Dec. 30, 2024
Thread machining is a method of processing various internal and external threads with thread machining tools. The article will explain 5 commonly used thread machining methods.
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Generally, thread cutting refers to the method of machining threads on a workpiece using a shaped tool or abrasive tool, mainly including turning, milling, tapping, threading, grinding, and whirlwind cutting. When turning, milling, and grinding threads, the transmission chain of the machine tool ensures that the turning tool, milling cutter, or grinding wheel moves accurately and evenly along the axial direction of the workpiece.
Forming turning tools or thread chasers can be used to turn threads on a lathe. Turning threads with formed turning tools is a common method for producing single and small batches of the threaded workpieces due to their simple structure. Turning threads with a thread chaser has high production efficiency, but the structure of the tool is complex and it is only suitable for turning short threaded workpieces with fine teeth in medium and large-scale production. Machining threads on specialized thread lathes can significantly improve productivity or accuracy.
Milling is performed on a thread milling machine using a disc or comb type milling cutter. Disc type milling cutters are mainly used for milling trapezoidal external threads on workpieces such as screws and worms. Comb type milling cutters are used for milling internal and external common threads and taper threads. Due to the use of a multi edge milling cutter for milling, the length of the working part is larger than the length of the machined thread. Thread milling is suitable for the mass production of the threaded workpieces with general accuracy or rough machining before grinding.
It is mainly used for machining precision threads of hardened workpieces on a thread grinder. There are two types of grinding, namely, single line grinding wheel and multi line grinding wheel, depending on the cross-sectional shape of the grinding wheel. Thread grinding is suitable for grinding precision lead screws, thread gauges, worms, small batches of the threaded workpieces, and shovel grinding precision hobs. Multi line grinding wheel grinding can be divided into longitudinal grinding method and plunge grinding method. The width of the grinding wheel in the longitudinal grinding method is smaller than the length of the thread to be ground. The grinding wheel will be moved longitudinally once or several times to grind the thread to the final size. It has high productivity, but slightly low accuracy, and complex grinding wheel dressing. The cut in the grinding method is suitable for chipping large batches of taps and grinding certain fastening threads.
A nut type or screw type thread grinding tool made of soft materials such as cast iron is used to perform forward and reverse rotation grinding on the workpiece where there is pitch error in the machined threads, so that can improve pitch accuracy. Hardened internal threads are usually ground to eliminate deformation and improve accuracy.
Thread rolling is a processing method for producing plastic deformation of a workpiece using a forming and rolling die to obtain threads. It is generally performed on a thread rolling machine or an automatic lathe equipped with an automatic thread opening and closing roller head. It is suitable for the mass production of external thread patterns of standard fasteners and other threaded connections.
a.Surface roughness is less than that of turning, milling, and grinding.
b.The strength and hardness of the rolled thread surface can be improved due to cold work hardening.
c.High material utilization rate.
d.Productivity increases greatly compared to cutting and is easy to automate
e. The rolling die has a long service life.
Summary
Thread machining is an important tool for manufacturing thread, through the introduction of commonly used methods of thread machining, can help you choose the appropriate method to get the best suitable threaded workpiece.
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There are several screw thread machining methods in CNC. These different methods have their features and benefits. Here, we'd discuss the common ones and what makes them stand out.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit threading in lathe machine.
Tapping holes are ideal for use in producing internal threads. It is an economical as well as efficient threading method. This CNC method is applicable for use in threaded holes with the low accuracy of position as well as holes with a small diameter.
It as a method of screw thread machining has reduced CNC threading machine downtime. Also, the machining structure here is quite simple compared to other methods. Furthermore, tapping is a high-speed cutting process that greatly improves productivity and machining efficiency.
Cutting tools used in this machining method are cheaper, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing. It is also a versatile process with a wide range of applications.
This is another method used in making screw threads. This process utilizes a milling cutter as well as a 3-axis machining center. It also adopts a circular interpolation of the three main axes; x, y, and z linear feed. Thread milling is ideal for threading large parts or materials of high value.
Thread milling has a fast processing speed, high precision, and efficiency. The milling tool used often contains hard alloys. Also, milling cutter tools are versatile, reducing the need to acquire different tools for different milling processes. For instance, the same cutter can cut the left and right-hand thread using the same pitch of screws. You can adjust the hole diameters, tolerances, and material cut with minimal difficulty.
Threads made using milling have a superior-quality surface with zero burrs. This method is ideal for making thin-walled parts, machining blind holes, and asymmetric/ non-rotating parts.
Thread cutting on a lathe is another common screw threading process with a wide range of adoption. CNC lathes facilitate the production of high-quality screw threads. With this method, machinists can make several tapered threads, lead threads, and thread pitches.
Rigid tapping and single-point threading are two of the most common methods used in CNC lathe threading. Single-point threading uses a tool with an indexable insert with a shape and size that corresponds to that of the finished screw head.
This is ideal for use in threading hardened workpieces. Two main types of grinding wheels are used for this process; multi-line grinding wheels and single-line grinding wheels. The single-line grinding wheel has a pitch accuracy with grades 5 ~ 6. It also has a surface roughness of R1.25'0.08 μm.
Single-line grinding is ideal for making a precision screw, worm, thread gauge, shovel grinding hob, and small batch threading.
The multi-line grinding is divided into cut-in and longitudinal grinding methods. The major difference between these two methods is the width of the grinding wheel. In the longitudinal method, the width of the grinding wheel is less than the length of the thread being ground. On the other hand, the width of the grinding wheel used in the cut-in method has a greater length than the thread.
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