Modular cutting tool assembly

A cutting insert comprising a unitary structure having an upper surface bounded by a cutting edge, a base, a peripheral flank surface and a central axis, wherein said cutting edge is substantially diamond shaped with a nose angle .phi. measured between portions of said cutting edge of less than 90.degree., said peripheral flank surface being configured to provide a plurality of lateral abutment surfaces forming therebetween angles .theta. as measured in a plane perpendicular to said central axis, where .theta.>.phi..

A cutting insert comprising a unitary structure having an upper surface bounded by a cutting edge, a base, a peripheral flank surface and a central axis, wherein said cutting edge exhibits a substantially square shape formed primarily from four substantially straight portions, said peripheral flank surface being configured to provide a plurality of lateral abutment surfaces, said lateral abutment surfaces being located such that lines of intersection between said lateral abutment surfaces and a plane perpendicular to said central axis form an angle of substantially 45.degree. relative to a projection of said substantially straight portions onto said plane.

A cutting insert comprising a unitary structure having an upper surface bounded by a cutting edge, a base, a peripheral flank surface and a central axis of rotational symmetry, said peripheral flank surface being configured to provide a plurality of abutment surfaces, a first of said abutment surfaces forming an angle substantially equal to 90.degree. with a second of said abutment surfaces as measured in a plane perpendicular to said central axis, wherein said cutting edge includes at least two cutting points having a nose angle measured between portions of said cutting edge substantially equal to 80.degree..