As a craftsman, have you ever encountered the challenge of improving machining efficiency? If so, then thread milling is an indispensable tool for you! Utilizing thread milling tools, combined with three-axis coordinated motion of machining centers (X and Y-axis circular interpolation, Z-axis linear feed), not only enables rapid and efficient machining of large hole threads and difficult-to-machine materials but also offers the following advantages:
2,The milling cutter has a wide range of applications. As long as the pitch is the same, whether it is left-hand or right-hand thread, the same tool can be used, which is very practical.
3,Milling machining is easy to chip removal and cooling, with good cutting conditions. Compared with taps, it is particularly suitable for threading of difficult-to-machine materials such as aluminum, copper, and stainless steel, ensuring the quality of thread processing and the safety of workpieces.
4,Suitable for machining blind holes with short thread bottom holes and holes without back-off grooves, because there is no tool front guide.
In addition, thread milling tools can be classified according to different processing needs. Among them, the commonly used types are machine-clamped hard alloy insert milling cutters and integral hard alloy milling cutters. Machine-clamped tools have a wide range of applications and can be used to machine holes with thread depths less than the length of the blade, or holes with thread depths greater than the length of the blade. Integral hard alloy milling cutters are generally used for machining holes with thread depths less than the length of the tool.
As for the programming of thread milling tools, we have prepared the following points for your attention: First, the bottom hole of the thread should be machined well. Drills should be used for small-diameter holes, and boring should be used for larger holes to ensure the accuracy of the thread bottom hole. Secondly, circular trajectory should be used for tool entry and exit to remove errors, ensure thread shape, and radius compensation values should also be included. Finally, during one rotation of X and Y-axis circular interpolation, the spindle should advance one pitch along the Z-axis direction to avoid thread confusion.
For example, if you need to machine a thread hole of M48×1.5, using a thread milling cutter with a diameter of Φ16 will achieve better results. The specific program is as follows:
(Procedure for threading bottom hole is omitted, this hole should be bored)
G0 G90 G54 X0 Y0
G0 Z10 M3 S1400 M8
G0 Z-14.75 Move to the deepest point of the thread
G01 G41 X-16 Y0 F2000 Move to the entry position and add radius compensation
G03 X24 Y0 Z-14 I20 J0 F500 Use 1/2 circle arc entry when cutting in
G03 X24 Y0 Z0 I-24 J0 F400 Cut the entire thread
G03 X-16 Y0 Z0.75 I-20 J0 F500 Use 1/2 circle arc exit when cutting out
G01 G40 X0 Y0 Return to the center and cancel the radius compensation
G0 Z100
M30