Thread milling is a versatile and straightforward thread manufacturing solution and CNC milling process, particularly for large openings. The cycle is mostly applied in groups of uses rather than tapping.

What is Thread Milling?

Thread processing is a metalworking cycle that involves slicing threads of various widths using a rotating device with a roundabout slope development and a horizontal development in one direction. Thread processing is not nearly the same as tapping, and it is primarily used on large workpieces. 

On the other hand, strong carbide thread plants can also produce small strung apertures. A similar machine can be used to make threads with great precision and remarkable surface completion for both left and right-hand threads, with varied thread toughness, different materials, and opening widths. While not as widely used as thread turning, thread processing can achieve significant efficiency in specific applications.

In machining, milling software can be used to control the milling machine. The software allows for the control of milling machine parameters, such as spindle speed, feed rate, and depth of cut.

The Benefits of Thread Milling

The use of thread software in machining metal and plastic components results in significant cost savings. Thread milling has a number of advantages, including the ability to cut threads in difficult-to-machine materials.

• It is a safe machining operation that is easier to perform on a machine.
• Interaction can reduce machining time and energy usage.
• The instrument is flexible, and the same machinery may be used to make right- or left-handed threads.
• In machining extremely shallow, visually impaired thin-material threads, thread processing considers the most extreme threads at an incredibly brief distance.
• It is capable of producing high-quality threads free of burrs.
• The machine axle endures less wear.
• It's compatible with live devices on a machine.
• The thread width can be immediately corrected.
• Uses a smaller device than the threads to ensure that the thread is machined correctly with the expected leeway.

How Does a Thread Mill Work?

The thread processing cycle can use helical-insertion device methods to replace tapping, and the thread factory appears to be like tapping, but the impact is unique. 

Insert the thread factory into the opening along with the shaft's hub until sufficiently profound to create the desired full thread profundity, then move the thread factory to the location of the opening measurement and cut threads into the opening sidewall, then move in a 360° circle to return to the start position. 

When delivering a thread, the thread work must move towards the highest point of the opening or move one thread pitch along the Z-pivot of the machines when doing the round movement. To limit the distance, the profundity of thread is typically one and a half times the distance across the opening.

Thread Milling Applications-When to Use Thread Milling

The following applications or prerequisites make thread processing an ideal machining technique:

• Uneven/non-pivoting components
• Machining materials generate a lot of slicing force and can easily cause chip-clearing problems.
• An expected decrease in equipment stock
• Poor part arrangements
• As an alternative to tapping
• Modify the thread's resistance 
• Various odd thread sizes can be produced with a single-point thread mill program.

What Is the Difference Between Thread Milling and Tapping?

1. Tapping is typically used to create threads in small openings after penetrating, whereas thread processing produces threads in larger openings.
2. Tapping uses an apparatus the same size as the thread to force the chip through the thread to clear, whereas thread processing uses a smaller device, resulting in a better thread quality than tapping.
3. Tapping can be done manually or automatically through CNC mill programming. Thread processing typically necessitates CNC machine apparatuses with three tomahawks for the helical introduction.

Thread processing is the best option if you require greater adaptability, a variety of thread sizes and types, and the ability to change thread fits. If speed is important to you, rigid tapping is the way to go.

SCTools is one of the leading manufacturers of threading and small cutting tools. Our success is based on high-quality, innovative tools. Threading is one of our specialties, and we provide a wide range of industrial tools and profiles.

If you have any questions about carbide cutting tools, end mills, drills, etc. be sure to reach out to us @ sctools.co/Home or call us at (877)737-0987. We help you machine better!