Thread WhirlingFor thread forming｜ Swiss CNC lathes

Highly efficient single pass machining of multi-lead threads

High productivity for precision screw manufacturing, like implant screws and bone screws

Ideal for medical screw thread forms that are becoming more complex
Single pass thread forming reduces cycle time

Product video

Features

  • NTK's insert design technology creates precise inserts matching even the most complex thread forms
  • Sharp cutting edges and PVD coated inserts generate superior surface finishes and achieves long tool life

Tooling application

Swiss CNC lathes threading

Comparison of single point and thread whirling process

In thread whirling, the whirling head is tilted to a specific helix angle, the cutter is rotated at high speed, the bar stock (c axis) is rotated at a low speed, and the pitch (z axis) is the feed.
The inserts shear the material which enables single pass thread forming.

Multi-lead thread Single pass forming examples

Machining multi-lead tread forms has many process requirements.
So it is important to contact us to discuss: mechanical specifications, spindle specifications, insert specifications, tooling specifications.

Thread Geometry

The geometries shown above are approximated and vary depending on actual application details.

Recommended cutting conditions

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Whirling cutter speed Main spindle speed Feed rate
1,000 - 4,000 min-1 10 - 30 min-1 Same as thread lead = pitch

Target applications

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Workpiece diameters Work materials
For cutter with ID of φ12mm
 Pure titanium, titanium alloys, SUS316, etc.

Case study

Worm gear
Work material : Brass
Bar stock diameter : φ7 Major diameter : φ6 Minor diameter : φ4
Number of start : 2 Helix angle : 10.1° Hand of thread: left
Main spindle speed : 30min -1
Whirling cutter speed : 3,200min -1
Lead = Feed : 2.8mm/rev
NTK Thread Whirling
9 teeth

25 seconds
Single point

50 seconds

By replacing the single point threading tools with a thread whirling system the machine time for threading operation is greatly reduced and the total cycle time for the part is cut by 50%.

Pin
Work material : Hastelloy
Bar stock diameter : φ3 Major diameter : φ1.5 Minor diameter : φ1.1
Number of leads : 1 Helix angle : 4.3° Hand of thread: right
Main spindle speed : 20min -1
Whirling cutter speed : 2,250min -1
Lead = Feed : 0.3mm/rev
NTK Thread Whirling
9 teeth

600 pcs / corner
Single point
100 pcs / corner

By replacing the single point threading tools the threading system significantly improved tool life machining the difficult to cut Hastelloy material.

Bone screw
Work material : SUS316
Bar stock diameter : φ8 Major diameter : φ3.45 Minor diameter : φ2．67
Number of leads : 2 Helix angle : 7.5° Hand of thread: right
Main spindle speed : 23min -1
Whirling cutter speed : 2,000min -1
Lead = Feed : 1.24mm/rev
NTK Thread Whirling
9 teeth

2,600 pcs / corner
Competitor’s Thread Whirling 6 teeth

1,000 pcs / corner

NTK thread whirling inserts achieved 2.6 x longer tool life compared to the competitor's thread whirling inserts.

Bone screw
Work material : SUS316
Bar stock diameter : φ6.35 Major diameter : φ3.23 Minor diameter : φ2.2
Number of leads : 1 Helix angle : 8.5° Hand of thread: right
Main spindle speed : 15min -1
Whirling cutter speed : 2,250min -1
Lead = Feed : 1.27mm/rev
NTK Thread Whirling
9 teeth

1,200 pcs / corner
Competitor’s Thread Whirling 12 teeth

1,000 pcs / corner
Competitor’s Thread Whirling 3 teeth

400 pcs / corner

NTK whirling inserts achieved 1.2 to 3 times longer tool life compared to the competition.

Tool lineup

View Catalog Information

Please check product catalog for tooling lineup

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