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Thread tools \ Technical introduction – thread milling

Thread milling — the process

Process:
In contrast to tapping, where sections are cut out of the material, thread forming is a non-cutting, pressure forming procedure.
Advantages:
ƒ No chip formation
ƒ Up to 30% higher surface quality than with thread cutting
ƒ Up to 40% higher processing speed than with thread cutting
ƒ Threads in through holes and blind holes can be produced with the same tool
ƒ Wide range of materials processable
ƒ Cutting of thread eliminated
ƒ Thread pitch and thread angle errors as with cut threads eliminated
ƒ Shaped threads have higher strength owing to non-continuous cut
Requirements: For all shapeable materials with elongation >10 %.

Thread milling is a universal process for the production of male and female threads. It is equally suitable
for soft to high-strength materials. Unlike screw tapping and thread forming, in thread milling the forces
increase only slightly when the diameter is increased. This makes the process the number one choice when
manufacturing large threads on less powerful machines. The diagram illustrates the relationship.

① Torque ② Thread size ③ Thread milling
3

1
2
the successive tool teeth of the thread milling cut- P
ter do not form a spiral, instead they are arranged T
without pitch. The thread pitch must be produced
by a CNC machine with the Z axis. Thread milling
produces very small chips, so the working process
is extremely reliable. This is a crucial advantage;
particularly with very expensive components.

h For more detailed information and explanations, refer to the technical manual.

Cutting materials in thread milling

Process:
In contrast to tapping, where sections are cut out of the material, thread forming is a non-cutting, pressure forming procedure.
Advantages:
ƒ No chip formation
ƒ Up to 30% higher surface quality than with thread cutting
ƒ Up to 40% higher processing speed than with thread cutting
ƒ Threads in through holes and blind holes can be produced with the same tool
ƒ Wide range of materials processable
ƒ Cutting of thread eliminated
ƒ Thread pitch and thread angle errors as with cut threads eliminated
ƒ Shaped threads have higher strength owing to non-continuous cut
Requirements: For all shapeable materials with elongation >10 %.
Thread milling only uses the extremely universal solid carbide cutting material, which can be used to machine all material groups. In comparison to
VHM screw tapping, thread milling only involves minimal torsional forces, so bending strength is not decisive. In thread milling, low bending strength can
even help to prevent the thread milling cutter being deflected.
h For more detailed information and explanations, refer to the technical manual.

Source: Hahn+Kolb Werkzeuge GmbH
Technical data subject to change. www.iconridge.com
Availability subject to country specific rules and regulations. 235

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