US Patent 7204662 Cutting tool with stress splitter

A cutting tool includes a tool body having a plurality of insert receiving pockets and at least one cutting insert mounted in each pocket. Each pocket includes a pocket base wall, a side wall and a stress relief groove. The tool body also includes a top surface including a first portion and a second portion, and a stress splitter that extends from the stress relief groove and intersects the first and second portions. The stress splitter may be in the form of a sharp peak or ridge, a radiused peak, rounded mass or protuberance, and the like. The stress splitter reduces a maximum amount of stress in an area of the stress relief groove during a machining operation.