Scandinavian Tool Systems has published a practical guide to choosing between thread milling and thread turning.
Scandinavian Tool Systems has issued guidance on choosing between thread turning and thread milling for external threads. Turning suits long runs of one thread in a lathe, while milling wins on hard materials like Inconel, titanium and hardened steels, thin-walled parts and mixed batch work. Milling requires a machining center or driven-tool lathe with helical interpolation. The ThreadMill range spans solid carbide and indexable tools for both thread directions.
The guide puts thread turning first for long series of the same thread on parts already rotating in a lathe. Thread milling takes over for hard or tough materials, thin walls, parts that cannot rotate, and shops covering many thread sizes with few tools.
Requirements are modest: a CNC machining center or a lathe with driven tools, circular or helical interpolation, rigid workholding and a suitable thread mill. The company's ThreadMill solid carbide tools and ThreadMill indexable cutters cover both internal and external threads, with one indexable shank serving right-hand and left-hand forms in demanding materials such as Inconel and titanium.
Frequently asked questions
What are the advantages of using ThreadMill tools for external thread milling?
ThreadMill tools provide low cutting forces, short and controllable chips, and high repeatability even in difficult materials. They are versatile, working for both right and left-hand threads, and are particularly beneficial for high-value parts and demanding applications where process security and flexibility are crucial.
How do I choose the right thread milling strategy for my specific application?
The strategy depends on the thread standard, material, and part dimensions. Typically, you start with a modest radial depth for the first pass, followed by one or more intermediate passes to increase depth, and finish with a light cut for the final profile. For harder materials, more, lighter passes are recommended, while softer materials can handle fewer, deeper passes.
Can external thread milling be done on any CNC machine?
External thread milling requires a CNC machining center or a CNC lathe with driven tools that supports circular and preferably helical interpolation. The machine must also have rigid workholding and the appropriate holder and thread mill for the target thread.
How does tool selection affect the external thread milling process?
The choice between solid carbide tools and indexable cutters depends on the application. Solid carbide tools are often best for small to medium external threads and short overhangs, while indexable systems are more cost-efficient for larger diameters, longer thread lengths, and mixed applications. The tool selection impacts cutting forces, chip control, and overall process stability.
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