Rotary cutting tool with support structure
A rotary cutting tool includes a support structure having a central hub located at an axially rearward end of the rotary cutting tool. A plurality of primary support members extends from the central hub in different axial and radial directions in three-dimensional space with respect to a central, rotational axis of the rotary cutting tool. The support structure may include one or more secondary support members extending from a primary support member in different axial and radial directions in three-dimensional space, and one or more tertiary support members to increase stiffness of the support structure. The central hub extends in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the central, rotational axis of the rotary cutting tool. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of primary support members have a different physical dimension.
1 . A rotary cutting tool, comprising:
a support structure comprising:
a central hub located at an axially rearward end of the rotary cutting tool; and
a plurality of support members extending in different axial and radial directions in three-dimensional space with respect to a central, rotational axis of the rotary cutting tool; and
a pocket region supported by one of the plurality of support members;
wherein the plurality of support members comprises a plurality of primary support members, wherein at least one primary support member extends from the central hub to the pocket region;
wherein the plurality of support members further comprises a plurality of secondary support members, wherein at least one secondary support member extends from one of the plurality of primary support members directly to the pocket region; and
an adapter connected to the central hub for connecting the support structure to a rear machine connection member,
wherein the central hub extends in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the central, rotational axis of the rotary cutting tool.
2 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of support members further comprises a tertiary support member, and wherein the tertiary support member extends from one of the following:
a) the primary support member to a second primary support member;
b) the primary support member to a secondary support member;
c) a secondary support member to a second secondary support member;
d) the pocket region to a second pocket region;
e) the primary support member to the central hub;
f) a second tertiary support member to the pocket region; and
g) a second tertiary support member to a third tertiary support member.
3 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 1 , wherein the central hub has an internal cavity.
4 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of support members has an internal cavity.
5 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 4 , wherein the internal cavity defines a fluid channel for transporting fluid to a cutting insert.
6 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 1 , wherein a cross-sectional area of at least one of the plurality of primary support members is greater than a cross-sectional area of at least one of the plurality of secondary support members.
7 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is asymmetric with respect to the central, rotational axis of the rotary cutting tool.
8 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 1 , wherein the central hub is asymmetric with respect to the central, rotational axis of the rotary cutting tool.
9 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 1 , wherein the central hub has one or more voids therethrough.
10 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of the central hub is non-planar.
11 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 1 , wherein the rotary cutting tool comprises a rotating boring tool.
12 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 1 , wherein the support structure further comprises a plurality of pocket regions supported by one or more of the plurality of support members.
13 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of pocket regions comprises two or more rows of pocket regions, wherein a first row of the two or more pocket regions is positioned axially forward relative to a second row of the two or more pocket regions.
14 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 12 , wherein at least one secondary support member extends from another secondary support member directly to a pocket region of the plurality of pocket regions.
15 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 1 , wherein the support structure further includes one or more balancing masses for rotationally balancing the support structure about the central, rotational axis of the rotary cutting tool.
16 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of support members of the support structure are manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.
17 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 1 , wherein the support structure further comprises a coupling interface for coupling the support structure to the adapter.
18 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 17 , wherein the coupling interface is integrally formed with the central hub, the plurality of support members, and the pocket region.
19 . The rotary cutting tool of claim 17 , wherein the coupling interface comprises a planar outer surface.