Today’s machine shops create threaded parts in a number of ways. It’s possible to use tap and die methods, cutting, milling, rolling, but thread grinding is still the preferred method for many precision parts. Here are some good reasons to choose grinding over other methods.
Accuracy
When you need consistent accuracy, few things can match grinding. For example, thread rolling machines can produce many small parts like bolts in a short time period. However, these parts are not commonly used for precision work because the process is not accurate.
When you roll threads, it gives you a larger smooth shaft than a threaded shaft. For some kinds of parts, this is not acceptable. By cutting threads with a precision grinder, your shaft parts can have the same size as the threaded parts.
Only soft and ductile metals are used for thread rolling processes. This is because the blanks are not usually heated for a cold-rolled process. However, when you need a lot of threaded parts, rolling is a cost-effective strategy.
Less Downtime
If you are using a thread cutting process, you’ll need to shut down your machine and change cutting tools, when you need to produce different sizes or thread types. However, with thread grinding, resetting the wheel is a quick and easy process. This can save you a lot of time and trouble.
Precision Parts
Some parts need threads that provide no play or wobble. This is important for steering components and brake parts. Precision thread grinding can be done to one-thousandth of an inch, and this kind of precision is difficult to produce with other threading operations.
Less Stress
Threading can weaken some parts and actually cause microscopic stress fractures. This can cause all kinds of problems with the precision engine and aerospace applications. The process of grinding creates very little stress and gives your parts a fine surface finish.
