Threading Options for Tungsten Carbide Tools

Shops have options when it comes to hard threading. However, specialist says most of them involve multiple operations and tools, each of which presents the risk of human error, a possible increase in cycle times and a probable hindrance of part consistency.

Here, the company highlights three such tooling options, along with their limitations:

1. Tungsten carbide tip insert brazed onto a steel, stick-type tool. Every tool change requires datums to be set again, which extends downtime. Material has to be annealed prior to machining and re-hardened afterward,which increases the risk of thread distortion. Tool life is short and cutting speed is typically limited to approximately 40 m/min. Long cycle times, often measured in days, occur because of multiple operations.

2. A brazed tungsten carbide tools or polycrystalline boron nitride (PCBN) grooving tool for roughing, and an insert made from either of those materials to finish profile. This time-consuming, two-tool operation requires annealing the workpiece if using the tungsten carbide tools. The brazed tool joint needs coolant, and it limits cutting speed because of heat. Low cutting speeds extend cycle times (a 33-mm-pitch Acme thread can take as long as five hours). Rapid flank wear and built-up edge (BUE) occur due to low cutting speeds.

3. Tungsten carbide tools brazed to a steel shank. Every tool change requires datums to be set again, which extends downtime. The brazed tool joint needs coolant, and it limits cutting speed because of heat. Low cutting speeds extend cycle times (a 33-mm-pitch Acme thread can take as long as three hours). Rapid flank wear and BUE occur due to low cutting speeds.

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