Thread Milling Cutter Edge Geometry to Resist Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thread milling cutters tend to deflect due to radial forces applied by the workpiece, leading to reduced tool life.

Innovation Solution

The thread milling cutter design includes end cutting edges with specific angles and dimensions to enhance axial bracing and reduce cutting resistance, featuring a first end cutting edge with an angle of 6° or less and a second end cutting edge angled more towards the rear, along with a diameter configuration that balances cutting forces and minimizes wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If end cutting edges are added to eliminate pre-drilling, then productivity is improved, but deflection increases due to radial force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous drilling and threading capabilityVSAvoidtool deflection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the end cutting edges, specifically setting the angle between the first end cutting edge and the imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis at 6° or less. This parameter optimization strengthens the axial bracing force while managing radial forces, allowing simultaneous drilling and threading without excessive deflection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The end cutting edges are segmented into two distinct parts: a first end cutting edge with a specific angle (6° or less) connected to the thread cutting edge, and a second end cutting edge angled more toward the rear end. This segmentation allows each part to perform different functions - the first edge provides axial bracing while the second reduces cutting resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If the first end cutting edge angle is set to 6° or less, then axial bracing force is strengthened, but cutting resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial bracing forceVSAvoidcutting resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The end cutting edges are divided into two segments with different angular orientations. The first end cutting edge (at 6° or less) generates axial bracing force, while the second end cutting edge (angled more toward the rear end) reduces cutting resistance. This segmentation allows the tool to simultaneously achieve strong axial support and reduced cutting resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the end cutting edges are given different geometric properties. The first end cutting edge has a shallow angle optimized for axial bracing, while the second end cutting edge has a steeper angle optimized for reducing cutting resistance. Each local region is optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Force

If the diameter at the boundary between thread cutting edges and first end cutting edges is set to minor diameter, then axial bracing force location is optimized, but tool complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial bracing force locationVSAvoidtool geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a particular parameter value for the diameter at the boundary between thread cutting edges and first end cutting edges, setting it equal to the minor diameter of the thread. This parameter optimization positions the axial bracing force outward, improving tool stability without requiring complex additional structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3520943B1Thread milling cutter
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 OSG
  • EP3520943B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3520943B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3520943B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a thread milling cutter with a long tool life. A plurality of threads projecting in directions perpendicular to the axis from a front end side of an outer circumference of the tool body(10) to form thread cutting edges(20a,24,29).The end cutting edges (33) formed on the front end face of the tool body includes a first end cutting edge (34) that is connected to the front end of the thread cutting edge, and a second end cutting edge (35) that is connected to the first end cutting edge on the side closer to the axis (C), and is angled more toward the rear end than the first end cutting edge. The angle (θ1) formed by an imaginary plane (P) perpendicular to the axis and the first end cutting edge is set to 6° or less. The angle (θ2) formed by the second end cutting edges and the imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis and is set to be greater than the angle formed by the first end cutting edges and the imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis.