Frustation when producing threads ?

External threads

In principle, all known thread cutting tools can be used. However, external threads should always be rolled to ensure good quality. If cutting dies with a pronounced spiral point are used, perfect threads can be produced with hardened alloys. Only partly satisfactory results are achieved with non hardened or non heat treatable alloys. Basically, the threaded engagement length should be longer in aluminum than in steel processing. The pre machined diameter of the thread pin should be smaller than the nominal thread diameter by the factor 0.2 to 0.3x thread pitch.

Important is generous supply of emulsion/cutting oil, which should be more abundant the longer the thread.

The shaping of external threads (rolling process) results in the best quality. In addition to the economic advantages (shorter production time, no chips), important aspects are strength enhancement through work hardening from the forming process and increase of fatigue strength due to the reduction/avoidance of notch effects. The thread forming process enables very good production of external threads, even with use of non hardened or non heat treatable alloys. The guidelines for thread rolling are dependent on the specific thread forming machine or thread forming tool. External threads can be produced without any problems by using the corresponding milling cutters. However, it must be considered that the quality of manufactured threads is significantly lower than threads produced by chip less or continuous cutting processes. The risk of the notch effect is very large in milled threads.

With thread forming, external threads can be produced very well even when using non-hardened or non-hardenable alloys. The guidelines for thread rolling are individually dependent on the thread forming machine or thread forming tool.

The production of external threads with appropriate milling cutters is possible without any problems. However, it must be taken into account here that the quality of the thread generated in this way is considerably lower than with threads that were generated without cutting or by uninterrupted cutting. The risk of a notch effect is very high with milled threads.

Internal thread

All known manufacturing methods for creating internal threads can be applied. For power-assisted tapping of aluminum, special taps for light alloy are available. They have the following characteristics:

• Large precision ground flutes, either straight or with swirl and exposed teeth
• Spiral point taps are used for threaded holes, whose spiral runs against cutting direction, so the chips are pushed before the tool (right hand thread = left hand twist) are pushed
• For blind threaded holes, taps are used where the twist or flute is in rotation direction
• The lateral surface is cylindrical and has a radial rear area. This prevents chips from getting trapped when turning back.

2 sets of taps are used for thread cutting by hand mostly (pre-and finish cutter). The diameter of the core holes meet the usual requirements.

The thread forming process (chip less thread production) is basically the preferred option for internal thread production.

Internal threads produced with this process have extremely consistent tolerances, the thread flanks are score-free. Due to the cold working of flanks that takes place in the thread forming process, threads manufactured in this way are characterized by high abrasion and pull-out resistance. However, it must be considered that base material is displaced by the internal thread forming process; this means that thread cutters must be used for thin-walled components (otherwise danger of deformation).

The internal thread formers are similar to internal thread taps, but have no flutes. They are available for all standard threads.

No special machines are required for the thread forming tool if it has a facility for thread cutting. However, the chuck should have a flexible length compensation and if necessary an adjustable safety clutch as overload protection. Up to 10x higher torques can occur in the thread forming process, depending on the tool and lubricant used.

Normal cooling lubricants are only partially suitable for this type of machining, less so if the material is soft. Here high-fat grease and emulsions are recommended.

The best results are obtained with forming speeds of approx. 20-30 m/min, whereby lower or higher speeds only have a marginal effect on the quality of the results. The core hole for the inner thread forms must be drilled slightly larger than in the thread cutting process. To avoid bead-like bulges on the thread outlet and facilitate the engagement of the thread former in the core hole, the hole inlet and outlet should have sufficiently deep indentations.

Core drilling for internal taps – reference values:

Internal threads can be produced without any problems if appropriate cutters are used. However, it must be considered that the quality of manufactured threads is significantly lower than threads produced by chip less or continuous cutting processes. The risk of the notch effect is very large in milled threads. Thread milling cutting speed should be 20 – 60 m/min with an abundant supply of cooling lubricants.

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