Cutting Insert Through-Hole Density Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing of tangential cutting inserts with non-parallel through-holes faces challenges in achieving dimensional accuracy due to uneven density distribution, which leads to deformation during sintering, and existing methods are either complex or fail to provide high accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a press tool with a core rod inserted non-parallel to the pressing axis, where the core rod is turned in alternating directions during compaction to achieve even density distribution around the through-hole, minimizing deformation and increasing the strength of the cutting inserts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a core rod is inserted non-parallel to the pressing axis to form a through-hole, then the cutting insert can be attached to a tool holder, but the density distribution around the through-hole becomes uneven causing deformation during sintering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrough-hole formationVSAvoidthrough-hole dimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The core rod is made rotatable during the compaction process. By rotating the core rod in alternating directions, the powder distribution around the through-hole becomes more uniform, preventing density variations that would cause deformation during sintering. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high dimensional accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The core rod undergoes periodic rotation in alternating directions during compaction. This periodic motion ensures uniform powder packing around the through-hole by continuously redistributing the material, thereby achieving even density distribution and preventing deformation during subsequent sintering while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Device complexity

If the core rod is kept stationary during compaction, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the density distribution around the through-hole is uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompaction processVSAvoiddensity distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The core rod is transformed from a stationary component to a dynamic one that can rotate during compaction. This rotation creates more uniform density distribution around the through-hole by preventing powder accumulation on one side, thereby improving compositional stability without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The core rod serves dual functions: it defines the through-hole geometry and simultaneously distributes powder evenly through its rotation. This self-service approach improves density uniformity while avoiding the need for additional complex powder distribution mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the core rod is rotated during compaction, then the density distribution becomes even, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedensity distribution uniformityVSAvoidcompaction equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The core rod is designed with rotational capability that can be actuated during compaction. This dynamic feature achieves uniform density distribution while keeping the equipment design relatively simple, as the rotation mechanism can be integrated into the existing press tool without requiring entirely new equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method results in cutting inserts with improved dimensional accuracy and reduced porosity, leading to stronger and longer-lasting tools with minimized deformation of the through-hole during sintering.

Implementation Method 1

During at least a portion of the compaction step, the core rod is turned a predetermined angle in alternating direction around its longitudinal axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

sintering the cutting insert green body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Data Source

PatentEP2808106B1Method for manufacturing a cutting insert
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 SANDVIK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AB
  • EP2808106B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2808106B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2808106B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a cutting insert (1) having a through-hole (9) which extends in a direction which is non-parallel to the main pressing direction, comprising the steps of: - moving first and second punches (13, 14) within a die cavity (12) toward each other along a first pressing axis (A) to compact a powder around a core rod (15) into a cutting insert green body; wherein, during at least a portion of the compaction step, the core rod (15) is turned a predetermined angle in alternating direction around its longitudinal axis (B).