Milling machines, milling tools, milling methods and milling devices able to be attached to a machine tool other than a milling machine for milling metal and metal-like workpieces.

Milling should be interpreted as the removal of material in the form of chips from a workpiece by a rotating tool with a geometrically defined cutting edge wherein the main cutting force is generated as a result of the rotation of the tool in order to produce a shaped surface on the workpiece.

Cutting inserts, which are suitable for both milling and turning or for which no particular application is given are classified in B23B 27/14.

Milling of threads and tools for milling threads are classified in B23G.

Milling of gears is classified in B23F. Some gear milling tools may be classified in B23C as well if the disclosure is relevant for the general field of milling.

There is overlap with the circular sawing field (B23D 61/02) as some tools can be used as either milling cutters or saws.

The use of Indexing Codes within the series B23C is widespread in the subclass. Indexing Codes should be allocated at every opportunity. When classifying milling cutters and milling inserts particular attention should be paid to the Indexing Codes. Indexing Codes should also be added routinely to give details of the workpiece or tool configuration, when this is not implicit in the classification system. For example a document showing a particular tool using machining of a crankshaft may be given a class for inventive information only for the details of the milling cutter. Such a document should also be allocated Indexing Codes relating to the workpiece type, the method of milling and/or further details of the milling cutter itself to allow easy retrieval.

The number of 200 series Indexing Codes is too high to list individually. Where the allocation of Indexing Code is compulsory, this is indicated in the templates for the main-group at the sub-group level.

machines designed primarily for milling metallic materials.

B23C 1/002

Gantry milling device (note also B23Q 1/012 portal machines)

B23C 1/027

Milling machine with adjustable working spindle

B23C 1/06

vertical milling machine

This group does not cover multi-purpose machines (e.g. jig borers, horizontal borers etc) that can perform drilling, milling and other operations. These types of machine are classified in B23Q with details of their constructional details.

Classification is generally per literal interpretation of the group and sub-group headings.

Subgroup B23C 1/14 is not used. Refer to B23Q 1/00

Subgroups B23C 1/16 and B23C 1/18 are not used. Refer to B23Q 35/00

B23C 1/20 refers to portable milling devices. Note routers (which may be translated from German as "milling machines") are classed in B27C 5/10.

Milling particular work.

B23C 3/005

Rail milling device

B23C 3/023

Milling spherical surfaces

B23C 3/055

Engine valve seat milling tool

B23C 3/056

Seat milling tool for valve seat in a valve

B23C 3/06

Milling crankshafts

B23C 3/12

Finishing or trimming edges includes deburring by milling

B23C 3/124

Milling edges off inside of pipe

B23C 3/126

Portable device for chamfering edges

B23C 3/18 (and B23C 2215/44)

Milling turbine blades

B23C 3/20

Milling dies

B23C 3/28 (and B23C 2220/366)

Milling grooves for turbine blades

B23C 3/30

Milling straight grooves in CV joint hub (7)

B23C 3/32

Milling helical grooves in cable drum.

Note B23G 1/32 threading by milling.

B23C 3/35

Milling of keys

Classification is generally per literal interpretation of the group and subgroup headings. The following should be noted:

B23C 3/355 should be interpreted as holders for both the master key and the key forming the workpiece being cut.

B23C 3/36 milling of milling cutters. Note that making of milling cutters by multi-stage processes (whether or not including milling) is classed in B23P 15/34. B23C 3/36 relates to the details of the process of milling milling cutters wherein the milling in itself is of interest.

Classification is generally per literal interpretation of the group and subgroup headings.

Allocation of Indexing Codes from the section "Details of milling cutters" B23C 2210/00 is mandatory in B23C 5/00.

Plain cutters having a generally long (in relation to diameter) circumferential cutting surface. Generally no cutting on end surfaces.

Plain milling cutter:

Face-milling cutters used for producing flat surfaces that are at right angles to the axis of rotation of the cutter. Generally, the cutters cut a limited depth on the circumferential surface of the tool.

Cutters having a cutter body with the general configuration of a disc, i.e. a thin, flat, round shape, for cutting grooves or slots into the workpiece. Also known as side cutter or side-and-face cutter.

When the cutter divides or cuts a metal workpiece into two pieces, the cutter is considered a sawing tool and should be classified in B23D 45/00.

Milling cutters used in whirling processes should receive a classification in B23C 2220/68.

Plate-like cutting inserts fitted on a ring or ring segment attached to a separate, main tool body should be classified in the following: B23C 5/2234, B23C 5/226, B23C 5/2291 or B23C 5/2309.

An end mill (also called a slot drill) having a generally cylindrical shank with a cutting portion extending from the shank. The cutting portion is capable of cutting in the axial and radial directions by cutting edges on the circumferential and end surfaces of the cutting portion.

Milling cutter (slot drill) with shank having end cutters extending to cutter axis to enable axial feed:

Milling cutter with head detachable from shaft:

Milling cutter with shaft for roughing:

Note that milling cutters with shafts that include inventive features related to the securing or placement in the chuck are classified in B23B 31/005 or B23B 31/006, accompanied by Indexing Codes from B23B 2231/02 and subgroups.

Note that milling cutters with detachable heads are placed here with the allocation of Indexing codes B23C 2210/02 and/or B23C 2210/03 as appropriate. A detachable head is generally seen as being something attached to the end of the shank that covers the whole of the cross section of the shank.

Ball nosed milling cutter with removable insert.

A slot cutter that produces a finished slot in the shape of the letter "T" (also includes inverted letter "T").

Milling cutter with shaft and permanently attached inserts, e.g. via welding or brazing:

Note that milling cutters with permanently attached inserts made of PCD or CBN are placed here with the allocation of Indexing codes B23C 2226/315 for PCD or B23C 2226/125 for CBN.

Milling cutter with shaft and removable inserts.

Note that milling cutters with detachable heads are not classed in B23C 5/109 but in B23C 5/10 with the allocation of Indexing Codes B23C 2210/02 and/or B23C 2210/03 as appropriate. A detachable head is generally seen as being something attached to the end of the shank that covers the whole of the cross section of the shank.

Cutters for producing a particular profile, i.e. cutting edge shape has a direct correlation to the finished shape of the workpiece.

Indexing Codes for chamfering (B23C 2220/16) and turbine blade grooves (B23C 2220/366) should be considered if those profiles are present.

Milling cutter with permanently fixed inserts.

Removable cutting inserts that are generic, i.e. no special shape or special features.

Documents classified in B23C 5/20, B23C 5/22 and B23C 5/24 should also receive Indexing Codes from group B23C 2200/00 entitled "Details of milling inserts" when applicable. Indexing Codes should be allocated only for special features of the insert.

For example, if the insert has a fixation hole of a special shape, the appropriate Indexing Code (B23C 2200/361) should be given. This Indexing Code should not, however, be given to every insert having a fixation hole.

An Indexing Code from the group B23C 2200/00 entitled "Details of cutting inserts" takes precedence over an Indexing Code from other groups.

For example, an insert with a curved cutting edge should be allocated the Indexing Code B23C 2200/203. The allocation of B23C 2210/084 is not necessary or desired.

Removable cutting inserts having a special shape. The shape may be considered special by virtue of, inter alia, the overall shape and cutting edge configuration.

Examples:

Tangentially mounted milling insert:

Milling insert with curved cutting edge and wiper:

Milling insert with interrupted cutting edge and chip-breaking projections on the top surface:

Milling insert with sloped cutting edges (6a-d) and rake faces (10) above a central surface (9):

B23B 27/141, B23B 27/143 and B23B 27/145 are the equivalent subgroups for turning or general-purpose inserts. If the insert can be used for turning and milling only a class in B23B 27/141, B23B 27/143 or B23B 27/145 is given.

Inserts in this subgroup are not classed for composition of inserts (C22C or C04B) or merely for the composition of the coating (see C23C). However inserts where the coating is selectively applied to areas of the insert or having a particular material and a special shape will be classed here.

Note that end mills with detachable heads are not classified as end mills with cutting inserts in B23C 5/202, but in B23C 5/10 with the Indexing Codes B23C 2210/02 or B23C 2210/03 as appropriate.

Inserts having a special shape by virtue only of the chip-breakers are classed in B23C 5/205. 

Cutting inserts having a special shape related to securing the cutting inserts, e.g. locating or clamping the insert within the holder, should be classified in B23C 5/22 or subgroups B23C 5/2204, B23C 5/2208, B23C 5/2239, B23C 5/2243, B23C 5/2265, B23C 5/2269, B23C 5/2295, B23C 5/2298 or B23C 5/2301 according to the clamping mechanism.

Cutting inserts having a special shape that is not related to securing or locating the cutting insert within the tool body and a special shape that is related to securing or locating the cutting insert within the tool body should be classified in B23C 5/202 (or subgroup B23C 5/205) and B23C 5/22 (or subgroups).

Inserts having a special shape by virtue only of the chip-breakers.

Examples:

Special arrangements of how the cutting inserts are fastened to the cutter body.

Cutting inserts having a special shape that is not related to securing or locating the cutting insert within the tool body and a special shape that is related to securing or locating the cutting insert within the tool body should be classified in B23C 5/202 (or subgroup B23C 5/205) and one of the following subgroups according to the clamping mechanism: B23C 5/2213, B23C 5/2247, B23C 5/2273 or B23C 5/2304.

Documents classified in B23C 5/20, B23C 5/22 and B23C 5/24 should also receive Indexing Codes from group B23C 2200/00 entitled "Details of milling inserts" when applicable. Indexing Codes should be allocated only for special features of the insert. For example, if the insert has a fixation hole of a special shape, the appropriate Indexing Code (B23C 2200/361) should be given. This Indexing Code should not, however, be given to every insert having a fixation hole.

An Indexing Code from the group B23C 2200/00 entitled "Details of cutting inserts" takes precedence over an Indexing Code from other groups. For example, an insert with a curved cutting edge should be allocated the Indexing Code B23C 2200/203. The allocation of B23C 2210/084 is not necessary or desired.

Plate-like cutting inserts clamped against walls of the recess in the shank by a clamping member acting upon the wall of a hole in the insert.

Plate-like cutting inserts of special shape where clamping against the walls of a pocket by means of something acting on the hole in the insert is also important. The shape may be considered special by virtue of, inter alia, the overall shape and cutting edge configuration.

Example:

Insert has a special shape due to the fixation hole being widened at the bottom to permit the inclined orientation of the fastener and the fastener interacts with the sidewall of the hole in the insert.

Plate-like cutting insert clamped against walls of the recess in an intermediate carrier of the cutter body by a clamping member acting upon the wall of a hole in the insert.

Example:

Intermediate carrier (10) with insert (11)

Example:

Intermediate carrier (A) formed as a shank for insert (B)

Plate-like cutting inserts clamped against walls of the recess in a shank (16) by a clamping member (14) acting upon the wall of a hole in the insert, and fitted on a ring (10):

Plate-like cutting inserts clamped by clamping member (32) acting almost perpendicular on the cutting face:

Plate-like cutting inserts (3) clamped by a clamping member (4) acting almost perpendicular on the cutting face:

Plate-like cutting inserts of special shape clamped by member acting on top surface. The shape may be considered special by virtue of, inter alia, the overall shape and cutting edge configuration.

Plate-like cutting insert (10) having a special shape and clamped by clamping member (20) acting almost perpendicular (14) on the cutting face:

Plate-like cutting inserts (30) clamped by a clamping member (40) acting almost perpendicular on the cutting face, and fitted on an intermediate carrier (20):

Generic, i.e. no special shape or special features, plate-like milling inserts clamped by a wedge.

Example:

Plate-like cutting insert (27) fitted on a ring segment (45) and secured by a wedge (77).

Simultaneous clamping of all cutting inserts.

Example:

Plate-like cutting insert (5, 51) fitted on a ring segment (13) and secured by resilient/flexible means (3, 4).

Features relative to the adjustment of the insert relative to the cutter body.

Documents classified in B23C 5/20, B23C 5/22 and B23C 5/24 should also receive Indexing Codes from group B23C 2200/00 entitled "Details of milling inserts" when applicable. Indexing Codes should be allocated only for special features of the insert.

For example, if the insert has a fixation hole of a special shape, the appropriate Indexing Code (B23C 2200/361) should be given. This Indexing Code should not, however, be given to every insert having a fixation hole.

An Indexing Code from the group B23C 2200/00 entitled "Details of cutting inserts" takes precedence over an Indexing Code from other groups.

For example, an insert with a curved cutting edge should be allocated the Indexing Code B23C 2200/203. The allocation of B23C 2210/084 is not necessary or desired.

Adjustment of insert position by oblique surfaces.

Adjustment of position of insert by notches.

Adjustment of insert position by means of serrations

Adjustment of insert position by means of screws.

Adjustment of insert position by means of spacers.

Adjustment of insert position by means of rotating an eccentric, i.e. an object that is not perfectly circular.

Adjustment of insert position by means of hydraulics.

Adjustment by means of elastically deforming the tool carrier.

Details of arrangements for securing cutters to the spindle, including details of intermediate connecting members, e.g. arbors.

Features concerning cooling arrangements within or on the cutter body. This area does not include cooling features of the machine in general.

See also B23B 27/10, B23B 51/06 and B23D 77/006 for equivalents in turning, drilling & reaming respectively.

Note also the Indexing Code relating to cooling (B23C 2250/12) for non-invention information.

Milling cutters with means for coolant to move along the outside of the tool periphery toward cutting edges. This area is not meant for coolant outlets that exit from an interior channel into the chip flutes that then guide the coolant toward the cutting edges.

Special details of the coolant channel(s) cross-sectional shape (cross-section not required to be perpendicular to rotation axis of cutter body). The term "special" means non-generic details of the cross-sectional shape, e.g. mere cross-sections of a single circular nature would be excluded from this sub-class.

Cutting inserts with interior coolant channels.

Example:

Example:

Nozzles to point or direct the coolant in a desired direction.

Deflector to point or direct the coolant in a desired direction.

Deflector intersects the rotational axis of the cutter body such that coolant is deflected at the rotational axis.

Example:

Example:

Milling devices able to be attached to a machine tool

B23C 7/02

Device attached to a lathe to allow milling

Classification is per literal interpretation of the group and subgroup headings. The term "machine tool" should be interpreted as a machine tool not normally capable of performing milling. Devices for attachment into the spindle (speed changers, angled heads, offset heads) are classified in B23Q 5/04. The term "device" should be interpreted as a discrete device, so lathes with provision for performing milling as a result of integrated features will not be classed here.

Details or accessories so far as specially adapted to milling machines or cutters

B23C 9/005

Milling head.

Classification is generally per literal interpretation of the group and subgroup headings.

The term "specially adapted to milling machines" should be interpreted narrowly as adapted to machines specifically designed for performing milling operations. Details of machines performing milling and other operations should be classified in B23Q. This group includes milling templates. Obviously with the move towards multi-function machine tools, this group has become less well-used.

Details or accessories of machine tools in general & copying devices are classified in B23Q.

B23C 9/005 Milling heads may mean details of the heads of milling machines including the main spindle of a machine tool or a head able to be attached to a machine tool for the specific purpose of milling. Machining heads used on gantry machines with multiple axes or movement are classified in the relevant subgroup of B23Q 1/25. Machining heads characterised by the mechanisms for driving the spindle or for providing feeding motion ar classified in B23Q 5/00. Detachable heads including speed changers, offset drives or right angled drives for general work are classed in B23Q 5/04.