New! Patent Pending Attachment

We recently introduced a Patent Pending attachment to convert a traditional pop open threading tool to a Roll-On Roll-Off™ device. When used on modern CNC machines a closing strategy had to be engineered specific to the individual machine. To ease the installation and use, we preset the tool with the correct thread size and installed the device, shipping to our customer ready to install and use.

While this plan yielded the result we wanted to achieve, our customers carried it to another level.  Since the device cannot yield unthreaded parts due to a closing action failure it has become a “lights out” device for some customers permitting them to run unattended.

When thread rolling, the tool controls the pitch diameter and the minor diameter. The major diameter is a function of the blank diameter controlled by the cutting tool within the machine. Even with a class 3 thread form the tolerance on the major diameter approaches .010. This generosity of tolerance permits longer tool life of the carbide turning inserts. When bidding for work in a typical job shop atmosphere cost per piece becomes the catalyst for winning the bid. Running unattended removes the direct and indirect labor cost associated with manned operation. The resultant cost reduction filters down directly to cost per piece and profit margin. This can often be the difference between winning or losing the contract bid. CNC machines contain canned programs that can be directly applied to the new threading strategy.

Roll threading is a single pass process that typically can produce a high-quality thread at a rate of 1 inch of thread per second of cycle time. Roll-On Roll-Off™ off doubles the average cycle time but frequently is accomplished within the same time frame as rolling on, popping open, rapiding off and reclosing the head for the next part. While we knew we had a device that was revolutionary, our customers are exhibiting even more profound application techniques. Using the “phantom” operator during off hours and continuing uninterrupted production while improving tool life has given added meaning to product improvement. Can this strategy improve your production process? Contact us and let us help with your application!

Thread Rolling Generates Cost Advantage

For too many years rolling threads on metal parts was considered a “black art.”  And, indeed, depending on the individual circumstances, it was. Bump rolling was a popular method used on a variety of screw machines. It required precise knowledge of the application and careful design to achieve success. It was indeed a “black art” used exclusively by knowledgeable screw machine set up people. A broad variety of attachments began to appear on the scene dedicated to screw machine use. Ease of set up varied by manufacturer but none were simple. All required careful attention to set up requirements.

More recently screw machines have begun to give way to CNC machining. While threading can be accomplished on a CNC machine much easier than previous set up intensive screw machines, roll threading can be an even greater value to a CNC application.  Thread strength improves dramatically, and cycle time decreases dramatically. Frequently roll threading will impact so greatly on part cost that the shop utilizing rolling will have a significant cost advantage over a competitor. In a job shop atmosphere this can make the difference in winning versus losing a bid. Tool design has improved to make installation of some tools far easier than previous designs. Design continues to evolve, and applications continue to become easier to install and use. We strive to supply our customers with simple, easy to apply, instructions. Tooling is typically supplied with instruction well beyond that of the manufacturer.  Our advice and support provided with every sale minimizes the potential for mistakes. Our primary goal is to make every thread rolling customer a knowledgeable confident user.