Milling Insert Locking Groove for Stable Shoulder Milling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Milling inserts for small diameter shoulder milling tools face challenges in secure fastening without compromising stability, as traditional screw-based methods are difficult to handle and weaken the insert, leading to shape defects and reduced stability.
Innovation Solution
A milling insert design featuring a locking groove and contact regions that allow secure clamping without a through-hole, providing radial and axial support, and enabling precise positioning and stability without the need for screws, thus enhancing manufacturing uniformity and tool life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw or male fastening member is used to fasten the milling insert in the tool body, then the milling insert is rigidly secured, but the small diameter makes it necessary to use small screws which are difficult to handle and easy to drop, and it may be difficult to access the hole in the mounting process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from a separate screw component and integrates it into the insert structure itself through the locking groove and contact regions. The insert's lower contact region bears on a fastening member while the upper contact region bears on a support member, creating an integrated fastening system that eliminates the need for separate small screws difficult to handle in small diameter tools.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a screw extending through the insert from the top, the invention inverts the fastening approach by having the fastening member act on the lower contact region while the support member acts on the upper contact region. This inverted arrangement provides better accessibility and eliminates the need to access holes in difficult-to-reach locations.
2Reliability
If a large centre hole is provided for fastening the milling insert, then the insert can be securely fastened, but the large centre hole weakens the milling insert and makes it less shape stable after pressing and sintering of the insert
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from a large centre hole and redistributes it to contact regions on the lower and upper surfaces of the insert. This eliminates the need for a large through-hole that would compromise the insert's structural integrity and shape stability during pressing and sintering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating fastening forces at specific contact regions (lower contact region and upper contact region) rather than requiring a large centre hole. This localized approach maintains the overall structural integrity and shape stability of the insert while providing sufficient fastening security.
3Ease of operation
If a locking structure without screws is used to secure the milling insert, then handling is improved, but mounting is complicated since special tools are required and the mounted milling insert is not as stable as a screw mounted milling insert
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of both screw-based and tool-free fastening systems by combining a locking groove structure with contact regions that bear on fastening and support members. This hybrid approach provides easy handling like tool-free systems while achieving screw-level stability through the distributed contact regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking groove and contact region structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical locking through the groove, distributes fastening forces through the contact regions, and maintains insert stability without requiring special mounting tools. This multi-functional design achieves both ease of operation and high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A milling insert suitable for shoulder milling includes a side surface extending between an upper and lower side and a cutting edge having a primary and a secondary cutting edge portion. The side surface includes an axial support surface opposite of the secondary cutting edge portion. The lower side includes a locking groove extending longitudinally, and a lower contact region formed to bear on a fastening member. The upper side has an upper contact region arranged to bear on a top support member of a tool in which the milling insert is mountable. A milling tool is provided with a top support member for bearing on the upper contact region of the milling insert, a locking ridge for locking with the locking groove, and an axial contact surface for supporting the axial support surface. A fastening member presses the milling insert against the top support member and the locking ridge.