What is a Thread Mill? How to Choose? Get to Know in 3 Minutes!

A thread mill is a tool used to mill threads on workpieces. Cutting threads on metal objects can increase the surface roughness and improve friction, making it convenient to fasten different parts together. This article will provide a detailed introduction to thread mills, including their materials, applications, and selection criteria, helping everyone understand thread mills better.
 

What is a thread milling cutter?

A thread milling cutter is a type of milling cutter primarily used for milling threads. During the milling process, the cutter rotates at high speed to create desired internal or external threads.
〈Read more：What are the types of cutting tools? 4 key points to help you choose the right cutting tool！〉
 

Which material is better for a thread milling cutter？

A milling cutter is a tool used to mill metal and other materials. Due to its sharpness and wear resistance, it is capable of cutting metal and shaping it into the required size and shape. Since metal materials have a certain level of hardness, the blade material of the cutter also needs to possess a certain level of hardness. Common options available in the market include high-speed steel and carbide. Among them, carbide thread milling cutters are considered superior to high-speed steel counterparts in terms of wear resistance, hardness, toughness, and other factors. They are suitable for machining various materials.
〈Read more：What is the purpose of carbide milling cutters? How do they differ from other cutter materials？〉
 

Four Key Points to Know About Thread Milling Cutters

1. What are the machining methods for milling threads？

The machining methods for milling threads include single-point milling, multi-tool synchronized milling, rotary milling, helical milling, and combined turning and milling processes.
 

2. What are the types of thread milling cutters？

Thread milling cutters can be classified into different types based on the following criteria：

Different Types of Thread Milling Cutters based on Structure：

1. Disc-shaped Thread Milling Cutter：commonly used for machining sawtooth or trapezoidal threads.
2. Cylindrical Comb-shaped Thread Milling Cutter：commonly used for milling standard threads.
3. Cyclone Milling Cutters：commonly used for milling special threads with strict requirements.

Different Types of Thread Milling Cutters based on Usage Scenarios：

1. Single-Tooth：suitable for machining medium to large-sized threads or when stability is an issue.
2. Multi-Tooth：used when a single cutter is needed to machine different sizes of threads or when complete thread length needs to be machined in one pass.
3. Internal Coolant Thread Milling Cutter：features a multi-functional design that allows for milling, drilling, and chamfering of blind-hole threads.

Different Types of Thread Milling Cutters based on Thread Milling：

1. External Thread Milling Cutter：used for milling external threads.
2. Internal Thread Milling Cutter：used for milling internal threads.
3. Tapered Thread Milling Cutter：used for milling tapered threads.

3. How to use a thread milling cutter？

When using a thread milling cutter, there are specific steps to follow, and it is important to adhere to safety regulations to ensure efficiency and safety during the machining process. Here is the correct way to use a thread milling cutter：

1. Determine the type of thread to be machined - whether it is an internal or external thread, and the required thread dimensions, including the thread diameter, pitch, and depth.
2. Next, select the appropriate thread milling cutter based on the mentioned types of thread milling cutters. The cutter types can be single-tooth, multi-tooth (most thread milling cutters are multi-tooth), or internal coolant thread milling cutters (which have multiple functions including blind hole threading and chamfering). Ensure that the tool is in good condition and securely mount the thread milling cutter on the milling machine.
3. Once the cutter is fixed, set the parameters by adjusting the depth and speed of the cutter. Make sure they correspond to the expected machining results. Before starting the machining process, do a final check to ensure that both the workpiece and the cutter are properly installed.
4. During the machining process, it is important to maintain balance and stability of the thread milling cutter to ensure successful machining. After machining, inspect the results to check if the accuracy and quality meet expectations.
5. Regularly maintain the tool by cleaning and maintaining the thread milling cutter to prolong its service life.

 

4. How to prevent thread milling cutter wear and tear？

There are several factors that can contribute to the wear and tear of thread milling cutters. For example, repeated use can cause changes in shape, leading to wear. Environmental conditions can also play a role, such as exposure to corrosive liquids or gases. Applying excessive force during installation can result in deformation or damage to the cutter. Additionally, high temperatures can cause changes in the shape of the threads.

To prevent these issues, it is important to avoid the aforementioned situations. If a thread milling cutter becomes worn, it may not securely fasten objects, posing a safety risk. However, in some cases, wear and tear cannot be completely prevented, especially in challenging environments. In order to maintain performance, it is necessary to regularly inspect and maintain the threads. If wear is detected, it is important to promptly replace the thread milling cutter to ensure the quality and safety of metal machining.

 

How to choose the right thread milling cutter？

In order to select the appropriate thread milling cutter, there are several criteria to consider. Before making a choice, here are a few selection standards to keep in mind：
 

1. Criteria for selecting the right thread milling cutter？

This includes the desired material of the cutter, the material to be machined, the precision of the cutter, basic dimensional tolerances, size, processing method, brand, and price.
 

2. What happens if a poor quality thread milling cutter is chosen？

Choosing a poor quality thread milling cutter can lead to various issues. It may result in breakage during use and affect the quality of the output. It will be difficult to produce accurate threads, thus negating the purpose of milling. The processing speed may also decrease, affecting production efficiency. In the worst case, safety issues may arise as the cutter fails to securely fasten objects, potentially causing accidents. Therefore, it is essential to choose a high-quality thread milling cutter to prevent such incidents from occurring.
 

3. Are there any recommended thread milling cutters？

As mentioned above, when selecting a thread milling cutter, it is important to consider the material and precision requirements. By examining the specifications of available products on the market, if you wish to work with materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, or aluminum alloy, and also take into account the brand, you may consider the carbide thread milling cutters from Seven Star Technology.
Among their produced thread milling cutters, the T740TX ultrafine tungsten carbide-coated internal cold thread milling cutter has several noteworthy details. It features a left-hand rotation and right-hand cutting edge, which not only facilitates cutting but also helps with chip evacuation. Additionally, it has internal coolant supply to prevent overheating during the machining process, assisting with cooling and chip evacuation. The design also takes into consideration the practicality of the user, allowing for one-pass threading, saving time and effort. It is capable of cutting various materials and is highly recommended.
〈View more products：Thread Milling Cutters〉
 

Conclusion

In order to mill threads, it is necessary to choose a good thread milling cutter according to material, precision requirements, and safety considerations to avoid accidents. Among the many products available on the market, Seven Star Technology's carbide thread milling cutters have excellent performance, high precision, and can accommodate various materials, making them the top brand for thread milling cutter tools.