How To Cut External Threading Time While Maintaining Precise Quality

The Importance of External Threading in Manufacturing 

External threading is a type of threading used to create threads on the outside of a cylindrical object. It is commonly used in manufacturing to create screw threads on bolts, pipes, and other cylindrical objects. External threads, also known as male threads, are designed to fit into an internal or female thread.

Various industries use external threading in their applications, such as plumbing, automotive, aerospace, and construction. Pipes and fittings are connected using external threads in plumbing, while the automotive industry uses them to secure engine parts together. In aerospace, external threads are used to attach parts of an aircraft, and in construction, they are used to secure scaffolding and other structures (read about creating external threads in rebar). 

Benefits of External Threading 

One of the primary reasons people put O.D. threads in things is to create a secure and reliable connection. When two objects are threaded together, the male and female threads interlock, creating a strong bond. This bond ensures that the objects will not come apart unintentionally, even under significant stress.

Another reason people use External threads is for ease of assembly and disassembly. With external threads, it is easy to screw or unscrew objects, making it simple to repair or replace parts when needed. This is especially important in industries where machinery and equipment are regularly maintained and repaired.

O.D. threads can also provide a seal between two objects. When a threaded connection is made, the threads compress against each other, creating a tight seal. This seal can prevent leaks or contamination from entering the connection, making it essential in applications where cleanliness or fluid containment is critical.

Ways to create external threads 

Lathe: In lathe machining, a cutting tool creates the thread profile by rotating the material. Achieving accuracy in this process requires programming and careful attention to detail, making it time-consuming.

Thread rolling machines: Thread rolling machines deform the material to create the thread profile using a rolling process. The machine feeds the material between two dies that compress and shape it into the desired thread profile.

Single-point threading machine: In a single-point threading machine, a single cutting tool is used to create the thread profile by feeding it into the rotating material.

Grinding machines: Grinding machines use an abrasive wheel to grind the thread profile into the material by feeding it into the rotating material.

Tapping Machines: Machines like the FlexArm, offer a solution to create O.D. threads by attaching the Die secured in a die holder and using it to create the threads. 

 

FlexArm Solution: Making External Threading Effortless & Precise

  1. Quickness – You know what they say, time is money. With our Quick Change Die Holders, you’ll be external threading in no time. Setup time is also significantly decreased, especially when threading on the lathe, as no programming is required with the FlexArm.
  2. It’s More Ergonomic – Nobody doubts your ability to create external threads by hand, but why put your body through extended forceful exertions if it doesn’t have to? With a FlexArm solution, the machine does the work—and more precisely, too.
  3. Precise Depth Accuracy – Whether it’s one of our digital depth control options on a hydraulic arm or the mechanical system on a pneumatic unit, you’ll be able to maintain consistent depth accuracy every time.
  4. Guaranteed Perpendicularity – Eliminate scrapped parts and wasted time. With the FlexArm solution for external threading, perpendicularity is guaranteed every time, thanks to the design of the arm.

External threading is critical in many industries to create secure, reliable, easy-to-assemble connections. With it, many of the products we use daily are possible. External threading plays a vital role in modern manufacturing, whether it’s connecting pipes, securing engine parts, or attaching aircraft components.

Let us know how we can help your shop become more efficient regarding external threading. The FlexArm solution will not only improve cycle time but also increase quality control as well. Contact us today for more information on the range of solutions FlexArm can provide. 

4 responses to “How To Cut External Threading Time While Maintaining Precise Quality”

  1. Michael Hughes says:

    That’s Awesome !! Might be able to use this at our shop

  2. Brad DuChene says:

    I have been looking for an external threading tool. Do you sell the die holder separately?

    Thanks!

    Brad

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Standard Features

  • Hand Pendant
  • 22″ Touch Screen Monitor
  • Omron FlexCNC Controller
  • Mobile Control Panel
  • Through Spindle Coolant 
  • Auto Tool Changer 
  • Flood Coolant
HP
Max RPM
FT/LBS
Series

18

4000

92

C-20-02 / C-10-02

18

6000

61

C-20-02 / C-10-02

33

12000

61

CM-20-02

Auto Stand-Off – This is currently defined to be surface stand-off and not to be confused with vector stand-off in 5-axis mode. The current auto stand-off is based on a changing surface and will adjust vertically based on the angle of the “A” Axis, so there is five (5) axis taken into account during the calculations, but this is not the same as the tool vector stand-off. There is the ability to do the vector stand-off change while the machine is running manually with buttons on the screen.

Z-Reader Probe – The Z-Reader is a device for mapping the location of the surface. It can be controlled manually & programmatically. The option is NOT active while cutting & is retracted out of harm’s way. It can be triggered to verify the surface at every pierce before the cutting process starts, or it could be used to drive surface mapping of the whole part before cutting starts. It begins with initialization or zeroing of the device to the surface at the beginning of a program and then accumulates or tracks the difference from that zeroing effort.

Automatic Edge Finder – The edge finder is or can be utilized manually (Jogging Method & Screen Buttons), programmatically (M & G codes), or fully automatic routine (dedicated program). This option sets offsets & program rotation to match the orientation & location on the cutting table.

AC Unit Installed on Electrical Cabinet – The unit is mounted on the cabinet’s High Power (480v) side. It is close to the location where the drives are mounted. This option keeps the cabinet temperature stable and allows heat dissipation faster. The servo drives for all axes are the most significant contributors to heat inside the electrical cabinet.

5-Axis Renishaw CalibrationThe calibration unit is a Renishaw model APCA45 with a modified spherical stylus. The device has a retractable cover and air purge to clear debris & dust during the activation process. It mounts to a swing arm controlled by a pneumatic rotary, so it is out of the way during regular operation and swings into the calibration position for calibration only. 

HP
Max RPM
FT/LBS
Series

18

4000

92

G-20-06 / G-10-06

18

6000

61

G-20-06 / -10-06

40

4000

217

GM-20-06 / G-20-06 / G-10-06

40

6000

145

G-20-06 / G-20-06 / G-10-06