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Tapping: A Machining Process

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Thread Cutting / Thread Rolling

Thread Cutting
Threads may be cut or chased in a variety of ways both by hand and by machine. While thread cutting on a lathe can be a challenging process it can also yield sufficient results. Advances in tooling materials (threading inserts) and coatings have extended the life of the threading tool and have helped immensely with chip evacuation.

Another one of the most commonly used methods for producing or cutting threads is with the use of a die. Dies can be used in lathes, screw machines and CNC lathes to produce both internal and external threads by cutting or by rolling. When using a die, there are several thread chasers that cut the thread then back away from the work to permit fast removal of the tool. Each set of thread chasers is designed to cut a different thread. One set of chasers would be used at a time, but each in turn to ensure that the new threads are cut to the tolerance depth. With most die heads the die holder releases or opens when it is reversed. Internal threads are cut with a collapsible die head.

Thread Rolling
Threads may be applied to a bolt or other cylindrical object by rotating the part between two opposing dies. As pressure is applied to the work piece by the dies the part is deformed and material is displaced and flowed with the resulting shape being a thread. Threads which are rolled are often tougher due to work hardening than threads that are cut by dies or by a threading insert. Thread rolling also has the advantages of being a must faster production process. Thread rolling is also referred to as a cold-forming process.

Thread Grinding
Another method of creating threads is by utilizing the grinding process. Thread grinding yields threads with exacting tolerances and are used in applications where precision is key. For more on thread grinding and the grinding process see Grinding.

General Thread Information
Regardless of the method used, threads have certain nomenclatures that must be considered when preparing for production. They are:

1. Thread angle
2. Major diameter
3. Minor diameter
4. Pitch diameter
5. Helix angle
6. Lead
7. Pitch

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Horizontal Boring Jig Boring Vertical Boring Broaching / Splining Drilling Ram EDM Wire EDM Engraving Gear Cutting Grinding Centerless Grinding Cylindrical Grinding

Flat Grinding Internal Grinding Jig Grinding Honing Large Machining Multi-axis Machining Precision Machining Screw Machining Swiss Screw Machine Turning Milling Saw Cutting

Slotting Tapping Thread Cutting Thread Grinding Thread Rolling CNC Drilling CNC Grinding CNC Machine Center CNC Milling CNC Turning