Preloaded milling cutters

Abstract

Preloaded milling cutters in which compressive preloads are induced to offset tensile stresses that may otherwise cause crack propagation are disclosed. The preloaded milling cutters include a mounting end for attachment to a milling holder, a cutting end opposite the mounting end, and a body including multiple cutting insert pockets between the mounting end and the cutting end. A central bore extends from the mounting end toward the cutting end, and a tension rod is located within the central bore. The tension rod has an end adjacent the mounting end and an opposite end adjacent the cutting end. A tightening mechanism is engaged with the tension rod to generate tensile stress in the tension rod and reactive compressive stress in the body of the milling cutter. The preloaded milling cutters are capable of withstanding high bending loads and have improved fatigue life. The amount of preload may be adjusted to a desired level. Coolant may be delivered to cutting inserts of the milling cutters with through coolant channels.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.