Threading procedures

Educational objective

By the end of the session, each student should be able to:

List the different threading processes

Identify the different types of nets
Choose the threading based on the area of use
Identify the equipment and the various tools
Choose the tool according to the device
Execute each procedure correctly.
Giving one's opinion on the choice of a process.

1. Generalities
Threading is the creation of threads both internally and externally according to processes on shapes.
generally cylindrical (holes, bores, cylinders) using shaped tools. For their realization
we use lathes, milling machines, drills...

2. Different processes
2.1. Threading by cutting.
In multipasses, with a single-point turning tool on turning machines (lathes, centers of
shooting), outdoors and indoors.
In single-pass, with milling tools (threading mills) on machines performing milling
(milling machines, machining centers, turning center), both outdoors and indoors.
In single pass, with multi-edge tools (taps) on machining machines (drills, lathes,
milling machines ...) indoors.
- In single pass, with multi-edge tools (the dies) on lathes and specific machines.
2.2. Threading by forming

With circular tools (the wheels) on specific machines or on lathes with fixtures
wheel holders.

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3. Different types of nets. (See mechanical construction course)
Metric thread
2) Symmetrical trapezoidal thread
3) Round thread for ball screws
4) Other standardized threads
Threads for piping saidgaswith sealing and without sealing
Round threaded screw threads.

Asymmetrical trapezoidal threads for artillery

Threads for electrical conduit fittings
Threading for pneumatic valve fittings
Threads for assembly cones of gas bottle taps and for fittings
gas leak.
Miniature threading for micromechanics.
4. Manufacturing tolerances for triangular threads.

For the screws, nuts, and thread flanks. (See mechanical construction course)

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 THREADING

Generalities
Tapping is a threading operation carried out with form tools - the taps - in a
passes, by screwing the tool into a blind or open hole previously made to a diameter
neighbor of the inner diameter of the nut, creating the corresponding internal thread of the tool.
There are two families of tapping operations: cut taps (manual and machine) and the
deformation tapping.
There are two types of taps: hand taps and machine taps.

1. Tapping by cutting (manual)

Manual work is traditionally done with a vice using a tap, left-hand turn, (which can be
extensible, fixed position) square, oil bottle (fig.1) and reversible tap holder with ratchet.

(Fig.1)

1.1. Equipment for manual tapping

The left turn

It is the essential complement to the tap that allows it to penetrate the metal through the
power developed by means of a double lever. There are two types of left turns: the
left turn extendable (fig.2a, and 2b) and the left turn fixed position or tapping door
ratchet reversible (fig.3).

The fixed left-turn position is used in places that are difficult to access for the left-turn.
classic left. It has a two-jaw chuck with a removable spindle in 3 positions: fixed,
tightening or loosening.

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 (Fig.2a)

(Fig.2b)

(Fig.3)

The taps

Taps are cutting tools used to create internal threads. They are made of steel.
high-quality tempered and are ground; their teeth are shaped in three or four
longitudinal grooves that form the attack angle, serve for the evacuation of chips and
admitting the cutting fluid for lubrication. They have a conical inlet and the end of their
a square hole is made to allow the left-turning tool to insert the tap into
the boring. They are supplied in a set of three. Each of these taps has a name that distinguishes it from
others: rougher, intermediate and finisher.

The roughing tap (fig.4a) has a conical entry length of about six threads and is used to
facilitate the start of a thread.

The intermediate tap (fig.4b) has a conical entry length of about three threads.
Make sure that this tap is the only one used to thread a hole that goes all the way through the piece.

The finishing tap (fig.4c), instead of the conical end, is shaped with a chamfered tip.
no end. When tapping a blind hole, you must first use the taper tap,
then the intermediate tap and finish the work with the finishing tap.

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 (Fig.4a)

(Fig.4b)

(Fig.4c)
1.2. Generating movements

The cutting movement (Mc) is the rotation given to the tool. The feed movement (Ma)
corresponds to the feed per tool rotation. The feed can be free (the tap advances at its feed rate, case of

threading in general); guided (by very precise step numerical control).

1.3. Preparation of the drilled holes for tapping

A hole opening (see mechanical construction course)

Blind hole (refer to mechanical construction course)

1.4. Nomenclature (Fig.5)

(Fig.5)
1.5. Execution of manual tapping (fig.6).

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 1) Choose the tap and the tapping key required for the work to be done.
2) Coat the tap with an appropriate cutting fluid. The use of the fluid is not mandatory for the
tapping of certain materials.

3) Engage the tap into the hole, applying equal and uniform downward pressure on the
turn left and turn clockwise (for right threading)
until making two complete laps.

4) Remove the left-hand drill and check the squareness of the tap in two places spaced 90° apart.
one another.

5) If the tap has not engaged squarely, remove it from the bore and resume tapping.
exerting pressure in the opposite direction to that of the tap inclination. During the
recovery, be sure not to exert excessive pressure.

6) When the tap is engaged properly, advance it further by turning.

turn left.

7) Turn the tap to the right about a quarter turn and then pull it back to
break the chips. The movements must be gentle and even to prevent breakage
You tap.

Note: When tapping blind holes, use the three taps in the desired order:
rougher, intermediate and finisher, clear away the accumulation of chips and ensure not to
reach the bottom of the hole with the tap.

(Fig.6)
1.6. Material removal

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Requiring a pre-drilling of the workpiece to be threaded and lubrication of both the workpiece and the tool.
during machining, tapping is a process that allows for the formation of threads by
Material removal as the tap progresses. Depending on the type of hole, the
taps will present different characteristics. Thus, a tool with a GUN input (a sharpening
additional is practiced in the tool's gouge), pushing the chips down, is imposed
for the breakout holes. Promoting the upward movement of the chips, the helical taps
are recommended for tapping blind holes.

It should also be mentioned the existence of straight flute taps, standard tools mainly used
in maintenance and in tapping repair. Depending on the materials to be machined, the taps
have different geometries. Thus, tools designed for tapping stainless steel have a
progressive thinning of the rear part to limit contact with this sticky material
subject to reflux, the tools with alternate teeth being the best suited for tapping aluminum
(a plastic and sticky material), to cite these two examples.

1.7. Extraction of a broken tap

One must exercise great caution when tapping, especially if it is done in a blind hole.
Once engaged, the tap can break. Extracting the broken piece is not an easy task.
Sometimes even the tip refuses to come out. Therefore, a new piece will have to be made. To extract a
broken tap, there are several methods, some of which yield the desired result while others do not
font unfortunately bankrupt.

Use of the extractor (fig. 7).

1) Choose the extractor based on the size of the rod to be extracted

Slide the ring that holds the rods down onto the body so that these rods protrude.
the extremity of the body.

Slide the rods into the grooves of the broken tap and push them into the hole.
as far as possible.
4) Lower the body until it touches the tip of the broken tap, this to provide the
maximum support for the rods.

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 5) Lower the ring until it presses against the surface of the piece to give more.
of rigidity to the rods.

6) Engage a left turn on the tail,

7) Slowly turn the left-turning knob counterclockwise.

(Fig.7)

Note: Do not force the extractor so as not to damage the parts. It may be necessary to do so.
play the key from left to right, and vice versa to free the tap enough to be able to
divert

Extraction by drilling

If the broken tap is made of carbon steel, it may be possible to drill it out. This method involves
à:

Heat the broken tap to a bright red and let it cool slowly.

Point the center of the tap as precisely as possible.

3) Using a disintegrator drill (fig.8) significantly smaller than the diameter of the core
with the tap, carefully drill a hole from one side to the other of this tap.

4) Enlarge the hole to remove the maximum amount of material between the flutes of the tap.
5) Remove what remains of the tap with a punch and remove the chips.

(Fig.8)

Acid extraction

If the tap refuses to come out and it is made of high-speed steel, acid may eventually get the better of it.
the method consists of:

Dilute one part of nitric acid in five parts of water.

2) Inject the mixture into the bore. The acid will erode the steel and the tap will be freed.

3) Remove the tap with an extractor or pliers.

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 Wash the thread with clear water to remove any traces of acid and stop the action.
of the latter.

2. Tapping by deformation
The tap is mounted on a machine (drill, milling machine, lathe, etc.), either simply in the chuck.
or on a clutch pedal.
By generating with a shaping tool traversing a helix relative to the hole axis, this tool
having mounted on a lathe or a milling machine.

By machining a special machine, the thread is obtained by a profile cutter.

(Fig.9)

This method is only applied to threaded holes in series grades and in very specific areas.
limited, both in terms of the material to be tapped and in terms of diameters.

Threading by deformation (by pushing) is achieved through material transfer or creeping without
chip formation.

2.1. Deformation of matter

With the pushing tap; the material is not cut but pushed. Thanks to this process
deformation; the ejector does not produce chips and guarantees high realization safety
performance.

The tips and sides of the teeth of the rotor penetrate into the material to be pumped and push the substance.
in the recesses of the tool profile. Thus the typical profile of the thread is formed with the groove at

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its end. The deformation tapping is a process during which the material to be machined is
scooped between the tool's nets to generate the thread profile.

(Fig.10)

2.2. Equipment

Machine tools

Essentially reserved for large-scale production, the process using milling cutters
Tapping represents the most recently emerged technology for threading holes.
Unlike other processes where the feed in the material of the tool occurs in one direction
unique, the threading tap in machining applications similar to those of cutting tapping
(by material removal) allows machining by interpolation, performed on three axes. Mounted on
a numerically controlled machine, the threading mill differs from a tap by the fact that
its diameter is smaller than that of the thread produced. There is a wide range of solutions available
to select the machine and tools most suitable for threading a wide variety of bores
in a very large number of materials, including synthetic and/or harder materials.

2.3. Tapping collets

These are tap holders that ensure axial freedom for the tool, to prevent its breakage.
the automatic reversal of rotation direction (fig.11, 12 and 13).

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 (Fig.11) (Fig.12) (Fig.13)

2.4. Tapping machines

There are two families of taps: taps for material removal and taps for
material backflow.

The deformation taps (to be pushed) are designed to penetrate the material by deforming it.
progressively in order to orient the metal fibers without breaking them. This deformation is localized
and never extends to the entire room. Some manufacturers of machine taps whose
Identification is done in relation to the color of the ring.

Machine taps (fig.14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f).

Green color (fig.14a).

For universal applications, up to 1200 N/mm2stainless steels, copper, cast iron.

Blood red color (fig.14b).

Application for high strength tempered steels up to 45 HRC, plastic materials, graphite,
It withstands reduced or dry lubrication under heavy load.

Blue color (fig.14c).

Applications for hard-to-machine steels up to 1200 N/mm2high strength steels. It resists

with reduced lubrication, or dry, under heavy load.

Ash color (fig.14d).

Applications of abrasive materials such as cast iron, aluminum with short chips, copper.

Yellow color (fig14e).

Applications for lightweight aluminum alloys, copper alloys, aluminum, copper, mild steels.
Resists under reduced or dry lubrication, under heavy load.

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Light red color (fig.14f).

Application for machining titanium, nickel, stainless steels, cast iron, aluminum, copper, steels
up to 1400 N/mm2, cobalt alloy.

(Fig.14a) (Fig.14b)

(Fig.14c) (Fig.14d)

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 (Fig.14e) (Fig.14f)

There are also plate tools available for making thread cutting.

(Fig.15)

2.5. Choice of tools and cutting conditions in tapping

The process is described in the tables below.

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 2.6. Preparation of the holes to be tapped

The method for calculating the drilling diameter is different from that of tapping by cutting. This
diameter plays a predominant role in the success of the work, that is to say in the correct formation
of the file. For structural steels and light alloys, the value of the pre-drill will be calculated.
the following way:

Dt= dn− ( + ).
2

For M12, K = 0.13

For M10, K = 0.10
For M8, K = 0.08
For M6, K = 0.06

2.7. Conditions of use for deformation taps (to be pushed back)

Deformation taps:
The work rate by deformation is twice as high as that which is
recommended for tapping by cutting. It is particularly recommended to use a
cutting lubricant, either a regular cutting oil or a tapping oil.

Threading cutters:

To use a threading die, it is necessary to have a machine capable of performing

a circular trajectory. Most modern CNC machines
include a tapping cycle by interpolation. Interpolated milling has
advantages.

2.8. Advantages of interpolation tapping

Allow to increase reliability
Better fragmented chips.
A very precise tolerance.
A longer lifespan.

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 A use in most materials.
The same cutter can be used for several diameters when the pitch is the same.
The same tool can be used for left and right internal threading, and the
Threads can be used for internal tapping and external threading.
Dry machining
The metric strawberries J200/J205 allow for beveling.
Conical end mills with the possibility of beveling in quality and precision
superior compared to conventional taps
2.9. Advantages of withdrawal tapping
The net is properly formed and well-centered if the drilling diameter is of the required dimension;

The slope on the side is within the prescribed tolerance limits for medium tapping.
quality;

The quality of the surface finish is superior to that which can be obtained by machining;
The work hardening of the metal imparts increases in surface hardness to the sides of the wire.
and the resistance to tearing equal to or greater than 20%;

The service hardness is 2 to 3 times higher than that of a threading obtained by cutting and the
The phenomenon of seizing is practically nonexistent.

2.10. Disadvantages of backward tapping

The price of these taps is 40 to 50 times higher than that of ordinary taps; the torque of
deformation or retraction is higher than the thread cutting torque; the diameters
are limited to 4 or 5 dimensions.

3. Choice of the appropriate lubricant

Water-soluble coolant is highly recommended as well as the liquid of

non-soluble cooling. Water-soluble coolant must be used for the
high-speed deformation. Insoluble coolant can only be used at
20 m/s or less.

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4. Control for the execution of quality tapping

Tapping has always been considered a specific operation, but it does not escape the
technical developments. However, the necessary foundations for obtaining quality tapping
remain identical. To meet quality criteria, the analysis will focus on the components
following: the workpiece, the tap, the machine, the attachment or the tapping device, the operator.

The play.

Is the tapping hole the correct diameter?

Is it a blind hole or a through hole?

Is it a blind hole, what is the clearance between the usable depth and the front of the hole?
(Problem of evacuation or storage of chips.)

How will the part be maintained? Rigid, floating with a support to prevent from
go back up?

What material is it made of and what is the hardness at the time of tapping?

The tap

Is the selected tap suitable for this application?

Is the diameter correct, as well as the shape of the tap?

Is it in good condition? Material and any coating to check.

Is it well aligned with the front hole?

Is the clearance height above the room sufficient to ensure a

repositioning of the tap in the device?

Check its reference as well as the manufacturer's recommendations regarding speeds.

cut in order to achieve the best performance and increased longevity of the tool.

The machine:

Does the machine have a stop position, so that the tap enters a neutral position?
in order to avoid hitting rock bottom?

Is it programmed correctly for tapping?

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 Is torque control necessary to avoid breaking the tap?

What type of machine is used? What is its power?

His attachment to the brooch?

Is the part's attachment to the machine effective in preventing part movement?

function of a high couple?

Is the spindle rotation and advance well programmed?

Is the machine cutting fluid also suitable for tapping operations?

The tapping machine:

Has the tapping device been chosen wisely based on the specification criteria?
techniques?

Is the return programming in accordance with the device's capabilities?

to buzz?

Never install a tapping device on a machine without first checking the

recommendations or restrictions from the manufacturer.

The installation:

Avec un appareil réversible, soit en utilisation manuelle ou sur une machine à commande
digitally, it is essential to ensure that the stop arm is properly positioned and
locked before any operation. The dangerous stop arm during use of the
large diameter taps.

If the friction couple is well adjusted, there will be no risk of breaking the tap, if
eventually he came to touch the bottom of the hole?

If drilling to the depth control, check the alignment before stopping the machine.

Is the space between the tap and the part, or clearance height, sufficient to allow
to reposition itself when leaving the room?

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5. General recommendations for tapping

The success of any tapping operation depends on a number of factors, each affecting the
quality of the finished product. For certain tapping tools that create the thread by deformation
plastic, and therefore without beveling, there are burrs on the edges of the hole. To avoid the
Burrs, a 60° chamfering is strongly recommended.

1) Select the type of tap that is suitable for the material of the workpiece and the type of hole, blind.
or emerging, in the selection tables of subjects or in catalogs.
Ensure the rigidity of the workpiece's clamping, as any lateral movement may cause breakage.
the tapping or the production of a poor quality thread.
3) Select the correct drill diameter from the drill selection tables for
tapping. The correct dimensions of the drill are mentioned in a catalog. Don't forget
that for the taps without grooves, the diameters of the drills are different. Always make sure to
avoid as much as possible the hardening of the part.
4) Select the appropriate cutting speed.
5) Use the appropriate cutting fluid for the application.
6) On CNC machines, ensure that the program uses a value
incorrect pitch. With a tapping adapter, use 95 to 97% you do not allow for
threads to generate its own step.
7) If possible, use a high-quality torque-limiting tapping adapter that allows
the tap is free to move in the axial direction while ensuring its perpendicularity.
in the hole. These adapters also protect the tap and prevent it from breaking if it comes into contact.

accidentally the bottom of a blind hole.

8) Ensure the regularity of the tap's entry into the hole as an irregular feed can
produce a widening.

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 EXTERNAL THREADING WITH TOOL

1. Generalities

Threading is done with shaped tools - the dies - which create the thread on the piece.
nominal diameter. Unscrewing is done by reversing the direction of rotation.

2. Tools used
The profiles are single-block tools that have a thread interrupted by recesses.
(grooves, grooves) making up the tooth - the combs and ensuring the evacuation of chips.
There are fixed round dies (fig.1), hexagonal dies (fig.2), expandable round dies (fig.3), die
of décolletage (fig.4).

(Fig.1) (Fig.2)

(Fig.3) (Fig.4)

The fixed round die is used for finishing or repairing damaged threads. It is used with
a suitable end holder and it is not adjustable.

The expandable round thread is equipped with an adjustment screw that allows for precise threading adjustment.
by the expandability of the metal (for non-sharpenable split dies. The ground threads and those at the entry
conical ground in tapering, ensure cutting with progressivity and promote the
positioning for attack. The threads for tapered threads, of the gas pitch do not have adjustment. This
The wire is used with a wire holder.

The turning processes (fig.4) are used on automatic lathes for end threading.
parts, by screwing and unscrewing at differential speed without changing the cutting speed
other tools in simultaneous work.

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Diameters of round dies.

From M 6 to M 33, and more specifically from 3 to 24 mm for all types of threads, they are designed
high quality high speed steel.

3. Thread and Thread Holder

Sector

Housing of the pressure screw Relief hole of

Diameter
shavings

Step

4. Die holder

Multiple tool holders

Perfect centering thanks to the cylindrical guiding ring. No more loss of threads. Simple to use.
by hand or on lathes.

5. Generating movements

Identical to tapping: cutting movement given to the tool and the free feed movement.
the advance is at its pace) or guided (by CNC or boss screw).

6. Cutting conditions

The cutting is done with significant lubrication

Cutting speed

From 2 to 30 m/min depending on the materials,

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Advance speed

Correspond by round, at the foot of the net.

[Link] method
1) Choose the branch and place it in the carrier's cage, with the notch positioned facing.
of the screw. Tighten the die moderately in the die holder with the key or pliers.
Fix the round threaded rod in the vise so that it does not move.
3) Start slowly fixing the screw thread onto the metal bar, pushing down hard on the
holder. This must be perfectly perpendicular to the bar.
4) As soon as the threading begins, rotate the die holder by turning it with both hands.
hands, (in the direction of the clock's hands).
5) The process carves the metal in a spiral by forming steel chips. After two turns in
unscrewing, turn half a turn to break these shavings.
6) Apply a bit of cutting oil or grease to the fiber to facilitate its penetration into the
metal.
Filter to the desired pass depth, by unscrewing half a turn every two turns.
of face.
8) Unscrew the die holder and clean the threading with a brush dipped in fluid.

8. Tips

Avoid screwing the die multiple times because, if the position varies, there is a risk of deforming the thread.

Never force when threading. In case of blockage, unscrew, remove the chips, oil and
restart

Never remove the metal shavings by hand, on the tools or on the work table, as it is very
cutting. Use a brush, avoiding dropping it on the floor.

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