face 64a and a second main face 64b, which are arranged on opposite sides of the cutting insert and serve as the top and bottom surfaces of the cutting insert. The cutting insert has a central axis C extending between the first main face 64a and the second main face 64b. The cutting insert is provided with a through hole 63, which extends centrally through the cutting insert between the first main face 64a and the second main face 64b. The central axis C of the cutting insert coincides with the central axis of the through hole 63. A peripheral clearance surface 65 extends around the cutting insert between the first main face 64a and the second main face 64b. The peripheral clearance surface 65 includes a first main side face 66a, a second main side face 66b, a third main side face 66c, and a fourth main side face 66d. The peripheral clearance surface 65 also includes:

[0084] - The first corner side surface 67a is located between the first main side surface 66a and the second main side surface 66b;

[0085] -Second corner side surface 67b located between the second main side surface 66b and the third main side surface 66c;

[0086] - The third corner side surface 67c located between the third main side surface 66c and the fourth main side surface 66d; and

[0087] - The fourth corner side surface 67d is located between the first main side surface 66a and the fourth main side surface 66d.

[0088] A first primary cutting edge 68a extends along a first primary side surface 66a and forms at the intersection between the first primary side surface 66a and the first primary surface 64a. A second primary cutting edge 68b extends along a second primary side surface 66b and forms at the intersection between the second primary side surface 66b and the first primary surface 64a. A third primary cutting edge 68c extends along a third primary side surface 66c and forms at the intersection between the third primary side surface 66c and the first primary surface 64a. A fourth primary cutting edge 68d extends along a fourth primary side surface 66d and forms at the intersection between the fourth primary side surface 66d and the first primary surface 64a.

[0089] A first surface-cleaning cutting edge 69a extends along the first corner side surface 67a and forms at the intersection between the first corner side surface 67a and the first main surface 64a. A second surface-cleaning cutting edge 69b extends along the second corner side surface 67b and forms at the intersection between the second corner side surface 67b and the first main surface 64a. A third surface-cleaning cutting edge 69c extends along the third corner side surface 67c and forms at the intersection between the third corner side surface 67c and the first main surface 64a. A fourth surface-cleaning cutting edge 69d extends along the fourth corner side surface 67d and forms at the intersection between the fourth corner side surface 67d and the first main surface 64a.

[0090] When installed in any of the blade holders 10, 20, and 30 Figures 20 to 22 The cutting blade shown is arranged such that: the second main surface 64b or at least a portion thereof abuts against the tangential support surfaces 14, 24, 34 in the associated blade holder, and two main surfaces 66a-66d or at least a portion thereof abut against a corresponding side support surface 15a, 15b, 25a, 25b, 35a, 35b in the associated blade holder.

[0091] exist Figures 7 to 13 In the embodiment shown, the main cutting blades 60 are geometrically identical to each other, or at least substantially geometrically identical to each other, while the reference blade 50' and finishing blade 40' are in the form of wiper blades, which are different in shape from the main cutting blades. Figures 7 to 13 The main cutting blade 60 shown is Figures 20 to 22 The types shown in more detail and as described above are examples, but of course they can also be designed in any other suitable manner.

[0092] Figures 7 to 13 The finishing blade 40' shown and the reference blade 50' are geometrically identical to each other, or at least substantially geometrically identical to each other, and are Figures 23 to 27 The types are shown in more detail below, but of course they can be designed in any other suitable way. Figures 23 to 27 The wiper blade shown has a basic polygonal shape. The wiper blade includes a first main surface 44a and a second main surface 44b, which are arranged on opposite sides of the wiper blade and serve as the top and bottom surfaces of the wiper blade. The wiper blade is provided with a through hole 43 extending through the wiper blade between the first main surface 44a and the second main surface 44b. A peripheral clearance surface 45 extends around the wiper blade between the first main surface 44a and the second main surface 44b. The peripheral clearance surface 45 includes a first main side surface 46a, a second main side surface 46b, a third main side surface 46c, a fourth main side surface 46d, and a fifth main side surface 46e. A first surface wiping cutting edge 49a extends along the first main side surface 46a and forms at the intersection between the first main side surface 46a and the first main surface 44a. The second surface wiping cutting edge 49b extends along the second main side surface 46b and forms at the intersection between the second main side surface 46b and the first main surface 44a. The first main cutting edge 48a extends along the fifth main side surface 46e and forms at the intersection between the fifth main side surface 46e and the first main surface 44a. The second main cutting edge 48b extends along the third main side surface 46c and forms at the intersection between the third main side surface 46c and the first main surface 44a.

[0093] When installed in either the finishing blade holder 10 or the reference blade holder 20, the wiper blade is arranged such that the second main surface 44b, or at least a portion thereof, abuts against the tangential support surfaces 14, 24 in the respective blade holder. Figures 23 to 27 The type of wiper blade shown is used for Figures 7 to 13 In the face milling cutter 1 of the type shown (the face milling cutter 1 is configured to in Figures 7 to 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 When rotating in the direction R shown, the wiper blade will be mounted in the associated blade holders 10, 20, such that the first surface wiping cutting edge 49a and the first main cutting edge 48a are in the active cutting position, and the third and fourth main side surfaces 46c, 46d, or at least a portion thereof, abut against a corresponding side support surface of one of the two side support surfaces 15a, 15b, 25a, 25b in the associated blade holders. However, Figures 23 to 27The type of wiper insert shown can also be used in face cutters configured to rotate in opposite directions. In the latter case, the wiper insert is mounted in an associated insert holder such that the second surface wiping cutting edge 49b and the second main cutting edge 48b are in the active cutting position, and the fourth and fifth main side surfaces 46d, 46e, or at least a portion thereof, abut against the corresponding side support surfaces in the associated insert holder.

[0094] exist Figures 1 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the surface wiping cutting edges 69a-69d disposed on the finishing insert 40 and the reference insert 50 have the same length as the surface wiping cutting edges 69a-69d disposed on the main cutting insert 60. Figures 7 to 13 In the embodiment shown, the surface wiping cutting edge 49a provided on the finishing insert 40' and the reference insert 50' is longer than the surface wiping cutting edges 69a-69d provided on the main cutting insert 60.

[0095] The cutting inserts 40, 50, and 60 included in the face mill 1 shown are single-sided cutting inserts, wherein the cutting edge is arranged only along the periphery of the first main face 44a and 64a. However, as an alternative, the face mill according to the invention may be provided with one or more double-sided cutting inserts, wherein the cutting edge is arranged along the periphery of the first main face and also along the periphery of the second main face.

[0096] Of course, the present invention is not limited in any way to the embodiments described above. Rather, many possibilities for modifications to the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the basic spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A face milling cutter, comprising: - a cutter body (2) having a front end (2a) and an opposite rear end (2b) configured for attachment to a machine, wherein a longitudinal axis (4) of the cutter body (2) extends between the rear end (2b) and the front end (2a) of the cutter body; - at least two main cutting inserts (60); - a reference insert (50, 50'); - a finishing insert (40, 40'); - a number of insert seats (10, 20, 30) provided in the cutter body (2) and uniformly or at least substantially uniformly distributed in a circumferential direction of the cutter body (2), wherein these insert seats comprise: • at least two main insert seats (30) configured to accommodate respective ones of the at least two main cutting inserts (60), wherein each main cutting insert (60) is configured to be detachably mounted in the associated main insert seat (30) in a fixed position, as seen in an axial direction of the cutter body (2), • a reference insert seat (20) configured to accommodate the reference insert (50, 50'), and • a finishing insert seat (10) configured to accommodate the finishing insert (40, 40'), wherein the finishing insert (40, 40') is configured to be detachably mounted in the finishing insert seat (10); and - an adjustment mechanism (70) associated with the finishing insert seat (10) for adjusting a position of the finishing insert (40, 40') in the axial direction of the cutter body (2), characterized in that the reference insert (50, 50') is configured to be detachably mounted in the reference insert seat (20) in a fixed position, seen in the axial direction of the tool body (2), wherein seen in a reference direction (D1) parallel to the longitudinal axis (4) of the tool body (2) from the rear end (2b) of the tool body towards the front end (2a) of the tool body, the reference insert seat (20) is arranged further forward in the tool body (2) compared to the at least two main insert seats (30) such that the reference insert (50, 50') protrudes in the reference direction (D1) further forward from the tool body (2) than an axial forward most point (61) of each main cutting insert (60), wherein a position of the finishing insert (40, 40') in the axial direction of the tool body (2) is adjustable by means of the adjustment mechanism (70) in order to allow the finishing insert (40, 40') to be positioned in the tool body (2) with an axial forward most point (41) of the finishing insert (40, 40') being essentially flush with or further forward than an axial forward most point (51) of the reference insert (50, 50') seen in the reference direction (D1), wherein when the number of the at least two main insert seats (30) is even, the reference insert seat (20) is arranged in the tool body (2) diametrically opposite or essentially diametrically opposite to the finishing insert seat (10), and wherein, when the number of the at least two main insert seats (30) is odd, the reference insert seat (20) constitutes one of the two insert seats in the tool body (2) that are arranged closest to a point (P) on the periphery of the tool body (2) that is positioned diametrically opposite to the finishing insert seat (10).

2. The face milling cutter according to claim 1, characterized in that The finishing insert seat (10) is arranged in a tool pocket (80) that is mountable in the tool body (2) and configured to support the finishing insert (40, 40').

3. The face milling cutter according to claim 2, characterized in that By adjusting the position of the tool pocket (80) in the tool body (2) by means of the adjustment mechanism (70), the position of the finishing insert (40, 40') in the axial direction of the tool body (2) can be adjusted.

4. The face milling cutter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The reference insert seat (20) is arranged 0.02-0.10 mm further forward in the tool body (2) than the at least two main insert seats (30) seen in the reference direction (D1).

5. The face milling cutter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, An axial forward most point (41) of the finishing insert (40, 40') is arranged closer to the longitudinal axis (4) of the tool body (2) than an axial forward most point (62) of each of the at least two main cutting inserts (60).

6. The face milling cutter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, A radially outermost point (52) of the reference insert (50, 50') is arranged closer to the longitudinal axis (4) of the tool body (2) than a radially outermost point (62) of each of the at least two main cutting inserts (60).

7. The face milling cutter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The at least two main cutting inserts (60), the reference insert (50) and the finishing insert (40) are substantially identical in geometry to each other.

8. The face milling cutter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The at least two main cutting inserts (60) and the reference insert (50) are substantially identical in geometry to each other, and each of the reference insert (50') and the finishing insert (40') has the form of a wiper insert having a shape different from the shape of the at least two main cutting inserts (60).

9. The face milling cutter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The at least two main cutting inserts (60) are substantially identical in geometry to each other, and each of the reference insert (50') and the finishing insert (40') has the form of a wiper insert having a shape different from the shape of the at least two main cutting inserts (60).

10. The face milling cutter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The finishing insert (40, 40') and the reference insert (50, 50') are positioned flush with each other or substantially flush with each other, as seen in the axial direction of the tool body (2).

11. The face milling cutter according to claim 10, characterized in that The finishing insert (40, 40') and the reference insert (50, 50') are each positioned in the tool body (2), as seen in the reference direction (D1), and the respective axial forwardmost point (41, 51) of the finishing insert (40, 40') and the reference insert (50, 50') is 0.03-0.07 mm further forward than the axial forwardmost point (61) of each main cutting insert (60).

12. The face milling cutter according to claim 7, wherein, The position of the finishing insert (40, 40') in the axial direction of the tool body (2) is adjustable by means of the adjustment mechanism (70) in order to allow the finishing insert (40, 40') to be positioned in the tool body (2) such that, as seen in the reference direction (D1), the axial forwardmost point (41) of the finishing insert (40, 40') is 0.03-0.07 mm further forward than the axial forwardmost point (51) of the reference insert (50, 50').

13. The face milling cutter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Each of the main cutting inserts (60) is mountable in the associated main insert seat (30) in at least two different working positions.

14. The face milling cutter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The reference insert (50) is mountable in the reference insert seat (20) in at least two different working positions.

15. The face milling cutter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The tool body (2) is provided with a marking (8) showing the position of the reference insert seat (20) on the tool body (2).

16. The face milling cutter according to claim 4, wherein The reference insert seat (20) is arranged 0.03-0.07 mm further forward in the tool body (2) than the at least two main insert seats (30), as seen in the reference direction (D1).

17. The face milling cutter according to claim 4, wherein The reference insert seat (20) is arranged 0.05 mm further forward in the tool body (2) than the at least two main insert seats (30), as seen in the reference direction (D1).

18. The face milling cutter according to claim 11, wherein, The axial forward-most point (41, 51) of each of the finishing insert (40, 40') and the reference insert (50, 50') is 0.05 mm further forward than the axial forward-most point (61) of each primary cutting insert (60).

19. The face milling cutter according to claim 12, wherein, Viewed in the reference direction (D1), the axial forward-most point (41) of the finishing insert (40, 40') is 0.05 mm further forward than the axial forward-most point (51) of the reference insert (50, 50').

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