Patent Publication Number: US-2023137637-A1

Title: Cutting insert having laterally spaced apart, longitudinally extending wedge abutment surfaces, tool holder and cutting tool

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter of the present application relates to grooving and groove-turning cutting tools of the type in which a cutting insert is retained in a tool holder by means of a clamping force. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Cutting tools for grooving and groove-turning can be provided with a clamping mechanism for securely retaining a cutting insert within a tool holder. 
     The tool holder can consist of an insert receiving slot which has a base jaw and clamping jaw where the cutting insert is clamped within the base jaw and clamping jaw. 
     To improve stability of the cutting insert against lateral cutting forces, the cutting insert can include upper and lower V-shaped ridges. The base jaw and clamping jaw can include V-shaped grooves, respectively, which engage with the V-shaped ridges. Examples of such cutting inserts and tool holders are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,696,262 and 9,120,239. Alternatively, the ridges can be formed on the cutting insert and the grooves can be formed on the tool holder. An example of such a cutting insert and tool holder is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,267. 
     It is an object of the subject matter of the present application to provide a cutting tool having an improved means of releasably clamping a cutting insert in an insert receiving pocket of a tool holder against lateral cutting forces. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with a first aspect of the subject matter of the present application there is provided a cutting tool, comprising:
         a cutting insert, longitudinally elongated in a direction defining an insert longitudinal axis, the cutting insert comprising:
           two opposing insert end surfaces and an insert peripheral surface extending therebetween about the insert longitudinal axis, the insert peripheral surface comprising elongated opposing insert upper and lower surfaces and two opposing insert side surfaces and connecting the insert upper and lower surfaces, at least one of the insert end surfaces having an integral cutting portion;   an insert longitudinal plane containing the insert longitudinal axis and passing midway in-between the two opposing insert side surfaces;   an insert median plane containing the insert longitudinal axis and passing in-between the insert upper and lower surfaces;   an insert vertical axis oriented perpendicular to the insert median plane and contained in the insert longitudinal plane;   an insert lateral axis oriented perpendicular to the insert longitudinal plane and contained in the insert median plane;   at least one elongated insert engagement arrangement formed on at least one of the insert upper surface and the insert lower surface, the at least one insert engagement arrangement extending longitudinally in a direction between the insert end surfaces along an insert engagement arrangement longitudinal axis; wherein:   the at least one insert engagement arrangement comprises two insert engagement wedge surfaces which extend along the insert engagement arrangement longitudinal axis and which define an acute insert engagement angle by either:
               a) converging outwardly in a direction from the two insert side surfaces so that the insert engagement angle is an internal angle; or   b) converging inwardly in a direction from the two insert side surfaces so that the insert engagement angle is an external angle; and   
               the two insert engagement wedge surfaces each comprise an insert abutment surface, the insert engagement angle defined at each insert abutment surface being greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°; and   
           a tool holder, comprising a clamping portion having:
           two opposing clamping portion side surfaces and a clamping portion front end surface extending therebetween at a front end of the tool holder;   an insert receiving slot opening out to the clamping portion front end surface and forming a front slot opening and being longitudinally elongated in a direction defining a slot longitudinal axis, the insert receiving slot comprising:
               an upper clamping jaw comprising a clamping jaw surface; and   a lower base jaw comprising a base jaw lower surface which faces the clamping jaw surface, the upper clamping jaw being resiliently displaceable relative to the lower base jaw; wherein:   a slot rear surface extending between the clamping jaw surface and the base jaw lower surface;   a slot longitudinal plane containing the slot longitudinal axis and intersecting the clamping jaw surface and the base jaw lower surface;   a slot median plane containing the slot longitudinal axis and passing midway in-between the clamping jaw surface and the base jaw lower surface;   a slot vertical axis oriented perpendicular to the slot median plane and contained in the slot longitudinal plane;   a slot lateral axis oriented perpendicular to the slot longitudinal plane and contained in the slot median plane; and   at least one elongated slot engagement arrangement formed on at least one of the clamping jaw surface and the base jaw lower surface, the at least one slot engagement arrangement extending longitudinally in a direction between the front slot opening and the slot rear surface along a slot engagement arrangement longitudinal axis;   wherein:   the at least one elongated slot engagement arrangement comprises two elongated opposing slot engagement wedge surfaces which extend along the slot engagement arrangement longitudinal axis and which define an acute slot engagement angle by converging in the same outward or inward direction to that of the two insert engagement wedge surfaces, from the two clamping portion side surfaces; and   the two slot engagement wedge surfaces each comprise a slot abutment surface, the slot engagement angle defined at each a slot abutment surface being greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°;   
               
           and wherein:
           the cutting insert is releasably clamped between the upper clamping jaw and the lower base jaw; and   the at least one insert engagement arrangement abuts the at least one slot engagement arrangement at the insert abutment surfaces and the slot abutment surfaces.   
               

     In accordance with a second aspect of the subject matter of the present application there is provided a cutting insert, longitudinally elongated in a direction defining an insert longitudinal axis, comprising:
         two opposing insert end surfaces and an insert peripheral surface extending therebetween about the insert longitudinal axis, the insert peripheral surface comprising elongated opposing insert upper and lower surfaces and two opposing insert side surfaces and connecting the insert upper and lower surfaces, at least one of the insert end surfaces having an integral cutting portion;   an insert longitudinal plane containing the insert longitudinal axis and passing midway in-between the two opposing insert side surfaces;   an insert median plane containing the insert longitudinal axis and passing in-between the insert upper and lower surfaces;   an insert vertical axis oriented perpendicular to the insert median plane and contained in the insert longitudinal plane;   an insert lateral axis oriented perpendicular to the insert longitudinal plane and contained in the insert median plane;   at least one elongated insert engagement arrangement formed on at least one of the insert upper surface and the insert lower surface, the at least one insert engagement arrangement extending longitudinally in a direction between the insert end surfaces along an insert engagement arrangement longitudinal axis;   wherein:
           the at least one insert engagement arrangement comprises two insert engagement wedge surfaces which extend along the insert engagement arrangement longitudinal axis and which define an acute insert engagement angle by either:
               a) converging outwardly in a direction from the two insert side surfaces so that the insert engagement angle is an internal angle; or   b) converging inwardly in a direction from the two insert side surfaces so that the insert engagement angle is an external angle;   
               the two insert engagement wedge surfaces have an insert engagement height measured in a direction of the insert vertical axis, the insert engagement height being less than 0.5 mm;   the two insert engagement wedge surfaces each comprise an insert abutment surface, the insert engagement angle defined at each insert abutment surface being greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°; and   
               

     the two insert engagement wedge surfaces are spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction along the insert lateral axis by an insert engagement lateral distance, the insert engagement lateral distance being greater than five times the insert engagement height. 
     In accordance with a third aspect of the subject matter of the present application there is provided a tool holder comprising a clamping portion having:
         two opposing clamping portion side surfaces and a clamping portion front end surface extending therebetween at a front end of the tool holder; and   an insert receiving slot opening out to the clamping portion front end surface and forming a front slot opening and being longitudinally elongated in a direction defining a slot longitudinal axis, the insert receiving slot comprising:
           an upper clamping jaw comprising a clamping jaw surface;   a lower base jaw comprising a base jaw lower surface which faces the clamping jaw surface, the upper clamping jaw being resiliently displaceable relative to the lower base jaw;   a slot rear surface extending between the clamping jaw surface and the base jaw lower surface;   a slot longitudinal plane containing the slot longitudinal axis and intersecting the clamping jaw surface and the base jaw lower surface;   a slot median plane containing the slot longitudinal axis and passing midway in-between the clamping jaw surface and the base jaw lower surface;   a slot vertical axis oriented perpendicular to the slot median plane and contained in the slot longitudinal plane;   a slot lateral axis oriented perpendicular to the slot longitudinal plane and contained in the slot median plane; and   at least one elongated slot engagement arrangement formed on at least one of the clamping jaw surface and the base jaw lower surface, the at least one slot engagement arrangement extending longitudinally in a direction between the front slot opening and the slot rear surface along a slot engagement arrangement longitudinal axis;   
           wherein:
           the at least one slot engagement arrangement comprises two elongated opposing slot engagement wedge surfaces which extend along the slot engagement arrangement longitudinal axis and which define an acute slot engagement angle by either:
               a) converging outwardly in a direction from the two clamping portion side surfaces so that the slot engagement angle is an external angle; or   b) converging inwardly in a direction from the two clamping portion side surfaces so that the slot engagement angle is an internal angle;   
               the two slot engagement wedge surfaces have a slot engagement height measured in a direction of the slot vertical axis, the slot engagement height being less than 0.5 mm;   the two slot engagement wedge surfaces each comprise a slot abutment surface, the slot engagement angle defined at each slot abutment surface being greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°; and   
               

     the two slot engagement wedge surfaces are spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction along the slot lateral axis by a slot engagement lateral distance, the slot engagement lateral distance being greater than five times the slot engagement height. 
     In accordance with a fourth aspect of the subject matter of the present application there is provided a cutting tool, comprising:
         the cutting insert of the type described above retained in a clamping portion of a tool holder.       

     It is understood that the above-said is a summary, and that features described hereinafter may be applicable in any combination to the subject matter of the present application, for example, any of the following features may be applicable to the cutting tool, cutting insert or tool holder: 
     The at least one insert engagement arrangement can abut the at least one slot engagement arrangement only at the insert abutment surfaces and the slot abutment surfaces. 
     Each insert abutment surface can be planar. Each slot abutment surface can be convexly curved in a cross-sectional view taken in a plane perpendicular to the slot longitudinal axis. 
     The two insert engagement wedge surfaces can converge outwardly in a direction from the two insert side surfaces so that the insert engagement angle is an internal angle. The two slot engagement wedge surfaces can converge outwardly in a direction from the two clamping portion side surfaces so that the slot engagement angle is an external angle. 
     The two insert engagement wedge surfaces can have an insert engagement height measured in a direction of the insert vertical axis, the insert engagement height being less than 0.5 mm. The two slot engagement wedge surfaces can have a slot engagement height measured in a direction of the slot vertical axis, the slot engagement height being less than 0.5 mm. 
     The two insert engagement wedge surfaces can be spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction along the insert lateral axis by an insert engagement lateral distance, the insert engagement lateral distance being greater than five times the insert engagement height. The two slot engagement wedge surfaces can be spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction along the slot lateral axis by a slot engagement lateral distance, the slot engagement lateral distance being greater than five times the slot engagement height. 
     The cutting insert can comprise first and second insert engagement arrangements, the first insert engagement arrangement formed on the insert upper surface and the second insert engagement arrangement formed on the insert lower surface. The insert receiving slot can comprise first and second slot engagement arrangements, the first slot engagement arrangement formed on the clamping jaw surface and second slot engagement arrangement formed the base jaw lower surface. 
     The cutting insert can be resiliently clamped between the upper clamping jaw and the lower base jaw. 
     Each insert abutment surface can be planar. 
     The two insert engagement wedge surfaces can converge outwardly in a direction from the two insert side surfaces so that the insert engagement angle is an internal angle. 
     The at least one insert engagement arrangement can comprise an elongated insert engagement projection which extends lengthwise along the insert engagement arrangement longitudinal axis. The insert engagement wedge surfaces can be located on opposite lateral sides of the insert engagement projection. 
     The at least one insert engagement arrangement can comprise two insert engagement grooves extending lengthwise along opposite lateral sides of the insert engagement projection. 
     The at least one insert engagement arrangement can comprise exactly one insert engagement projection and exactly two insert engagement grooves. 
     The at least one insert engagement arrangement can comprise an insert engagement central surface extending between the two insert engagement wedge surfaces, in a direction along the insert lateral axis. The insert engagement central surface can be concavely curved in a view along the insert engagement arrangement longitudinal axis. 
     The insert engagement central surface can be intersected by the insert longitudinal plane. 
     The insert engagement angle defined at each insert abutment surface can be greater than or equal to 95° and less than or equal to 100°. 
     The at least one insert engagement arrangement can be formed on the insert lower surface. On any given side of the insert longitudinal plane, the insert engagement wedge surface can be closer to the insert side surface than to the insert longitudinal plane. 
     The insert lower surface and the two insert side surfaces can intersect distal the insert end surfaces defining an insert lower plane. The two insert engagement wedge surfaces that are formed on the insert lower surface may not extend beyond the insert lower plane in a direction away from the insert median plane. 
     The at least one insert engagement arrangement can be formed on the insert upper surface. On any given side of the insert longitudinal plane, the insert engagement wedge surface can be further from the insert side surface than from the insert longitudinal plane. 
     The insert upper surface and the two insert side surfaces can intersect distal the insert end surfaces defining an insert upper plane. The two insert engagement wedge surfaces that are formed on the insert upper surface may not extend beyond the insert upper plane in a direction away from the insert median plane. 
     The insert engagement lateral distance can be greater than or equal to 1.5 mm and less than or equal to 2.5 mm. 
     The cutting insert can comprise first and second insert engagement arrangements, the first insert engagement arrangement formed on the insert upper surface and the second insert engagement arrangement formed on the insert lower surface. 
     The insert engagement arrangement longitudinal axis can be parallel to the insert longitudinal axis. 
     The at least one insert engagement arrangement can exhibit mirror symmetry about the insert longitudinal plane. 
     The at least one insert engagement arrangement can extend from one axial end of the cutting insert to the other axial end, with respect to the insert longitudinal axis. 
     Each slot abutment surface can be convexly curved in a cross-sectional view taken in a plane perpendicular to the slot longitudinal axis. 
     The two slot engagement wedge surfaces can converge outwardly in a direction from the two clamping portion side surfaces so that the slot engagement angle is an external angle. 
     The at least one slot engagement arrangement can comprise a slot engagement groove which extends lengthwise along the slot engagement arrangement longitudinal axis. The slot engagement wedge surfaces can be located on opposite lateral sides of the slot engagement groove. 
     The at least one slot engagement arrangement can comprise two elongated slot engagement projections extending lengthwise along opposite lateral sides of the slot engagement groove. 
     The at least one slot engagement arrangement can comprise exactly one slot engagement groove and exactly two slot engagement projections. 
     The at least one slot engagement arrangement can be formed on the base jaw lower surface. Along their axial extents, the two slot engagement wedge surfaces can each comprise a non-recessed slot engagement portion and a recessed slot engagement portion which extends between the non-recessed slot engagement portion and the clamping portion front end surface, along its axial length, the recessed slot engagement portion being recessed with respect to the non-recessed slot engagement portion. The slot abutment surfaces may not be formed on the recessed slot engagement portion. 
     The slot engagement arrangement longitudinal axis can be parallel to the slot longitudinal axis. 
     The at least one slot engagement arrangement can comprise a slot engagement central surface extending between the two slot engagement wedge surfaces. The slot engagement central surface can be planar. 
     The slot engagement central surface can be intersected by the slot longitudinal plane. 
     The two slot engagement wedge surfaces can each comprise a slot inclined surface. The slot engagement angle defined at each slot inclined surface can be greater than or equal to 95° and less than or equal to 100°. 
     On any given side of the slot longitudinal plane, the slot engagement wedge surface can be further from the clamping portion side surface than from the slot longitudinal plane. 
     The slot engagement lateral distance can be greater than or equal to 1.5 mm and less than or equal to 2.5 mm. 
     The insert receiving slot can comprise first and second slot engagement arrangements, the first insert receiving slot formed on the clamping jaw surface and the second insert receiving slot formed on the base jaw lower surface. 
     The at least one slot engagement arrangement can exhibit mirror symmetry about the slot longitudinal plane. 
     The at least one slot engagement arrangement can extend from one axial end of the insert receiving slot to the other axial end, with respect to the slot longitudinal axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       For a better understanding of the present application and to show how the same may be carried out in practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a cutting tool in accordance with the present application; 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded perspective view of the cutting tool shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of a cutting insert shown in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a bottom view of the cutting insert shown in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a top view of the cutting insert shown in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  6    is an end view of the cutting insert shown in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  7   a    is a first detail in  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  7   b    is a second detail in  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a side view of a clamping portion of a tool holder, showing an insert receiving slot shown in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  9    is an end view of the clamping portion shown in  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10   a    is a first detail in  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  10   b    is a second detail in  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a side view of the clamping portion with the cutting insert clamped in the insert receiving slot; 
         FIG.  12   a    is a cross-sectional view of the cutting tool taken along line XIIa-XIIa in  FIG.  11   ; and 
         FIG.  12   b    is a cross-sectional view of the cutting tool taken along line XIIb-XIIb in  FIG.  11   . 
     
    
    
     It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity, or several physical components may be included in one functional block or element. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following description, various aspects of the subject matter of the present application will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in sufficient detail to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the present application. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the subject matter of the present application can be practiced without the specific configurations and details presented herein. 
     Attention is first drawn to  FIGS.  1  and  2    showing a cutting tool  20 , of the type used for grooving or parting, in accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application. The cutting tool  20  has a cutting insert  22  and a tool holder  24  and the cutting insert  22  is releasably clamped within the tool holder  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , the cutting insert  22  has an insert longitudinal axis A and is elongated therealong and in the same direction as the tool holder  24 . The cutting insert  22  includes two opposing insert end surfaces  32  and an insert peripheral surface  30  which extends between the two insert end surfaces  32 . The insert peripheral surface  30  extends about the insert longitudinal axis A. The insert longitudinal axis A can intersect the two insert end surfaces  32 . The insert peripheral surface  30  includes an elongated insert upper surface  26  and an elongated insert lower surface  28  which opposes the elongated insert upper surface  26 . The insert peripheral surface  30  includes two opposing insert side surfaces  33  which connect the elongated insert upper and lower surfaces  26 ,  28  and also connect the two insert end surfaces  32 . In contrast to typical turning inserts as shown in US 20170320143A1, for example, the cutting insert  22  is devoid of a through bore, for a clamping member. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 - 6   , the cutting insert  22  has an insert longitudinal plane P 1  which contains the insert longitudinal axis A and passes midway in-between the insert side surfaces  33 . The insert longitudinal plane P 1  intersects the insert upper and lower surfaces  26 ,  28  and the insert end surfaces  32 . The cutting insert  22  has an insert median plane M which contains the insert longitudinal axis A and passes midway in-between the insert upper and lower surfaces  26 ,  28 . The insert median plane M intersects the insert end surfaces  32  and the insert side surfaces  33 . The cutting insert  22  has an insert vertical axis V oriented perpendicular to the insert median plane M and contained in the insert longitudinal plane P 1 . The insert vertical axis V intersects the insert upper and lower surfaces  26 ,  28 . The cutting insert  22  has an insert lateral axis L oriented perpendicular to the insert longitudinal plane P 1  and contained in the insert median plane M. The insert lateral axis L intersects the insert side surfaces  33 . Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  6   , in accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the insert upper surface  26  and the two insert side surface  33  can intersect distal the insert end surfaces  32  to define an insert upper plane PU. Likewise, the insert lower surface  28  and the two insert side surfaces  33  can intersect distal the insert end surfaces  32  to define an insert lower plane PL. The insert upper and lower planes PU, PL can be parallel to the insert median plane M (and to each other). 
     Located at, and formed integrally with (i.e., having unitary one-piece construction with), at least one of the end surfaces  32  is a cutting portion  34 . The cutting portion  34  can have a cutting edge  36  associated with the insert upper surface  26 . In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application there can be two cutting portions  34 . In such a configuration, the cutting insert  22  can be double-ended and indexable and exhibit mirror symmetry about an insert lateral plane P 2 , where the insert lateral plane P 2  is oriented perpendicular to the insert longitudinal axis A, contains the insert lateral axis L. and passes midway in-between the insert end surfaces  32 . Alternatively, one of the cutting portions  34  can be associated with the insert lower surface  28  (not shown), in which case the cutting insert  22 , does not exhibit mirror symmetry about the insert lateral plane P 2 , although it may instead exhibit 180° rotational symmetry about the insert lateral axis I. The cutting insert  22  can be narrower in the widthwise direction (i.e., along the insert lateral axis L) than in the height wise direction (i.e., along the insert vertical axis V). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 - 7     b,  the cutting insert  22  includes at least one elongated insert engagement arrangement  40  formed on at least one of the insert upper surface  26  and the insert lower surface  28 . That is to say, the at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  is formed on the insert upper surface  26  and/or the insert lower surface  28 . In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the cutting insert  22  can include first and second insert engagement arrangements  40 , the first formed on the insert upper surface  26  and the second on the insert lower surface  28 . That is to say, each of the insert upper and lower surfaces  26 ,  28  has an insert engagement arrangement  40  formed thereon. 
     The at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  extends longitudinally in a direction between the insert end surfaces  32  along an insert engagement arrangement longitudinal axis I. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the insert engagement arrangement longitudinal axis I can be parallel to (and offset from) the insert longitudinal axis A. The at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  can extend from one axial end of the cutting insert  22  to the other axial end, with respect to the insert longitudinal axis A. 
     Making reference to  FIGS.  4 - 5  and  7     a - 7   b  in particular, in accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  can include an elongated insert engagement projection  42  which extends lengthwise along the insert engagement arrangement longitudinal axis I. The at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  can include two insert engagement grooves  44  which extend lengthwise along opposite lateral sides of the insert engagement projection  42 . The two spaced apart insert engagement grooves  44  are preferably spaced apart from another along their entire length, and preferably are parallel to one another. Thus, each insert engagement groove  44  is located between the insert engagement projection  42  and one of the insert side surfaces  33 . Preferably, the at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  can include a total of exactly one insert engagement projection  42  and exactly two insert engagement grooves  44 , between the opposing insert side surfaces  33 . 
     The at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  includes two elongated opposing insert engagement wedge surfaces  46 . One insert engagement wedge surface  46  can be associated with each groove  44 . The two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  extend along the insert engagement arrangement longitudinal axis I. That is to say, the two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  extend lengthwise in a direction of the insert engagement arrangement longitudinal axis I. The two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  are located on opposite sides of the insert engagement arrangement longitudinal axis I in a view along the insert vertical axis V. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application the insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  can be located on opposite lateral sides of the insert engagement projection  42 . 
     The two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  are sloped in a direction towards the insert longitudinal axis A in opposite lateral directions (i.e., in opposite directions along the insert lateral axis L). The two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  converge towards each other to define an acute insert engagement angle θ. The insert engagement angle θ is measured in view along the insert longitudinal axis A. 
     As seen in  FIGS.  7   a ,  7   b   , in the configuration where the at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  includes the insert engagement projection  42  (i.e., the at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  includes a male member), the two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  converge outwardly (i.e., away from the insert longitudinal axis A) in a direction from the two insert side surfaces  33  so that the insert engagement angle θ is an internal angle. In such a case, the two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  can face away from each other. 
     Alternatively, the at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  can include a female member. In such a configuration (not shown), the two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  converge inwardly (i.e., towards the insert longitudinal axis A) in a direction from the two insert side surfaces  33  so that the insert engagement angle θ is an external angle. The two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  can face towards each other. The former configuration is preferable. It should be appreciated that throughout the detailed description and claims, an “internal angle” refers to an angle between two surface components of a member surface as measured internal to the member, whereas an “external angle” refers to an angle between two surface components of a member surface as measured external to the member. 
     Reverting to  FIG.  7   a   , in accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  can be formed on the insert upper surface  26 . On any given side of the insert longitudinal plane P 1 , the insert engagement wedge surface  46  can be further from the insert side surface  33  than from the insert longitudinal plane P 1 . The two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  may not extend beyond the insert upper plane PU in a direction away from the insert median plane M. Stated differently, the two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  are on the same side of the insert upper plane PU as the insert median plane M and the insert longitudinal axis A. 
     Reverting to  FIG.  7   b   , in accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  can be formed on the insert lower surface  28 . On any given side of the insert longitudinal plane P 1 , the insert engagement wedge surface  46  can be closer to the insert side surface  33  than to the insert longitudinal plane P 1 . The two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  that are formed on the insert lower surface  28  may not extend beyond the insert lower plane PL in a direction away from the insert median plane M. Stated differently, the two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  are on the same side of the insert lower plane PL as the insert median plane M and the insert longitudinal axis A. 
     In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, in the configuration with two insert engagement arrangements  40  (formed on the insert upper surface  26  and the insert lower surface  28 ), the two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  belonging to the first insert engagement arrangement  40  formed on insert upper surface  26  are identical to the two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  belonging to the second insert engagement arrangement  40  formed on the insert lower surface  28 , apart from their axial length. The at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  can exhibit mirror symmetry about the insert longitudinal plane P 1 . 
     The two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  are spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction along the insert lateral axis L by an insert engagement lateral distance d. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the insert engagement lateral distance d can be greater than or equal to 1.5 mm and less than or equal to 2.5 mm. Preferably, the insert engagement lateral distance d can be equal to 2.13 mm. 
     In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  can include an insert engagement central surface  48  which extends between the two spaced apart insert engagement wedge surfaces  46 . That is to say, the two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  are located on opposite lateral sides of the insert engagement central surface  48 . The insert engagement central surface  48  extends lengthwise in a direction along the insert engagement arrangement longitudinal axis I. The insert engagement central surface  48  can be concavely curved in a view along the insert engagement arrangement longitudinal axis I. Thus, the peak of the insert engagement projection  42  can include an elongated insert concavity  49 . The insert engagement central surface  48  (and the insert concavity  49 ) can be intersected by the insert longitudinal plane P 1 . 
     Making reference again to  FIG.  7   a   - 7   b,  the two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  have an insert engagement height H measured in a direction of the insert vertical axis V. The insert engagement height H is greater than 0.1 mm. The insert engagement height H is less than 0.5 mm. Preferably, the insert engagement height H can be equal to 0.2 mm. By virtue of the insert engagement height H being less than 0.5 mm, the two insert engagement projections  42  are less prone to breaking. The insert engagement lateral distance d is greater than five times the insert engagement height H. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the insert engagement height H can be measured between two spaced apart insert tangent planes TP oriented parallel to the insert median plane M and which are tangent to each insert engagement wedge surface  46  at its extreme termination points (i.e., the termination points are located where the insert engagement wedge surface  46  changes direction with respect to the insert vertical axis V). 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   a   - 7   b,  the two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  each include an insert abutment surface  50 , for abutting a corresponding surface on the tool holder&#39;s insert receiving slot. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, each insert abutment surface  50  can be planar. 
     The insert engagement angle θ defined at each insert abutment surface  50  is greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°. When the insert engagement angle θ defined at each insert abutment surface  50  is greater than 110°, the insert abutment surface  50  is prone to slide laterally over a corresponding abutment surface on the insert receiving slot when the cutting insert  22  is subject to lateral cutting forces CF. Preferably, the insert engagement angle θ defined at each insert abutment surface  50  can be greater than or equal to 95° and less than or equal to 100°. Further preferably, the insert engagement angle θ defined at each insert abutment surface  50  can be equal to 98.8°. 
     Attention is now drawn to  FIG.  8    showing the tool holder  24 , for releasably retaining the cutting insert  22  described herein. The tool holder  24  has a holder longitudinal axis B that defines a forward to rearward direction D F , D R . It should be appreciated that use of the terms “forward” and “rearward” throughout the description and claims refer to a relative position in a direction of the holder longitudinal axis B towards the left and right, respectively, in  FIGS.  8  and  11   . The tool holder  24  has a body portion  58  and a clamping portion  60 , located at the forward end of the tool holder  24 . The clamping portion  60  can be integrally formed with the body portion  58 . The clamping portion  60  includes two opposing clamping portion side surfaces  63  and a clamping portion front end surface  64  extending therebetween at a front end of the clamping portion  60 . The clamping portion  60  has an insert receiving slot  62  opening out to the clamping portion front end surface  64  to form a front slot opening  65 . The insert receiving slot  62  opens out laterally to the two opposing clamping portion side surfaces  63 . The insert receiving slot  62  is longitudinally elongated in a direction defining a slot longitudinal axis C. The insert receiving slot  62  has an upper clamping jaw  66  and a lower base jaw  68 , where the upper clamping jaw  66  is resiliently displaceable with respect to the lower base jaw  68 . The upper clamping jaw  66  has a clamping jaw surface  70 . The lower base jaw  68  has a base jaw lower surface  72 . Generally speaking, the clamping jaw surface  70  faces the base jaw lower surface  72 . The insert receiving slot  62  includes a slot rear surface  74  which extends between the clamping jaw surface  70  and the base jaw lower surface  72 . The slot longitudinal axis C intersects the slot rear surface  74  and passes through the front slot opening  65 . A portion of the slot rear surface  74  can serve as an axial stopper. At least the clamping portion  60  is blade-like, so that the tool holder  24  is suitable for grooving and groove-turning operations. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the entire tool holder  24  can be a blade (being mountable to a block). The slot longitudinal axis C can be parallel to, and offset from the holder longitudinal axis B. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  8 - 9   , the insert receiving slot  62  has a slot longitudinal plane P 1 ′ which contains the slot longitudinal axis C and intersects the clamping jaw surface  70  and the base jaw lower surface  72 . The insert receiving slot  62  has a slot median plane M′ which contains the slot longitudinal axis C and passes midway in-between the clamping jaw surface  70  and the base jaw lower surface  72 . The insert receiving slot  62  has a slot vertical axis V′ oriented perpendicular to the slot median plane M′ and contained in the slot longitudinal plane P 1 ′. The slot vertical axis V′ intersects the clamping jaw surface  70  and the base jaw lower surface  72 . The insert receiving slot  62  has a slot lateral axis L′ oriented perpendicular to the slot longitudinal plane P 1 ′ and contained in the slot median plane M′. The slot lateral axis L′ passes midway in-between the clamping jaw surface  70  and the base jaw lower surface  72 . The insert receiving slot  62  has a slot lateral plane P 2 ′, where the slot lateral plane P 2 ′ is oriented perpendicular to the slot longitudinal axis C, contains the slot lateral axis L′, and passes midway in-between the front slot opening  65  and the slot rear surface  74 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9  and  10     a - 10   b,  the insert receiving slot  62  includes at least one elongated slot engagement arrangement  78  formed on at least one of the clamping jaw surface  70  and the base jaw lower surface  72 . That is to say, the at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  is formed on the clamping jaw surface  70  and/or the base jaw lower surface  72 . In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the insert receiving slot  62  can include first and second slot engagement arrangements  78 , a first formed on the clamping jaw surface  70  and a second formed on the base jaw lower surface  72 . That is to say, each of the clamping jaw surface  70  and the base jaw lower surface  72  has a slot engagement arrangement  78  formed thereon. 
     The at least slot engagement arrangement  78  extends longitudinally in a direction between the front slot opening  65  and the slot rear surface  74  along a slot engagement arrangement longitudinal axis S. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  can extend from one axial end of the insert receiving slot  62  to the other axial end, with respect to the slot longitudinal axis C. In the configuration with the at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  located at the base jaw lower surface  72 , the slot engagement arrangement longitudinal axis S can be parallel to (and offset from) the slot longitudinal axis C. 
     Making reference to  FIGS.  8  and  10     a - 10   b  in particular, in accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  can include a slot engagement groove  80  which extends lengthwise along the slot engagement arrangement longitudinal axis S. The at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  can include two elongated slot engagement projections  82  which extend lengthwise along opposite lateral sides of the slot engagement groove  80 . The two spaced apart slot engagement projections  82  are preferably spaced apart from another along their entire length, and preferably are parallel to one another. Thus, each slot engagement projection  82  is located between the slot engagement groove  42  and one of the clamping portion side surfaces  63 . Preferably, the at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  can include a total of exactly one slot engagement groove  80  and exactly two slot engagement projections  82  between the opposite sides of the tool holder, e.g., between the two opposing clamping portion side surfaces  63 . The two slot engagement projections  82  are rigid. That is to say, the two slot engagement projections  82  are not deformable. 
     The at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  includes two elongated opposing slot engagement wedge surfaces  84 . One slot engagement wedge surface  84  can be associated with each projection  82 . The two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  extend along the slot engagement arrangement longitudinal axis I′. That is to say, the two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  extend lengthwise in a direction of the slot engagement arrangement longitudinal axis S. The two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  are located on opposite sides of the slot engagement arrangement longitudinal axis I′ in a view along the slot vertical axis V′. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  can be located on opposite longitudinal sides of the slot engagement groove  80 . 
     The two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  are sloped in a direction towards the slot longitudinal axis C in opposite lateral directions (i.e., in opposite directions along the slot lateral axis L′). The two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  converge towards each other to define an acute slot engagement angle θ′. The slot engagement angle θ′ is measured in a view along the slot longitudinal axis C. 
     As seen in  FIGS.  10   a ,  10   b   , in the configuration where the at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  includes the slot engagement groove  80  (i.e., the at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  includes a female member), the two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  converge outwardly (i.e., away from the slot longitudinal axis C) in a direction from the two clamping portion side surfaces  63  so that the slot engagement angle θ′ is an external angle. In such case, the two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  can face towards each other. 
     Alternatively, the at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  can include a male member. In such a configuration (not shown), the two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  converge inwardly (i.e., towards the slot longitudinal axis C) in a direction from the two clamping portion side surfaces  63  so that the slot engagement angle θ′ is an internal angle. In such case, the two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  can face away from each other. The former configuration is preferable. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, on any given side of the slot longitudinal plane P 1 ′, the slot engagement wedge surface  84  can be further from the clamping portion side surface  63  than from the slot longitudinal plane P 1 ′. 
     Reverting to  FIG.  8   , in accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  can be formed on the base jaw lower surface  72 . Along their axial extents, the two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  can each include a non-recessed slot engagement portion  88  and a recessed slot engagement portion  90  which extends between the non-recessed slot engagement portion  88  and the clamping portion front end surface  64 . Along its axial length, the recessed slot engagement portion  90  can be recessed with respect to the non-recessed slot engagement portion  88 . That is to say, the recessed slot engagement portion  90  is further from the slot longitudinal axis C than the non-recessed slot engagement portion  88 . The non-recessed slot engagement portion  88  can be spaced apart from the clamping portion front end surface  64  by the recessed slot engagement portion  90  which has a recessed portion axial length LR (as measured along the slot longitudinal axis C) of no more than 2 mm. The slot abutment surfaces  92  may not be formed on the recessed slot engagement portion  90 . Thus, the slot abutment surfaces  92  may be spaced apart from the clamping portion front end surface  64 . 
     In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, in the configuration with two slot engagement arrangements  78 , the first formed on the clamping jaw surface  70  and the second formed on the base jaw lower surface  72 , the two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  belonging to the first slot engagement arrangement  78  formed on clamping jaw surface  70  are identical to the two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  belonging to the second slot engagement arrangement  78  formed on the base jaw lower surface  72 , apart from their length. The at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  can exhibit mirror symmetry about the slot longitudinal plane P 1 ′. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  10   a   - 10   b,  the two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  are spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction along the slot lateral axis L′ by a slot engagement lateral distance d′. The slot engagement lateral distance d′ is less than the insert engagement lateral distance d. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the slot engagement lateral distance d′ can be greater than or equal to 1.5 mm and less than or equal to 2.5 mm. Advantageously, such a configuration allows the slot abutment surfaces (discussed hereafter) to be sufficiently laterally spaced apart so as to provide a stable clamping. Preferably, the slot engagement lateral distance d′ can be equal to 1.9 mm. 
     In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  can include a slot engagement central surface  86  which extends between the two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84 . That is to say, the two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  are located on opposite lateral sides of the slot engagement central surface  86 . The slot engagement central surface  86  can extend lengthwise in a direction of the slot engagement arrangement longitudinal axis S. The slot engagement central surface  86  can be planar. The slot engagement central surface  86  can be intersected by the slot longitudinal plane P 1 ′. 
     In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  each include a slot inclined surface  94 . The slot inclined surface  94  can be planar. The slot engagement angle θ′ defined at each slot inclined surface  94  can be less than the insert engagement angle θ defined at each insert engagement wedge surface  46 . The slot engagement angle θ′ defined at each slot inclined surface  94  can be greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°. Preferably, the slot engagement angle θ′ defined at each slot inclined surface  94  can be greater than or equal to 92.5° and less than or equal to 97.5°. Further preferably, the slot engagement angle θ′ defined at each slot inclined surface  94  can be equal to 94°. 
     Making reference again to  FIG.  10   a   - 10   b,  the two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  have a slot engagement height H′ measured in a direction of the slot vertical axis V′. The slot engagement height H′ is greater than 0.1 mm. The slot engagement height H′ is less than 0.5 mm. Preferably, the slot engagement height H′ can be equal to 0.28 mm. By virtue of the slot engagement height H′ being less than 0.5 mm, the two slot engagement projections  82  are rigid. That is to say, the two slot engagement projections  82  are not deformable. The slot engagement lateral distance d′ is greater than five times the slot engagement height H′. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the slot engagement height H′ can be measured between two spaced apart slot tangent planes TP′ oriented parallel to the slot median plane M′ and which are tangent to each slot engagement wedge surface  84  at its extreme termination points (i.e., the termination points are located where the slot engagement wedge surface  84  changes direction with respect to the slot vertical axis V′). The slot engagement height H′ can be greater than the insert engagement height H. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  10   a   - 10   b,  the two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  each include a slot abutment surface  92 , for abutting a corresponding surface on the cutting insert  22 . In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, each slot abutment surface  92  can transition into a respective, adjacent slot inclined surface  94 . Each slot abutment surface  92  can be convexly curved in a cross-sectional view taken in a plane perpendicular to the slot longitudinal axis C (i.e., as shown in  FIGS.  12   a - 12   b   ). 
     The slot engagement angle θ′ defined at each slot abutment surface  92  can be greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°. When the slot engagement angle θ′ defined at each slot abutment surface  92  is greater than 110°, the insert abutment surface  50  is prone to slide laterally over the slot abutment surface  92  when the cutting insert is subject to lateral cutting forces CF. Preferably, the slot engagement angle θ′ defined at each slot abutment surface  92  can be greater than or equal to 95° and less than or equal to 100°. 
     Referring back to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the cutting tool  20  has the cutting insert  22  releasably clamped between the upper clamping jaw  66  and the lower base jaw  68 . In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the cutting insert  22  can be resiliently clamped between the upper clamping jaw  66  and the lower base jaw  68 . 
     Each insert engagement arrangement  40  engages with a corresponding slot engagement arrangement  78 . The two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  converge in the same outward or inward direction to that of the two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46 , from the two clamping portion side surfaces  63 . That is to say, when the two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  converge outwardly in a direction from the two insert side surfaces  33 , the two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  converge outwardly in a direction from the two clamping portion side surfaces  63 . Likewise, when the two insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  converge inwardly in a direction from the two insert side surfaces  33 , the two slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  converge inwardly in a direction from the two clamping portion side surfaces  63 . It is noted that when the insert engagement angle θ is an internal angle, the slot engagement angle θ′ is an external angle, and vice versa. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, referring to also  FIGS.  11 - 12     b,  the insert engagement projection  42  can be located in the slot engagement groove  80 . In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the insert engagement grooves  44  can be located in the slot engagement projections  82 . The insert concavity  49  can be unoccupied. 
     The at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  abuts the at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  at the insert abutment surface  50  and the slot abutment surface  92 . Such a configuration provides improved stability of the cutting insert  22  in the insert receiving slot  62  against lateral cutting forces CF (i.e., in the direction of the slot lateral axis L′). In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  can abut the at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  only at the insert abutment surfaces  50  and the slot abutment surfaces  92 . That is to say, the remainder of the at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  can be spaced apart from the remainder of the at least one slot engagement arrangement  78 . Likewise, it is noted that, the remainder of the insert upper surface  26  and/or insert lower surface  28  that are not part of an insert engagement arrangement  40  can be spaced apart from remainder of the clamping jaw surface  70  and/or base jaw lower surface  72  that are not part of a slot engagement arrangement  78 . In particular, it is further noted that the slot inclined surface  94  may not be in contact with the at least one insert engagement arrangement  40 . It is yet further noted that a common interface between the at least one insert engagement arrangement  40  and the at least one slot engagement arrangement  78  may not include serrations having a series of alternating troughs and crests which inter-engage with each other, as disclosed in, for example, WO 2004/062839, and potentially result in an over-determined arrangement having unstable seating. 
     Although the subject matter of the present application has been described to a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that various alterations and modifications could be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. For example, the insert engagement wedge surfaces  46  and/or the slot engagement wedge surfaces  84  can include two component surfaces which are axially spaced apart by a cut-out (i.e., recessed) portion, as disclosed in for example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,033,622.