Patent ID: 6200072
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: B23C,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of performing a face-milling metal-cutting operation using an insert comprising two substantially parallel side faces interconnected by an edge surface structure to define at least four and not more than six cutting corners; an intersection of said edge surface structure and each of said side faces at each of said cutting corners forming a pair of minor cutting edges intersecting one another substantially at a bisector of said cutting corner to form an obtuse angle therebetween; an intersection of said edge surface structure and each of said side faces at locations between adjacent ones of said cutting corners forming major cutting edges at both of said adjacent cutting corners; each major cutting edge intersecting an associated one of said minor cutting edges, whereby each major cutting edge and its associated minor cutting edge together define a cooperating pair of cutting edges; there being at least eight of said cooperating pairs on each of said side faces; each side face including two of said cooperating pairs at each of said cutting corners and disposed on opposite sides of said corner bisector; the method comprising the steps of bringing one cutting corner of one of said side faces into cutting relationship with a metallic workpiece while rotating said insert, and while orienting said insert such that only one of said cooperating pairs of cutting edges at said one cutting corner is in said cutting relationship; said one side face functioning as a chip face, and said edge surface structure functioning as a clearance surface, said minor cutting edges being sharper than said major cutting edges.