Month: January 2019

The mechanical characteristics of many materials can make them difficult to thread using traditional cutting technologies. Chip control and work hardening can be an obstacle to efficient machining.  Cold thread forming (thread rolling) often can be used to efficiently improve machinability.

Thread rolling is especially efficient in many Nickel, Monel, Inconel, Titanium, Silicon Bronze, Copper, Brass, Copper alloys and Aluminum alloys. Typically, these materials can be threaded faster and at lower cost through rolling. The chip-less cold formed method adds strength and improves thread performance and is amendable to today’s modern production equipment. Identifying a material grade can quickly determine if rolling is a benefit both in thread cost and thread quality.

Most common thread forms UNC, UNF, UNEF, M, MF, MEF, Acme, Stub Acme and Whitworth are several thread types that are good candidates for rolling. Other forms are also capable. We can quickly identify your specific need and determine capability.

The long-term performance of a thread rolling tool is directly related to wear of the spindles, bearings, backing plate and face plate of the rolling head. Wear of any or all these components will manifest initially in pronounced taper of the finished thread. Older style heads were equipped with needle bearings while newer style heads utilized carbide bushings. The carbide helped to maintain parallel form for longer life cycle than the needles. Correcting taper generally requires replacing one or more of the contributing components. In a pinch, the straightness is achieved through preparation of a counter tapered part prep. This can squeeze additional life out of the tool without the time and cost of immediate repair or part replacement.

We inspect, evaluate and quote repair cost and time when tool performance becomes suspect and the inspection is scheduled regarding production needs.