New advances in thread milling technology allow moldmakers to meet the challenges of threading difficult materials.

The features and performance of modern machining centers have created the opportunity for the use of a new generation of solid carbide thread mills. Machine tools now have the com-puter power, flexibility and mechanical reliability to generate three-axis toolpaths at high speeds with superior accuracy and efficiency. As the synchronous tapping cycle redefined the application of taps, advances in three-axis helical interpolation have given rise to new threading solutions.

The new developments in thread milling technology are reflective of the ever-in-creasing demands on manufacturers to re-duce operating costs, improve part quality and enhance profitability. And when it comes to the mold and die industry, new tooling solutions were necessary to solve the long-standing daily challenges of threading difficult materials such as alloy steels, tool steels and stainless steels. In addition, with a growing number of mold shops incorporating hard milling, new thread cutting tools were required to economically produce threads in finished parts heat treated up to 60 Rc.