Month: January 2020

Through the publication of previous blogs, we have discussed in some depth the critical advantages offered by rolling as opposed to cutting threads in most metals. The tooling design has changed little over several decades. Using the tools successfully required some self-taught practices that could be derived from the published instruction furnished with the tool. We know, only too well, that often the publications were read after the fact when failure was the initial result. The versatility of the tool required some set-up knowledge that was not broadly covered in the instructions or was misunderstood. While the tool was initially used broadly on multi spindle screw machines and set up was conducted by trained experienced set up people, the transition to single spindle CNC applications often lacked the trained set up technician.

Recognizing the changing work place applications, more recently, the tool design has been altered to make it a more user-friendly tool. Previously, the tool had to be manipulated to use it effectively through its entire range of thread sizes. Distinguishing the changing market place applications encouraged the German designers to “modernize” the set-up capability of the tool.

The newest inception of the tried and true thread rolling attachment has been upgraded to the newly designed EVO style. The EVO tool utilizes a setting adjustment that can function through the entire range of the tool. This eliminates the need to disassemble and reconfigure the tool to accommodate the smallest to largest possible thread that can be run by the tool. The tool has two distinct gauge readings that can be mounted to provide easy viewing of the set point. The closing handle can be rotated 360 degrees to allow for virtually any location to create the closing of the head after each operation. These basic but vital changes have made the tool much more user friendly. While the basic differences between the older original design and the newer EVO design don’t impact the usefulness of older tools, the new EVO design changes can be a reason to migrate to the new design. The EVO design also utilizes solid carbide bushings between the spindle and roll negating the need for roller bearings. This too helps to reduce changeover time and is a secure method to lengthen service time between spindle replacement.

Global tooling sources are a common resource for virtually every country within our planet. North America, Europe, Asia, Scandinavia and Japan presently supply the bulk of the world’s requirements for metal working tools. The speed and efficiency of world travel has opened the world as a market place for technology no matter where the source. This advantage to manufacturing has only been achieved within the past few decades. Prior to the advent of speedier international travel, technology evolved but was localized.

The twentieth century is notable for warfare and advances in technology. We learned following Germany’s defeat in World War Two that they were within weeks of deploying their version of the Atomic Bomb. Certainly, this would have a devastating impact on Great Britain or the United States or both. Jet aircraft, rocketry, carbide cutting tools and thread rolling technology were a few of the revolutionary products developed for warfare by Germany. As victors, the Allied countries were the future beneficiaries of Germany’s strategic technologies. Today as our ally, Germany continues to develop tools and products that help manufacture products more efficiently and more cost effective.

Metalworking has been advanced with thread rolling technology that improves cost and performance of any threaded product. Carbide has been improved with new coating technologies and grades that have virtually eliminated the use of high-speed steels in manufacturing. As an example, Fette introduced a coated carbide insert for machining Aluminum that can achieve operating speeds to 10,000 SFM. Coated carbide nib taps that can outlast their steel counterpart by a 10 to 1 ratio. High speed milling spindles that start at 50,000 rpm. The revolution in development of metalworking tools is most visible at any tooling show throughout the world. Today’s manufacturer must research and deploy the best tool for a job or face being pushed aside by the competition. Among our strengths is external and internal threading. We can help improve your product performance and cost employing the tooling strategies just discussed. Simply contact us and challenge us to help you achieve the cost and performance benefits we’ve outlined.