Method and apparatus for manufacturing hard metal stamping articles

Abstract

The method for producing a hard metal pressed article comprises the steps of providing a die forming a cavity for producing a pressed article having at least one cutting edge and at least one chip breaking groove associated with a chip space, the steps of providing a movable die part at least partially defining the shape of the pressed article having an operating surface, the die part being feedable in a first feed direction, and providing a movable die body having a rod-shaped operating part for producing a through hole, the rod-shaped operating part in particular having a front surface, the die body being feedable in a second feed direction. The first feed direction and the second feed direction are inclined at least 45° to each other. The method further comprises the steps of forming a pressed article from a hard metal powder introduced into the cavity and compressed in at least one main pressing direction, the steps of providing the die part and the die body and positioning the die body and its operating part in the cavity to bring the powder into intimate contact with the abutment area on the die part. The disclosure also relates to respective devices for producing hard metal pressed articles.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a method and manufacturing apparatus for producing hard metal pressed articles. The disclosure further relates to the production of green parts for sintering components made of hard metal, in particular cutting tools, including cutting inserts, indexable inserts, etc. for turning, milling, drilling, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] From WO 2017 / 158122 a method and a manufacturing device for producing a hard metal pressed article is known. From WO 2018 / 069397 and WO 2013 / 024473 a method and a manufacturing device for producing a hard metal pressed article for a cutting tool which includes a central through hole is known. The through hole is produced by two opposing die bodies with parallel feed directions.

[0003] Cutting tools made from hard metals are typically sintered at high temperatures. Various methods are known for producing precisely shaped intermediate bodies, also called pressed articles, green parts, or compacts. One method involves primary molding using injection molding. Another approach involves using extrusion to produce precise cross-sections, whereby these parts must be further processed to achieve the final tool shape. Another approach involves producing pressed articles by press molding. This disclosure relates primarily to the pressing of hard metal powders at high pressure to produce pressed articles for powder metallurgical manufacturing, such as cutting tools.

[0004] In cutting tool machining, the supply of coolants and lubricants is of great importance to productivity, tool life, and achievable accuracy. Coolants and lubricants reduce friction and help dissipate heat from the machining area (from the workpiece and the tool). Finally, coolants and lubricants can also remove chips and other debris from the machining area.

[0005] It is often desirable to introduce coolants and lubricants as close as possible to the machining site, so that, for example, lubricant consumption can be optimized, which is advantageous in terms of cost and potential environmental impact.

[0006] For the delivery of coolants and lubricants at desired locations and with desired directions and / or spray shapes, established solutions exist, such as the so-called Loc-Line system from Lockwood Products Inc., Lake Oswego, OR, USA. This system comprises a flexible arm with an integrated fluid channel that is deformable in three dimensions and can be equipped with a nozzle.

[0007] However, such systems are not suitable for all types of applications and are not suitable for all types of tools. For example, in internal machining, such systems reach their limitations. Another approach involves providing fluid channels directly within the tool. In this way, coolants and lubricants can be brought very close to the machining site. Furthermore, the coolants and lubricants can cool the cutting tool "from the inside."

[0008] As mentioned above, cutting tools cannot be manufactured arbitrarily: the materials used (such as hard metals) require specific manufacturing and forming processes.

[0009] Cutting inserts with integrated cooling channels are known, for example, from US 2002 / 0106250. DE 10 2013 111 741 A1 discloses a machining tool with an integrated coolant circuit, in which a first channel for the supply and a second channel for the return of the coolant are provided.

[0010] The integration of lubrication and coolant channels in cutting tools is known. However, it has been found that for manufacturing reasons, design compromises are often necessary. Furthermore, the formation of lubrication and coolant channels is often associated with an additional manufacturing step and therefore with significant additional costs. Since the equipment (tools) for producing pressed articles can be of any complexity, various boundary conditions also need to be taken into account in the design. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] Against this background, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a hard metal pressed article for producing cutting tools having at least one integrated through-hole, the through-hole intended for use, for example, as a lubricant / coolant channel. The through-hole should preferably be well-positioned within the pressed article and the cutting tool manufactured therefrom. The through-hole should allow for the most efficient supply of lubricant / coolant fluid and similar substances. The manufacturing of the through-hole should be able to be integrated into the pressing process for producing the pressed article with as little additional effort as possible. The through-hole should be usable in the finished cutting tool with little or no post-processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In this regard, this object is achieved by a method for manufacturing hard metal pressed articles, in particular for producing sintered raw parts for cutting tools, comprising the following steps: providing a die forming a cavity for producing a pressed article having at least one cutting edge and at least one chip-breaking groove associated with a chip space, the die comprising: Providing a movable die part, in particular a punch or slider, which at least partially defines the shape of the pressed article having an operating surface, the die part being feedable in a first feed direction; providing a movable mold body having a rod-shaped operating part for forming a through hole, the rod-shaped operating part having a front surface, the mold body being feedable in a second feed direction, the first feed direction and the second feed direction being inclined at an angle of at least 45° to each other; forming a pressed article from hard metal powder introduced into the cavity and compressed in at least one primary pressing direction, the process comprising: The method includes providing a mold part and a mold body, and positioning the mold body so as to closely contact the powder within the cavity with its operating portion in an abutment area on the mold part, thereby forming a through hole.

[0013] The objectives of the present disclosure are thus achieved.

[0014] With regard to the device, this object is achieved by an apparatus for producing hard metal pressed articles, in particular for producing sintered green parts for cutting tools, which apparatus comprises: a die forming a cavity for producing a pressed article having at least one cutting edge and at least one chip-crushing groove associated with a chip space, the die comprising: at least one movable die part, in particular a punch or slider, which at least partially defines the shape of the press article having an operating surface and which can be fed in a first feed direction; a movable mold body having a rod-shaped operating part for forming a through hole, the rod-shaped operating part having a front surface in particular, and the mold body being capable of being fed in a second feed direction; the first feed direction and the second feed direction are inclined at an angle of at least 45° to each other; the cavity is filled with a hard metal powder; the device has at least one pressing direction for compressing the hard metal powder introduced into the cavity; The mold parts and the mold body are movable, and the mold body in the cavity having the operating portion is positioned so as to bring the powder into close contact with the contact area on the first mold part, thereby forming a through hole.

[0015] The objectives of the present disclosure are achieved in this way as well.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is configured to carry out a method according to one of the aspects described herein. It is understood that the method and the apparatus according to the present disclosure can be similarly configured and further developed. This applies in particular to the exemplary embodiment described below, which can be applied to both the method according to the present disclosure and the apparatus according to the present disclosure. The apparatus typically has a control unit (sequence control) for controlling the pressing process. In this way, procedural aspects and apparatus aspects can be combined.

[0017] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a hard metal stamping article produced according to at least one embodiment of the method described herein.

[0018] The through-holes may also be referred to as through-openings, through-bores, or channels (with a closed cross-section). In the exemplary embodiment, the through-holes function as lubricant / coolant through-holes. In other words, the through-holes in the exemplary embodiment are intended to supply coolant and lubricant (lubricant fluid) to the target. The through-holes are not, in particular, open channels, troughs, or grooves. The through-holes have at least a partially closed cross-section.

[0019] The method and apparatus according to the present disclosure make it possible to integrate through-holes into the pressed article during the pressing process, in other words, the through-holes do not have to be machined in a subsequent processing step.

[0020] For example, providing a die part designed as a punch or slider and a further die body defining a through hole can be carried out so that the die body, and thus the through hole, is suitably positioned relative to the cutting edge and chip-breaking groove of the pressed article.

[0021] The positioning of the operating parts, particularly the powder on the front surface of the mold body, against the abutment areas of the mold parts allows for the production of continuous holes without the need to remove the wall or "skin" remaining in front of the exit of the through hole.

[0022] The powder-tight contact of the operating part of the mold body with the contact area of ​​the mold part serves to form the through hole. In this way, the exit of the through hole facing the mold part can be created. The powder-tight contact occurs in the cavity between the operating part of the mold body and the contact area of ​​the mold part. In other words, during compression, the hard metal powder surrounds the contact area between the mold part and the mold body where the powder-tight contact occurs.

[0023] The feed directions of the mold parts and the mold body are inclined at least 45° to each other. This includes inclination angles between 45° and 135°, and therefore angles of 90° + / - 45°. That is, the feed directions of the mold parts and the mold body are inclined at an obtuse angle to each other. In exemplary embodiments, the feed directions of the mold parts and the mold body are orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to each other (corresponding to an inclination angle of 90° and / or orthogonal to each other).

[0024] According to the above embodiment, there is no parallelism between the first and second feed directions, and therefore the inclination between the feed directions of the mold parts and the mold body is at least 45°, excluding angles of 0°, 180° and multiples thereof.

[0025] Chip breaking grooves, also known as chip guide surfaces, are, for example, steps built into the back of the cutting edge of a cutting tool. Chip breaking grooves usually serve to guide and break chips. Good chip removal improves work safety (prevention of long chips). They also have a positive effect on the temperature conditions during machining.

[0026] In the context of the present disclosure, "close contact of the powder" means that the mold body and the mold parts are in contact with each other with a very small gap remaining. The size of the remaining gap allowed depends on the size (e.g., average diameter, expected minimum diameter) of the hard metal powder used. It must be ensured that particles or grains of the powder do not get into the gap between the mold body and the mold parts. The remaining gap is adapted to the normal grain size and / or particle diameter of the hard metal powder used. For example, the hard metal powder exists in the form of compact granular particles (e.g., granular balls), the average diameter of which is usually about 50 μm (micrometers) to 500 μm (micrometers).

[0027] During the pressing process, these balls are divided into smaller grain size hard metal powders, which however only flow freely to a limited extent. As a result, penetration into the gaps that "make the powder tight" is less likely to occur, thus ensuring the desired throughput overall.

[0028] According to exemplary embodiments, the positioning / abutment that brings the powder into close contact includes a gap of up to 15 μm (micrometers) between the operating portion of the mold body and the abutment area of ​​the mold part. According to exemplary embodiments, the positioning / abutment that brings the powder into close contact includes a gap of up to 10 μm (micrometers) between the operating portion of the mold body and the abutment area of ​​the mold part. According to exemplary embodiments, the positioning / abutment that brings the powder into close contact includes a gap of up to 5 μm (micrometers) between the operating portion of the mold body and the abutment area of ​​the mold part.

[0029] In one embodiment, the method and apparatus of the present invention uses precisely controllable axes to position the mold parts and mold body on the die, with an exemplary positioning accuracy of + / - 1 μm (micrometer).

[0030] The feed operation generally involves positioning the die parts and die body in relation to forming the pressed article. This may include the actual compression step (pressing operation), but it may also involve operations not directly involved in compression (positioning operations, and sometimes demolding).

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment, the mold body is rod-shaped at least in its operating portion. The rod shape is adapted to the desired shape of the through-hole. The mold body is configured, for example, as a slider for forming the through-hole. The feed direction of the mold body defines the main extension direction of the through-hole, at least in the exemplary embodiment. The operating portion is exemplarily configured as a protrusion along the feed direction of the mold body, but a tapered shape is also conceivable.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner contour of the through hole is determined primarily and exclusively by the configuration of the mold body having the operating portion, and the front surface of the pressed article in the area of ​​the outlet of the through hole facing the mold part is defined by the mold part.

[0033] In exemplary embodiments, the mold body has a length-to-diameter ratio, at least in its operative portion, of at least 3:1. In exemplary embodiments, the mold body has a length-to-diameter ratio, at least in its operative portion, of at least 5:1. In exemplary embodiments, the mold body has a length-to-diameter ratio, at least in its operative portion, of at least 8:1. According to these embodiments, at least the operative portion of the mold body is rod-shaped with a distinct longitudinal extension.

[0034] For example, the mold body is formed in a cylindrical shape with a substantially constant cross section along its longitudinal extension at its operating portion. Nevertheless, this may include a demolding taper or the like. It is also generally conceivable that the mold body is configured conically at its operating portion or tapered toward the abutment region. Such configurations are conceivable as long as the mold body is demoldable. Therefore, the mold body may generally also include a step (diameter protrusion), a shoulder, or the like. The cross section of the mold body at the operating portion may be, for example, circular, elliptical, polygonal, constant width, or similarly configured. Depending on the load occurring during the pressing process, a circular or elliptical cross section may be suitable.

[0035] The die parts are designed, for example, as punches (punch parts) or sliders. Die parts are generally also referred to in the context of this disclosure as mating parts, abutment parts, or detent parts for the die body. In hard metal pressing, there may be no clear distinction between punches and sliders. Typically, the slider is the component that does not move during the pressing process. The force required to press / compress the hard metal powder is mainly generated by one or more punches. However, it is not excluded that the component that primarily functions as the slider may move, at least to a limited extent, during the pressing process. Conversely, it is not excluded that the punch may be at least temporarily fixed (i.e., not moved) during the pressing process. However, despite this conceptual ambiguity, the division into slider and punch is familiar to those skilled in the art, and therefore, within the scope of this disclosure, this division will be used to describe certain embodiments.

[0036] The edges or cutting edges of the pressed article are at least partially regularly located on the main parting surface or other mold parting surfaces, which are defined, for example, by the punch and other (fixed or movable) mold parts. Therefore, depending on the main pressing direction (at least the punch or main punch), certain boundary conditions regularly arise for the cutting edges and the paths of the chip-breaking grooves spatially connected to them.

[0037] The cutting edges are typically oriented at a normal or obtuse angle to the primary press direction. According to the present disclosure, the feed direction of the die body and the feed direction of the die parts are also oriented at an obtuse angle (including perpendicular), which allows the lubricant / coolant channels formed by the through holes to be conveniently located close to the chip-breaking grooves adjacent to the cutting edges.

[0038] The chip-breaking grooves, at least in certain embodiments, are illustratively arranged as complex-shaped chip-breaking grooves, including, for example, chip troughs with curvatures on several sides (3D curvatures), which may further include a combination of several cutting edges and, consequently, several chip-breaking grooves.

[0039] Powder-tight abutment of a mold body on a mold part includes flush abutment of the front surface of the mold body onto the abutment area of ​​the mold part. As an example, the front surface and the portion of the abutment area facing it are flat / planar. Matching contours / curvatures are also generally contemplated, as long as the necessary gap for powder-tight abutment is maintained.

[0040] However, it is generally contemplated that the intimate powder contact of the mold body on the mold part may involve engagement of a front surface of the mold body with a recess in the mold part, thereby providing a clearance (e.g., circumferential clearance) that ensures intimate powder contact.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus of the present invention, the mold body is positioned in the cavity so that the resulting through-hole is directed toward the chip space. In this way, a preferred supply direction of the lubricant / coolant fluid is achieved. The lubricant / coolant fluid can reach the cutting edge. The lubricant / coolant fluid can wet the chip space, where it dissipates heat and also contributes to chip removal.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the mold body is positioned in the cavity such that the resulting through-hole is directed toward the chip-breaking grooves and, when viewed from the outlet opening along a plane perpendicular to the direction of the cutting motion, the cross-section of the through-hole protrudes at least 20% above the chip-breaking grooves and contacts the cutting edge, the viewing plane being illustratively perpendicular to this plane and parallel to the direction of the cutting motion.

[0043] In machining tools that perform cutting machining, there is a periodic defined relative movement between the workpiece and the tool. A characteristic component of this movement is the cutting action, which is related to the cutting speed and associated machining parameters. The direction of the cutting action is also, at least in exemplary embodiments, the direction in which the primary cutting forces are concentrated on the cutting tool.

[0044] An overlap of at least 20% ensures that at least some of the lubricating / cooling liquid can reach the chip space and the cutting edge (which may be located behind the chip space in terms of the through-hole).

[0045] In exemplary embodiments, when viewed according to the above conventions, the cross section of the through hole protrudes at least 50% above the chip-breaking grooves. In exemplary embodiments, when viewed according to the above conventions, the cross section of the through hole protrudes at least 80% above the chip-breaking grooves. When viewed according to the above conventions, the cross section of the through hole protrudes completely (100%) over the chip-breaking grooves. It is understood that the through-holes should not be positioned too far "above" and away from the chip-crushing grooves. Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the intersection of the longitudinal axis of the through-hole and its exit opening (opening) toward the chip space is located above the chip-crushing grooves, but is less than three or two times the effective diameter of the cross-section of the through-hole in the opening above the chip-crushing grooves. In other words, in exemplary embodiments, the through-hole with that effective cross-section is positioned immediately above the chip-crushing grooves.

[0046] It should be noted that the term "above the chip-breaking groove" refers to the fact that the chip-breaking groove itself defines the base / bottom of the reference. It is understood that in operation, the location "above the chip-breaking groove" can be below or laterally above the chip-breaking groove, taking into account the overall reference (gravity, hall floor).

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the through-holes at least partially face the chip-breaking grooves, where the lubricating coolant fluid can contribute to heat dissipation and act as a lubricant to reduce friction, thus facilitating chip removal and breaking.

[0048] The chip space is the free space adjacent to the cutting edge, particularly behind the cutting edge. The chip space serves to deflect and break chips. In other words, the chip space is the free space above the chip-breaking groove. During machining, chips are formed in the chip space and removed through the chip space. Therefore, the chip guide surface is also exposed to high thermal stresses. Therefore, it is advantageous to orient the through-hole at least partially toward the chip space.

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the mold body is positioned in the cavity so that the longitudinal axis of the resulting through-hole is oriented at an angle of 45° to 90°, in particular at an angle of 60° to 90°, relative to the direction of the cutting motion. The through-hole is, for example, perpendicular or at an angle of at least 45° (obtuse) relative to the direction of the cutting motion. Thus, the through-hole is not parallel to or at an acute angle to the direction of the cutting motion. This ensures a good supply direction of the lubricant / coolant fluid.

[0050] An angle between 45° and 90° includes a range of 90° + / - 45°. An angle between 60° and 90° includes a range of 90° + / - 30°. By way of example, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the through hole and the direction of the cutting motion is between 75° and 90°, which includes an angle of 90° + / - 15°.

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the mold body is positioned in the cavity such that the longitudinal axis of the resulting through-hole is oriented at an angle of 0° to 45°, in particular parallel, to a plane defined as the mean plane of the chip-breaking groove shape, including angles of 0° + / - 45°. The mean plane of the chip-breaking groove shape is illustratively oriented perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction of the cutting motion. The longitudinal axis of the through-hole is parallel or at an acute angle to the mean plane of the chip-breaking groove shape.

[0052] According to exemplary embodiments of the method or apparatus, the mold body is arranged in the cavity such that the resulting through hole is oriented at an angle between 0° and 45° (0° + / - 45°), in particular parallel to the main extension direction of the shaft of the pressed article. According to further exemplary embodiments, the resulting through hole is oriented at an angle between 0° and 30° (0° + / - 30°) relative to the main extension direction of the shaft. According to further exemplary embodiments, the resulting through hole is oriented at an angle between 0° and 15° (0° + / - 15°) relative to the main extension direction of the shaft.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment of this method or device, the feed direction of the mold body is perpendicular to the main pressing direction of the cavity. If the main pressing direction is vertical, then according to this embodiment, the feed direction of the mold body is horizontal. The mold body can be referred to as a horizontal slider.

[0054] According to exemplary embodiments of the method or apparatus, the mold body is positioned within the cavity at or at least adjacent to the neutral phase of the pressed article. According to exemplary embodiments of the method or apparatus, the mold body is positioned within the cavity at least substantially at or at least adjacent to the neutral phase of the pressed article.

[0055] This is at least approximately true. The neutral phase is the portion of the hard metal powder in the cavity that does not move, or moves only minimally, during compression of the hard metal powder. When compressing hard metal powder, the powder in the edge regions of the pressed article is displaced over a considerable distance, for example by a punch acting directly on it. However, there is an area in the center of the cavity (neutral phase) where the hard metal powder moves only slightly during the pressing process compared to the powder in the edge regions. It is conceivable to design the press tool (apparatus) and the pressed article so that the die body is located in an area where there is only little powder movement during compression. This reduces any forces acting on the die body during compression by being (at least approximately) in the neutral phase, especially when the die body is positioned perpendicular or otherwise at an obtuse angle to the main pressing direction.

[0056] It is understood that the term neutral phase does not necessarily mean that there must be absolutely no motion at the microscopic level. Instead, it refers to a region within the cavity that undergoes minimal motion / displacement under given conditions.

[0057] The advantage of this configuration, at least in exemplary embodiments, is that the rod-shaped operating portion of the die body experiences less shear force during compaction of the hard metal powder, thereby preventing fracture or even breakage of the die body during compaction.

[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the chip space of the pressed article is at least partially defined by the operating surface of the movable die part. In other words, the die part defines the chip space and, consequently, the chip-breaking grooves. However, other surfaces of the die part can serve as abutment areas for the die body. In this way, a preferred orientation of the through holes toward the chip space and the chip-breaking grooves can be achieved.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the chip space of the pressed article is at least partially defined by another movable die part, which (the first mentioned) die part partially forms the geometric shape of the pressed article and also serves as an abutment area for the die body. The further (last-mentioned) mold part at least partially forms the chip-breaking grooves and the chip space, and possibly also forms the geometric shape of the cutting edge. When viewed obliquely from the front of an exemplary rod-shaped mold body, the first mold part is located between the mold body and the last mold part. In this way, a preferred orientation of the through-holes toward the cutting edge, the chip-breaking grooves, and the chip space can be achieved.

[0060] When at least one (first) mold part defines an abutment area for the mold body and at least one (second) mold part defines a chip-breaking groove and a chip space, the mold parts can generally also include different feed directions. As an example, the first mold part has a vertical feed direction. As an example, the second mold part has a horizontal feed direction. It is also conceivable that both mold parts have parallel feed directions.

[0061] When at least one (first) die part defines an abutment area for the die body and at least one (second) die part defines a chip-breaking groove and a chip space, it is conceivable to design one die part as a punch and the other die part as a slider. However, it is also conceivable to design both die parts as punches. This includes configurations in which one of the two die parts is a vertical punch and the other of the two die parts is a horizontal punch / cross punch.

[0062] In embodiments using a first mold part and a second mold part, regardless of whether the feed directions of the first mold part and the second mold part are parallel or perpendicular, the feed direction of the mold body is perpendicular to the feed direction of the first mold part and perpendicular to the feed direction of the second mold part.

[0063] According to exemplary embodiments of the method or apparatus, at least the chip spaces and through-holes are formed with little or no post-processing, depending on their geometrical shape in the die. This preferably applies to the entire pressed article. In this way, through-holes with a preferred orientation can be produced without significant additional effort within the press cycle. However, it is understood that there are further mandatory processing steps, such as sintering, to produce a cutting tool based on the pressed article (compact).

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or device, the mold body is arranged in the cavity so that the outlet openings of the through holes facing the chip space are located on a surface of the pressed article oriented at an angle of 0° to 45° (0° + / - 45°), in particular at an angle of 0° to 30° (0° + / - 30°), relative to the main pressing direction. The outlet openings can also be called apertures. In the region of the outlet openings, the front surface of the mold body contacts the mold part. In an exemplary embodiment, the surface of the outlet openings is parallel or approximately parallel to the main pressing direction.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the die parts and the die body are brought into a powder-tight relative position before filling the cavity with hard metal powder. The powder-tight relative position does not necessarily correspond to the final relative position after the pressing process. This can include, for example, positioning the front face of the die body in powder-tight contact on a flat surface of the die part, but the die part can then be moved along the flat surface along its front face. However, in an exemplary embodiment, at least the die body is placed in an intermediate or even final end position with respect to the die before filling the cavity, in which the powder in the cavity is tightly packed.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the mold part and the mold body are brought into intimate powder contact with each other after filling the cavity with hard metal powder. This includes, for example, an arrangement in which the hard metal powder in the cavity is initially displaced by the mold body until the powder in the cavity reaches a tightly packed intermediate position or even an end position. A mold part can then be fed and moved into the cavity. The mold part is, for example, arranged to displace the powder in front of the front face of the mold body. This occurs due to the tightly packed powder position, yet allows relative movement between the mold part and the mold body.

[0067] According to exemplary embodiments of the method or apparatus, at least the mold parts or mold body are actively moved after filling the cavity with the hard metal powder. In one example, the mold parts act as punches that further contribute to compacting the hard metal powder. The movement of the mold parts and / or mold body can occur in a powder-intimate relative position.

[0068] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the step of feeding the mold parts and mold body includes engaging a front surface of the mold body within a stationary recess in the mold part, the stationary recess preferably being sealed to provide a powder-tight seal.

[0069] In addition to flush contact, at least partial engagement of the mold body with its operating part in a recess on the mold part is also conceivable. Due to the different feed directions, the mold part and the mold body interlock with each other in this way. This results in an at least partially form-fit position. In this way, for example, the mold body can be partially supported by the mold part during the pressing process.

[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the mold part has a closure for the stationary recess, which seals the stationary recess in a powder-tight manner when the mold body is not engaged. In this way, powder ingress into the stationary recess can be avoided or minimized when the mold body is not yet engaged. Thus, the mold part and the mold body can be moved toward their final end positions without hard metal powder accumulating in the stationary recess.

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the closure is arranged as a flexible closure. In an exemplary embodiment, the closure is displaced during engagement of the mold body. In an exemplary embodiment, the closure is compressed during engagement of the mold body. As an example, the closure is arranged as a spring-loaded piston or a spring-loaded flap, and the closure is moved by the mold body during engagement. It is also generally contemplated that the closure portion may be configured as a resilient closure portion, which is compressed or otherwise deformed by the mold body during engagement.

[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the step of feeding the mold parts and mold body includes closely positioning the powder on the front surface of the mold body against the abutment area on the mold part, which may result in flush or near flush abutment of the front surface of the mold body on / in the abutment area of ​​the mold part. The target distance between the front face of the mold body and the abutment area of ​​the mold part is greater than zero but less than the average or minimum particle size of the hard metal powder. Thus, ideally, at least in exemplary embodiments, in a given powder coherence configuration, the hard metal powder cannot penetrate into the intermediate space (residual gap) between the front face of the mold body and the abutment area.

[0073] The flush contact of the front surface of the mold body on the contact surface of the abutment area of ​​the mold part can also be an intermediate step, provided that the mold part at least partially engages in the stationary recess on the mold part. This intermediate step already allows the relative movement of the closely packed powder. In this way, for example, by moving the mold part relative to the mold body, the mold body can be turned with its front surface facing away from the stationary recess.

[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the mold body assumes at least one abutment position along its feed direction, and the mold parts are moved relative to the front face of the mold body during their movement in the feed direction, thereby displacing any powder particles therein. In other words, during the relative movement between the mold parts and the mold body, the mold parts can thus clear the front face of the mold body like a stripper.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the feed direction of the die part is parallel to the main pressing direction. The die part can therefore be provided as a punch, at least as a pre-press punch.

[0076] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the feed direction of the die parts is perpendicular to the main pressing direction. According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the feed direction of the die parts is perpendicular to the feed direction of the die body. By way of example, the die parts can be arranged as side sliders with rod-shaped operating parts.

[0077] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the die part is a punch. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the die part at least partially contributes to compacting the hard metal powder.

[0078] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or device, the die part is a slider. The slider is a die part that does not move or moves only slightly during the pressing process for compressing the hard metal powder. For example, the movement of a die part arranged as a slider in a die during the pressing process is insignificant, being less than one-tenth of the stroke of the main punch.

[0079] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, at least one additional die part is used in addition to the die part configured as a punch, and the additional die part is preferably designed as a punch with a feed direction parallel or perpendicular to the feed direction of the die part. This takes into account the fact that the chip space with the cutting edge and chip-breaking grooves can also be defined by die parts that are not used for the close contact between the die body and the powder. These additional die parts can be main punches (longitudinal punches), side punches (horizontal punches), or basically sliders.

[0080] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method or apparatus, the die part is arranged as a pre-press punch and the further die part is arranged as a punch with a parallel feed direction, the pre-press punch and the die body in the cavity are positioned to move towards each other through the introduced hard metal powder so that the powder is in close contact with each other, and the method comprises the steps of at least partially compressing the hard metal powder by the pre-press punch, which later moves parallel to the pre-press punch but with a larger compression stroke, and preferably the punch forms a significant part of the area in the pressed article that defines the through hole along its longitudinal extension.

[0081] In this way, on the one hand, a tight contact of the powder of the mold body with the mold parts is possible, and on the other hand, it is ensured that a significant portion of the pressed article is subjected to the desired degree of pressure during the main pressing step.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the mold body is placed in a neutral phase so that the hard metal powder moves only slightly during compaction.

[0083] It is to be understood that the features of the present disclosure, as set forth above and described below, may be used not only in the combinations specified herein but also in other combinations or as isolated features without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0084] Further features and advantages are disclosed in the following description of several exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top view of a cutting tool supported by a holder. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cutaway side view of the cutting tool according to FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of the cutting tool according to FIGS. 1 and 2; [Figure 4] 4 is another view according to FIG. 3 with a partial cross-sectional view of the cutting tool, illustrating the through hole. [Figure 5] 5 is a front view of the cutting tool shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the observation plane being perpendicular to the axis of the through-hole. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is another front view of the cutting tool according to FIG. 5, showing various possible positions of the through-hole. [Figure 7] 7 is a longitudinal section through the cutting tool according to FIGS. 3 to 6, the section being in the axis of the through hole. [Figure 8] 1 is a simplified diagram of an apparatus for producing a hard metal stamping article including a die. [Figure 9] 9 is a further view of the apparatus according to FIG. 8, in which a filling shoe is arranged above the die for filling the cavity with hard metal powder. [Figure 10] 10 is a further view of the apparatus according to FIGS. 8 and 9, in which the die part arranged as a punch is moved into a starting position for compacting the hard metal powder. [Figure 11] 11 shows a view of the device according to FIG. 10, in which at least one die part arranged as a punch and a die body with a rod-shaped operating part are moved at least partially into the cavity. [Figure 12] 12 is a diagram of the apparatus according to FIG. 11, in which the mold parts and the mold body assume a relative position such that the powder in the cavity is in intimate contact. [Figure 13] 13 is a detailed view based on FIG. 12 illustrating the relative positions between the mold parts and the mold body, showing an exemplary embodiment of positioning for powder coherence. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a further detailed view based on FIG. 12 illustrating the relative position between the mold parts and the mold body, showing an exemplary embodiment of positioning for powder coherence. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram of the apparatus according to FIG. 12, in which the associated punch in the cavity of the die reaches a final position for compressing the hard metal powder, thereby forming a pressed article. [Figure 16] 16 is a view of the apparatus according to FIG. 15, in which the die body is moved out of the through hole formed in the pressed article. [Figure 17] 17. View of the device according to FIG. 16, in which the upper punch part is moved out of the cavity. [Figure 18] 18 is a view of the device according to FIG. 17, in which the lower punch ejects the pressed article from the cavity. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a simplified side view of another exemplary embodiment of a press article having two through holes. [Figure 20] 19 is a simplified perspective view of another pressed article having a through hole, illustrating the concept of a cutting tool modified from the apparatus according to FIGS. 8 to 18. FIG. [Figure 21] 19 is a simplified diagram of another embodiment of an apparatus for producing hard metal pressed articles, modified with respect to the apparatus according to FIGS. 8 to 18. FIG. [Figure 22] 1 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for producing a hard metal stamping article, in particular a method for producing a sintered feedstock part for a cutting tool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0085] 1-7, an exemplary embodiment of a cutting tool 10 is shown, the manufacture of which is the subject of various aspects of the present disclosure. As previously mentioned, the cutting tool 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be manufactured based on a pressed article (compact) produced under high pressure by compressing a hard metal powder.

[0086] In Figures 1 and 2, cutting tool 10 is shown to be housed in holder 12 during use. Cutting tool 10, at least in the exemplary embodiment, is made from a hard metal material. Cutting tool 10 includes a shaft 14 that seats in a mounting seat 16 of holder 12 for clamping cutting tool 10. Referring also to the perspective views of Figures 3 and 4, cutting tool 10 includes cutting edges 20 flanked by chip-breaking grooves 22, which may also be referred to as chip troughs.

[0087] 2-4, it can be seen that the cutting tool 10 has through holes 26, which in the exemplary embodiment form lubrication-coolant channels 28 for a coolant-lubricant. FIG. 2 shows that a lubrication-coolant supply 30 for supplying a lubrication-coolant fluid is associated with the lubrication-coolant channels 28 in a portion of the holder 12. In this manner, the lubrication-coolant fluid can be introduced into the lubrication-coolant channels 28 and flow out through outlet openings 32 (FIGS. 3 and 4) toward the chip-breaking grooves 22 and the cutting edge 20. The perspective views of FIGS. 3 and 4 show the path of the lubrication-coolant channels 28 in the cutting tool 10.

[0088] The orientation of the lubricant / coolant channels 28 and the through-holes 26 that respectively define them is further illustrated with reference to Figures 5 and 7. Figures 5 and 6 show a front view of the cutting tool 10, in which the observation plane is perpendicular to the axis 34 of the lubricant / coolant channels 28. In this orientation, it can be seen that the outlet openings 32 (and / or cross-sections) of the through-holes 26 are located above the (front) cutting edge 20—in this case, as the highest point of the chip-breaking grooves 22—when viewed in the extension of the lubricant / coolant channels 28 and their axes 34, respectively. As indicated previously, the term "above" refers to the highest point of the chip-breaking grooves 22 in the extension of the lubrication-coolant channel 28, which essentially forms the basis of the selected arrangement. When looking from behind along the axis 34 through the lubrication-coolant channel 28 towards the cutting edge 20, the cross section of the lubrication-coolant channel 28 must be at least partially above the part of the cutting edge 20 that is visible from this view (this part is in front of the lubrication-coolant channel 28).

[0089] 6 illustrates, in addition to FIG. 5, other possible positions of the outlet opening 32 and the lubricant coolant channel 28. The dashed circle illustrates an alternative positioning of the lubricant coolant channel 36 with its axis 38. The lubricant coolant channel 36 is disposed, in cross section, at least partially above the chip-breaking groove 22. In various embodiments, the through-hole 26 at the outlet opening 32, together with its cross section, is disposed, at least partially, above the chip-breaking groove 22 and at least partially above the cutting edge 20.

[0090] 5-7, the reference numeral 40 designates a surface on which the exit opening 32 is located. In an exemplary embodiment, the surface 40 is oriented perpendicular to the axis 34 of the through hole 26. In the current configuration of the cutting tool 10, the surface 40 and the exit opening 32 can be manufactured directly in the die by two contacting die parts (a die part and a die body) having different feed directions. Different feed directions include, for example, orthogonal feed directions.

[0091] 6 and 7 show a chip space, designated by the reference numeral 42, located above the chip-breaking grooves 22. The selected representation by dashed lines is merely exemplary. The cutting edges 20, chip-breaking grooves 22, and chip space 42 are subjected to high stresses during machining with the cutting tool 10. It is therefore advantageous to be able to supply a lubricating / cooling fluid (see arrow 48 in FIG. 7) to the cutting edges 20, chip-breaking grooves 22, and chip space 42 in a preferred direction.

[0092] 7 further indicates, by arrow 44, the direction of the cutting action during machining with cutting tool 10. Cutting action 44 is the movement of cutting tool 10 relative to the workpiece being machined (not shown in FIG. 7). Reference numeral 46, by a dashed line, indicates a plane perpendicular to the direction of cutting action 44 and tangent to the highest point of chip-breaking flute 22, which in this case is in line with axis 34 and lubrication / coolant channel 28. Plane 46 also serves to indicate the overall orientation of chip-breaking flute 22 in the exemplary embodiment.

[0093] According to an exemplary embodiment, the through-hole 26, together with its outlet opening 32 and / or its cross-section, is at least partially disposed above the plane 46. Disposed at least partially above the plane 46 exemplarily relates to at least 20% of the cross-section of the outlet opening 32. It is understood that further values ​​are possible, such as 50%, 80%, or 100%. At 100%, the through-hole 26 with its outlet opening 32 is completely above the plane 46. The above-described orientation allows a large portion of the lubricating / cooling fluid 48 to be supplied specifically to the cutting edge 20, the chip-breaking groove 22, and / or the chip space 42.

[0094] 8 to 18, a method for manufacturing a blank (pressed article, compact) suitable for manufacturing cutting tool 10 according to FIGS. 1 to 7 or an equivalent cutting tool is shown.

[0095] Figure 8 shows an apparatus 50 for producing hard metal pressed articles for producing green parts for cutting tools. The apparatus 50 includes a die 52 including a movable portion and a fixed portion for forming a cavity 54. Within the cavity 54, hard metal powder can be compressed to form a pressed article 60, the shape of which is the basis for producing the cutting tool 10. Figure 10 further shows a control unit, indicated by the numeral 56, which appropriately controls the apparatus 50 and its components for producing the pressed article 60.

[0096] 8 shows a press article 60 in dashed lines. The press article 60 includes through holes 62 oriented toward cutting edges 64 and / or chip-breaking grooves 66, and an imaginary chip space above the chip-breaking grooves 66. See the above comments relating to FIGS. 5-7. The press article 60 further includes a shaft 68.

[0097] The die 52 of the apparatus 50 includes at least one stationary die part 70, which in the exemplary embodiment at least partially defines the circumference of the pressed article 60. The stationary die part 70 includes a guide 72 for a die body 74. The die body 74 is illustratively configured as a slider. The die body 74 has a generally rod- or pin-shaped operating portion 76. A front surface 78 forms the end of the operating portion 76 toward the cavity 54. The operating portion 76 forms the through hole 62 in the pressed article 60. The die 52 illustratively includes additional die parts, such as a movable die part 80 illustratively configured as a lower punch 82.

[0098] In the configuration shown in Figure 8, the cavity 54 of the die 52 is filled with hard metal powder 86. This is shown in Figure 9. For filling purposes, a so-called filling shoe 84 is provided on the side of the cavity 54 opposite the lower punch 82. The hard metal powder 86 is allowed to flow down into the cavity 54 where it is supported by gravity (see arrow 88 indicating gravity). 9 also illustrates that the mold body 74 has been moved to a ready position relative to the cavity 54. After filling the fill shoe 84, a sufficient amount of hard metal powder 86 is present in the cavity 54 of the die 52 to form a pressed article.

[0099] The orientation shown with reference to arrow 88 (gravity) may also be used within the scope of this disclosure to define terms such as above, top, below, bottom, side, lateral, etc. Arrow 88 is parallel to the vertical. A horizontal plane extends perpendicular and / or perpendicular to arrow 88. Those skilled in the art know that filling with a filling shoe 84 is typically performed "from above."

[0100] 10 shows the state of the apparatus 50 when the fill shoe 84 (FIG. 9) is moved away from the top of the die 52. This provides space for an additional die part, as compared to the movable die part 92, illustratively configured as an upper punch 94. By way of example, the die part 92 has a stationary recess 98 shown in dotted lines, although this is not required.

[0101] Die part 92 has an operating surface 100 that at least partially defines the shape of pressed article 60. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 10, operating surface 100 cross-sectionally defines at least chip-breaking grooves 66 and cutting edges 64, see also FIGS. 8 and 17. In the exemplary embodiment, a further movable die part 102 is disposed adjacent die part 92, illustratively as another upper punch 104. Die part 102 defines the area of ​​pressed article 60 within which operating portion 76 of die body 74 extends to form through-hole 62.

[0102] In the exemplary embodiment, die body 74 has a horizontal feed direction 110. In the exemplary embodiment, die part 80 (lower punch 82) has an upward vertical feed direction 112. Die part 92 (upper punch 94) has a downward vertical feed direction 114. Die part 102 (upper punch 104) has a downward vertical feed direction 116.

[0103] As indicated above, the control unit 56 serves to accurately and precisely control the movements of the various moving components of the apparatus 50. In particular, the movements of the mold body 74 and the mold parts 80, 92, 102 (see feed directions 110, 112, 114, 116) can be accurately and precisely controlled, perhaps even in the micrometer range.

[0104] 10 further illustrates by arrow 118 a primary pressing direction 118 of mold parts 80, 92, and 102 in die 52 of apparatus 50. In an exemplary embodiment, both lower punch 82 and upper punches 94, 104 are moved at least partially toward each other, resulting in a vertically oriented primary pressing direction 118.

[0105] FIG. 11 illustrates the die body 74 moving into the cavity 54 in the feed direction 110, displacing the hard metal powder 86. In the exemplary embodiment, the die body 74 approaches an abutment area 124 defined by the upper punch 94. The abutment area 124 corresponds to the surface 40 where the exit opening 32 of the through hole 26 is located in the cutting tool 10 illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1-7. FIG. 11 also illustrates that in the exemplary embodiment, the punches 82, 94, and 104 are not necessarily moved simultaneously and synchronously. Rather, arrow 114 indicates, for example, that punch 94 moves ahead of punch 104. The goal of the movement of the punch 94 (die part 92) and the die body 74 is to achieve a preferred relative position, particularly a relative position where the powder is in intimate contact.

[0106] 11 further indicates, by reference numeral 122, a so-called neutral phase. The neutral phase 122 is a volume region during the pressing process in which relatively little movement occurs during the compaction of the hard metal powder 86. The control unit 56 of the apparatus 50 controls, in particular, the die parts 80, 92, 102 (i.e., for example, the punches 82, 94, 104) so ​​that the neutral phase 122 is located near the operating portion 76 of the die body 74. Therefore, when the die body 74 is positioned in the neutral phase 122, stresses on the die body 74 are reduced during the pressing process.

[0107] 12 illustrates, based on FIG. 11 , the state in which the upper punch 94 (mold part 92) has reached its final end position in the cavity 54, with the powder intimately contacted with the mold body 74. The upper punch 94 has reached its final end position almost or completely within the cavity 54. The operating surface 100 forms part of the pressed article 60, such as the cutting edges 64 and / or the chip-breaking grooves 66. The powder intimate contact between the mold body 74 and the punch 94 allows for the formation of through holes 62 in the pressed article, where the through holes 62 are formed during the pressing process in the die 92 and are not formed by a subsequent material removal process.

[0108] 12 shows that following the pressing action of upper punch 94, upper punch 104 (arrow 116) and lower punch 82 (arrow 112) are further advanced in a primary pressing direction 118 to further compact hard metal powder 86. Punches 94, 104, and 82 may move simultaneously, at least temporarily.

[0109] 13 and 14 each show, by way of a detailed view of the view shown in FIG. 12, possible configurations for the desired powder intimate contact between the die part 92 (upper punch 94) and the die body 74.

[0110] 13, the mold body 74 is shown with its operating part 76 and front face 78 being able to engage in the stationary recess 98. If the corresponding circumferential gap is small enough, a relative position is obtained between the mold body 74 and the mold part 92 that ensures close contact of the powder. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 13, a closure part 106 is arranged in the stationary recess 98, which closure part is designed, for example, as a closure piston or closure flap. The closure part 106 can be pressed into the stationary recess 98 by the mold body 74 against the force of the preload element 108.

[0111] The engagement movement is indicated by the arrow indicated by the reference numeral 110. In other words, in this exemplary embodiment, the front face 78 of the mold body 74 moves past the abutment area 124 on the mold part 92. However, it is also conceivable that the mold body 74 temporarily remains with its front face 78 at the abutment area 124 during the feed movement. This allows the mold part 92 to be fed in its feed direction 114 after the mold body 74 has been fed; in this context, see FIG. 11 . If the front face 78 is oriented exactly opposite the stationary recess 98 in the final position of the mold part 92, the mold body 74 can move with its front face 78 into the stationary recess.

[0112] In the exemplary embodiment, the closure portion 106 seals the stationary recess 98 in a powder-tight manner even during the feed motion (arrow 114 in FIGS. 11 and 12) of the mold part 92. In other words, the closure portion 106 can flush seal the stationary recess 98 so that the hard metal powder 86 cannot accumulate therein. This prevents the mold body 74 from potentially forcing the hard metal powder 86 into the stationary recess 98 during engagement.

[0113] 14 shows an alternative configuration. According to this embodiment, no rest recess for the die body 74 is provided in the die part 92 (upper punch 94). Instead, positioning of the compacted powder is achieved by flush contact of the front face 78 in an abutment region 124, which in FIG. 14 corresponds to the surface of the die part 92 opposite the front face 78. The die part 92 is illustratively flat or planar in the region opposite the front face 78, so that relative movement between the die body 74 and the die part 92 in the feed direction 114 of the die part 92 is possible while maintaining intimate contact of the powder.

[0114] In this way, the mold body 74 can be moved with its front face 78 along its feed direction 110 to its final position in the cavity 54 (see FIG. 11 ). The mold part 92 can then be fed in its feed direction 114, displacing the hard metal powder 86 in front of the front face 78 of the mold body 74. This also brings the powder into intimate contact and therefore the possibility of integrally forming the through hole 62 during the pressing process in the die 52.

[0115] The pressing process using the device 50 illustrated with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12 and 15 to 18 can basically be combined with any of the variants illustrated in FIGS.

[0116] 12, Figure 15 shows all die parts 80, 92, 102 (punches 82, 94, 104) reaching their final end positions relative to the cavity 54 and the hard metal powder 86 contained therein. Similarly, the die body 74 is in an end position relative to the cavity 54. Thus, the hard metal powder 86 is compressed to the extent that the desired pressed article 60 is formed.

[0117] Figures 16 and 17 show the start of the demolding process to retrieve the manufactured pressed article 60. In Figure 16, the mold body 74 is first moved from the cavity 54 (see arrow 110). The through hole 62 remains in the pressed article 60. Figure 17 shows the upper punches 94, 104 being lifted from the pressed article 60 and guided upward from the die 52 (see arrows 114, 116). This exposes the cutting edges 64 and chip-breaking grooves 66 of the pressed article 60. The pressed article 60 is then illustratively lifted by the lower punch 82 and directed upward from the die 52. See arrow 112 in FIG. 18, where the resulting pressed article 60 is also shown in dashed line representation outside the cavity 54. The pressed article 60 features an integrated through-hole 62.

[0118] 19 shows another exemplary embodiment of a press article 160 suitable for manufacturing reversible cutting inserts having two cutting edges. The press article 160 has through-holes 162 that can function as lubrication / coolant channels. The through-holes 162 are aligned with the cutting edges 164 and / or chip-breaking grooves 166 adjacent to the cutting edges 164. An arrow designated by reference numeral 168 illustrates the direction of the cutting action during machining with the cutting edges 164. The cross-section of the through-hole 162 in its opening region relative to the chip-breaking grooves 166 is at least partially perpendicular to the direction of the cutting action 168 and above a plane that contacts the cutting edges 164. The shaft of the press article is designated by reference numeral 170.

[0119] In this embodiment, the press article 160 is arranged with point symmetry. As a result, the press article 160 also has through holes 172 that can serve as lubrication and coolant channels. The through holes 172 are aligned with the cutting edges 174 and / or chip-breaking grooves 176 adjacent to the cutting edges 174. The arrow designated by the reference numeral 178 illustrates the direction of cutting action during machining with the cutting edge 174. The cross section of the through hole 172 in the area of ​​its opening to the chip-breaking groove 176 lies, at least in part, perpendicular to the direction of cutting action 178 and above a plane intersecting the cutting edge 174.

[0120] Pressed article 160 can be manufactured using, for example, a powder press with tooling concepts similar to those of apparatus 50 according to Figures 8 through 18. Other concepts are contemplated according to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0121] FIG. 20 illustrates another alternative approach to the tooling concept with a perspective view of a press article 260. The press article 260 is designed at least similarly to the press article 60 illustrated above with reference to FIGS. 8-18. The press article 260 has a through hole 262 that is oriented toward a cutting edge 264 of the press article 260 and a chip-breaking groove 266 adjacent to the cutting edge 264. The through hole 262 extends along an axis 268. The shaft of the press article 260 is indicated by the reference numeral 270. To form the through hole 262, a die body 274 having an operating portion 276 is provided, and a front face 278 of the die body faces the cutting edge 264 and the chip-breaking groove 266, respectively, during the pressing process. The die body 274 is illustratively configured as a slider with a horizontal feed direction 310.

[0122] In Figure 20, press article 260 is shown in a lying-down orientation. Reference is further made to a Cartesian coordinate system designated by numerals 284, 286, and 288. Arrow 284 indicates horizontal extension (e.g., longitudinal extension). Arrow 286 indicates vertical. Arrow 288 indicates horizontal extension (e.g., depth extension). Arrows 284 and 288 together define a horizontal plane. Arrow 286 is perpendicular to this horizontal plane.

[0123] 8-18, it can be seen that pressed article 260 is tilted at a 90° angle. In FIG. 20, arrow 282 indicates a lower punch for producing pressed article 260. Similarly, arrow 304 indicates an upper punch. Punches 282 and 304 are positioned opposite each other in a die (not shown in FIG. 20) and are movable toward each other in a vertical direction 286 to compress the hard metal powder to form pressed article 260.

[0124] In the "lying" configuration according to Fig. 20, the cutting edges 264, and in particular the chip-breaking grooves 266, are formed by a laterally feedable die part 292. An operating surface 300 of the die part 292 is shown in dashed lines in Fig. 20. The operating surface 300 corresponds to the desired configuration of the chip-breaking grooves 266 and the cutting edges 264, respectively, and forms them at least in the cross section of the die. The feed direction (see arrow 314 in FIG. 20) is illustratively parallel to direction 288. Die part 292 is illustratively configured as a lateral slider (cross slider) or a lateral punch (cross punch 294).

[0125] In the exemplary embodiment, feed direction 314 is perpendicular to feed direction 310 of mold body 274. Mold part 292 has a contact area 324 where front surface 278 of mold body 274 makes intimate contact with the powder. Also, in this manner, horizontally feedable mold part 292 and horizontally feedable mold body 274 can be used to produce through holes 262 with a preferred orientation in pressed article 260.

[0126] Figure 21 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for producing hard metal stamping articles, generally designated by the numeral 350. Apparatus 350 is configured generally similarly to apparatus 50 illustrated with reference to Figures 8-18.

[0127] The apparatus 350 includes a die 352 for forming a cavity 354 within which a pressed article 360 ​​can be produced from hard metal powder. The pressed article 360 ​​has through holes 362 that can function, for example, as lubrication and coolant channels. The through hole 362 is advantageously oriented relative to a cutting edge 364 and a chip-breaking groove 366 adjacent the cutting edge 364. The press article 360 ​​has a shaft 368. In general, the press article 360 ​​is also suitable for manufacturing cutting tools 10, see, for example, the designs illustrated with reference to Figures 1-7.

[0128] Generally as described above, die 352 includes at least one fixed die part 370 that defines the perimeter of, for example, pressed article 360. Also provided on fixed die part 370 is a guide for die body 374, which includes an operator portion 376 that defines throughbore 362. Operator portion 376 includes a front surface 378.

[0129] As mentioned above, the die 352 includes a die part illustratively configured as a lower punch 382 having a feed direction 412. Additionally, a die part illustratively configured as an upper punch 394 having a feed direction 414 is provided. The punch 394 has an operating surface 400 that, in the exemplary embodiment, is used to form the cutting edge 364 and the chip-breaking grooves 366.

[0130] The difference between the device 50 according to Figures 8 to 18 and the device 350 according to Figure 21 is that the die body 374 having the front face 78 does not come into contact with the punch 394, which forms the chip-crushing grooves 366 and the cutting edge 364 with its operating face 400. Instead, die 352 includes another die part illustratively configured as a (separate) upper punch 404 having a feed direction 416. Punch 404 defines a portion of shaft 368 of pressed article 360 ​​through which through-hole 362 extends. Additionally, punch 404 has an abutment area 424 for die body 374. In the illustrative embodiment, an extension 426 of punch 404 forms abutment area 424. For example, a rest recess 398 is formed into which front face 378 of operating portion 376 can pass.

[0131] At the contact region 424, the die body 374 can come into contact with the punch 404 to bring the powder into intimate contact. The configuration of the apparatus 350 shown with reference to FIG. 21 is suitable for the pressed article 360, for example, in which the cutting blade 364 and the chip crushing groove 366 are positioned away from the opening of the through hole 362, even though not clearly shown in FIG. 21.

[0132] 22, an exemplary embodiment of a method for producing hard metal stamping articles is shown with reference to a block diagram. The method is particularly suited for producing sintered green parts for cutting tools with integrated lubrication / coolant channels. The method allows for a preferred orientation of the lubrication / coolant channels relative to the cutting edges and / or chip-breaking grooves of the cutting tool. The method begins with step S10.

[0133] Step S12 refers to providing a die for forming a cavity for compressing hard metal powder to produce a pressed article. Step S12 includes sub-step S14, which includes providing a movable die part that at least partially defines the shape of the pressed article with an operating surface. Step S12 further includes sub-step S16, which includes providing a movable die body, exemplarily configured as a slider, that serves to form a through hole in the pressed article. The die part and the die body have different feed directions relative to each other, and both directions are particularly obtuse or perpendicular. The die body is exemplarily configured as a punch or a slider.

[0134] In step S18, the die components and die body are fed such that the die body contacts and seals the powder on the die components. In this way, a through hole can be formed during the pressing process. Step S18 can be combined with a process of filling the cavity with hard metal powder. Generally, it is contemplated that the cavity is first filled with hard metal powder, and then the die components and die body are moved into the cavity. The feed movements of the die body and die components can be staggered in time. In at least some instances, overlapping feeds are contemplated. Once the die body is moved to a target position within the filled cavity, the die components can be used to displace any hard metal powder in front of the die body.

[0135] In a further step S20, the hard metal powder is compressed to obtain a pressed article. For this purpose, one or several punches are usually used. Generally, a die part can be designed as a punch and contributes to the compression. A further step S22 comprises demolding the pressed article. This comprises, for example, removing the die body in sub-step S24 and the die part from the cavity in sub-step S26.

[0136] The method ends in step S28, and the pressed article is available for further manufacturing steps (e.g., sintering).

Claims

1. 1. A manufacturing method for producing a hard metal pressed article that is a sintered green part for a cutting tool (10), comprising: providing a die (52, 352) forming a cavity (54, 354) for producing a pressed article (60, 160, 260, 360) having at least one cutting edge (64; 164, 174; 264) and at least one chip-breaking groove (66; 166, 176; 266) associated with a chip space (42), the step comprising: providing a movable die part (92, 292, 404) configured as a punch (94) or slider (294), the die part (92, 292, 404) at least partially defining the shape of a pressed article (60, 160, 260, 360) having an operating surface (100, 300), the die part (92, 292, 404) being feedable in a first feed direction (114, 314); providing a movable mold body (74, 274, 374) having a rod-like operating portion (76, 276, 376) for forming the through-hole (62; 162; 172; 262), the mold body (74, 274, 374) being feedable in a second feed direction (110, 310), the first feed direction (114, 314) and the second feed direction (110, 310) being inclined at an angle of at least 45° to each other; forming a pressed article (60, 160, 260, 360) from hard metal powder (86) introduced into said cavity (54, 354) and compressed in at least one primary pressing direction (118), comprising: providing a mold part (92, 292, 404) and a mold body (74, 274, 374) such that the mold body (74, 274, 374) is positioned within the cavity (54, 354) with its operating portion (76, 276, 376) in an abutment area (124, 324) on the mold part (92, 292, 404) to prevent particles or grains of the hard metal powder (86) from penetrating an interface between the mold body (74, 274, 374) and the mold part (92, 292, 404) to form a through hole (62; 162, 172; 262).

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mold body (74, 274, 374) is positioned within the cavity (54, 354) such that the through-hole (62; 162, 172; 262) faces the tip space (42).

3. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mold body is positioned in the cavity such that the through holes face the chip-breaking grooves and that, as viewed at the outlet opening along a plane perpendicular to the direction of the cutting motion, at least 20% of the cross-section of the through holes projects above the chip-breaking grooves and contacts the cutting edge.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mold body (74, 274, 374) is positioned within the cavity (54, 354) such that the longitudinal axis (34, 268) of the through hole (62; 162, 172; 262) is oriented at an angle of 45°-90° relative to the direction of the cutting motion (44).

5. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mold body (74, 274, 374) is positioned within the cavity (54, 354) such that the through hole (62; 162, 172; 262) is oriented at an angle between 0° and 45° relative to a primary extension direction of a shaft (68, 170, 270, 368) of the pressed article (60, 160, 260, 360).

6. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a feed direction (110, 310) of the mold body (74, 274, 374) is perpendicular to a main pressing direction (118) of the cavity (54, 354).

7. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the die body is disposed within the cavity in a neutral phase of the pressed article or at least adjacent to the neutral phase of the pressed article.

8. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the tip space (42) of the pressed article (60, 160, 260, 360) is at least partially defined by the operating surface (100, 300) of the movable die part (92, 292, 404).

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the tip space (42) of the pressed article (60, 160, 260, 360) is at least partially defined by another movable die part (394).

10. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least the chip spaces (42) and the through holes (62; 162, 172; 262) are formed in the die (52, 352) without any post-processing in terms of their geometric shape.

11. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the die body is positioned in the cavity such that the exit openings of the through holes facing the tip spaces in the pressed article are disposed on the surface of the pressed article, the exit openings being oriented at an angle between 0° and 45° relative to the primary pressing direction.

12. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the mold part (92, 292, 404) and the mold body (74, 274, 374) are positioned relative to each other to intimately seal the powder prior to filling the cavity (54, 354) with hard metal powder (86).

13. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the mold part (92, 292, 404) and the mold body (74, 274, 374) are positioned relative to each other to intimately contact the powder after filling the cavity (54, 354) with the hard metal powder (86).

14. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising actively moving at least the mold part (92, 292, 404) or the mold body (74, 274, 374) after filling the cavity (54, 354) with hard metal powder.

15. The rod-shaped operating portion (76, 276, 376) has a front surface (78, 278), 2. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the mold parts and the mold body includes engaging a stationary recess in the mold part with a front surface of the mold body, the stationary recess sealing to form a powder seal.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the mold part (92, 292, 404) has a closure (106) for the stationary recess (98, 398), the closure sealing the stationary recess (98, 398) in a powder-tight manner when the mold body (74, 274, 374) is disengaged.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the closure is arranged as a flexible closure (106) that is moved and / or compressed during engagement of the mold body (74, 274, 374).

18. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing the mold part (92, 292, 404) and the mold body (74, 274, 374) includes positioning a front surface (78, 278) of the mold body (74, 274, 374) against the abutment area (124, 324) on the mold part (92, 292, 404) to intimately contact the powder.

19. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the mold body (74, 274, 374) assumes at least one abutment position along its feed direction (110, 310), and in said abutment position the mold part (92, 292, 404) is moved against a front surface (78, 278) of the mold body (74, 274, 374) during movement in its feed direction (114, 314) to displace any powder particles.

20. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the feed direction (114, 314) of the die parts (92, 292, 404) is parallel to the main pressing direction (118).

21. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a feed direction (114, 314) of the die parts (92, 292, 404) is perpendicular to the primary pressing direction (118).

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the feed direction (114, 314) of the mold parts (92, 292, 404) is perpendicular to the feed direction (110, 310) of the mold body (74, 274, 374).

23. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the die part (92, 292, 404) is a punch (94) that contributes at least in part to compacting the hard metal powder (86).

24. The method of claim 1, wherein the mold part (292) is a slider (294).

25. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein in addition to the die part (92, 292, 404), at least one other die part (80, 102) configured as a punch (82, 104) is used.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the other die part (80, 102) configured as a punch (82, 104) has a feed direction (112, 116; 412, 414) that is parallel or perpendicular to the feed direction (114, 314) of the die part (92, 292, 404).

27. 27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the mold part (92, 292, 404) is configured as a pre-press punch (94, 294) and the further mold part (80, 102) is configured as a punch (82, 104) in a parallel feed direction (112), the pre-press punch (94, 294) and the mold body (74, 274, 374) are moved towards each other through a hard metal powder (86) introduced into the cavity (54, 354) and are positioned so as to compact the powder relative to each other, including at least partial compaction of the hard metal powder (86) by the pre-press punch (94, 294), and the punch (82, 104) subsequently moves parallel to the pre-press punch (94, 294) but with a larger compaction stroke.

28. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the punch (82, 104) forms part of an area in the pressed article (60, 160, 260, 360) that closes the through hole (62; 162, 172; 262) along its longitudinal extension.

29. 1. An apparatus for producing a hard metal pressed article that is a sintered green part for a cutting tool, comprising: a die forming a cavity (54, 354) for producing a pressed article (60, 160, 260, 360) having at least one cutting edge (64; 164, 174; 264) and at least one chip-breaking groove (66; 166, 176; 266) associated with a chip space (42), the die comprising: at least one movable die part (92, 292, 404) configured as a punch or slider, at least partially defining the shape of a press article (60, 160, 260, 360) having an operating surface (100, 300) and being feedable in a first feed direction (114, 314); a movable mold body (74, 274, 374) having a rod-shaped operating portion (76, 276, 376) for forming a through hole and capable of being supplied in a second feed direction (110, 310); the first feed direction (114, 314) and the second feed direction (110, 310) are inclined at least 45° to each other; The cavity (54, 354) is filled with hard metal powder (86); the apparatus has at least one pressing direction for compressing hard metal powder (86) introduced into the cavity (54, 354); The die parts (92, 292, 404) and the die body (74, 274, 374) are movable and feedable, and the die body (74, 274, 374) in the cavity (54, 354) having the operating portion (76, 276, 376) is positioned in the contact area (124, 324) on the first die part (92, 292, 404) so ​​as to prevent particles or grains of the hard metal powder (86) from entering the boundary between the die body (74, 274, 374) and the die part (92, 292, 404), thereby forming a through hole (62, 162, 172, 262).

Images