CNC: Deviations from the nominal thread profile due to tilting angle of the cutting insert?

  • Thread starter Thread starter FranzS
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cutting
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of tilting the cutting insert at an angle during CNC threading, particularly for threads with a high pitch to diameter ratio. Participants explore the implications of this tilting on the resulting thread profile, specifically regarding the flank angle and the nominal cross-section profile of the thread.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether tilting the insert would increase the flank angle of the resulting thread profile, potentially leading to a "widening" effect.
  • There is a suggestion that the impact of tilting on the flank angle is minimal and likely remains within acceptable tolerances.
  • Participants discuss the relationship between the nominal cross-section profile of a thread and its orientation, debating whether it should be considered along the lathe's z-axis or perpendicular to the thread helix, taking the tilt angle into account.
  • One participant emphasizes that if a tilt is necessary due to a small shank diameter, it may indicate that the thread pitch is too coarse, which could lead to issues with the nut coming undone.
  • Technical details are provided regarding the cutting process, including how the tool interacts with the material and the implications of tool geometry on thread cutting.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effects of tilting the insert and the correct orientation for considering the nominal cross-section profile. There is no clear consensus on these issues, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the discussion involves assumptions about tolerances and the specific conditions under which tilting is applied, which may not be universally applicable.

FranzS
Messages
86
Reaction score
26
TL;DR
Deviations from the nominal thread profile due to tilting angle of the cutting insert?
Hello CNC experts!
For threads with a high "pitch to diameter ratio", so to speak, the manufacturers of cutting inserts for CNC threading suggest tilting the insert at an angle ##\lambda## with respect to the ##z## axis (spindle axis on a lathe), so that the cutting edge/surface of the insert will work perpendicular to the groove it's "digging" (though that is true only at a very specific diameter [##x## coordinate on a lathe], but let's not get into such tiny details).
See for example what the manufacturer Sandvik Coromant writes (link: https://www.sandvik.coromant.com/en.../how-to-choose-thread-turning-insert-and-shim):

IMG_20241202_215011.jpg



My question #1 is: wouldn't such a tilting "widen" the profile of the resulting thread (i.e. increase the flank angle with respect to its nominal value) when the cross-section of the thread along the ##z## axis (not considering angle ##\lambda##) is inspected?
I guess the "widening" of the flank angle due to the tilting is so small that it is still within the tolerances indicated by the standards?

And here's my question #2, closely related to the previous one: is the nominal cross-section profile of a thread (ISO, etc.) to be considered along the "threaded stem" axis (i.e. the lathe's ##z## axis) or perpendicular to the thread helix (thus taking into account the ##\lambda## angle)?
I've always thought the former was the correct cross-section to be considered.

Thanks for your attention.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
FranzS said:
I guess the "widening" of the flank angle due to the tilting is so small that it is still within the tolerances indicated by the standards?
That is correct.
If the shank diameter is so small, that a tilt must be present, then the thread pitch is too coarse. The angle of the thread as a helix will then be too steep, and the nut will tend to come undone.

When cutting the thread, only the rounded tip and one side of the profile tool is cutting. The helical waste is then easier to curl, and can exit from the tool as a strip or helix without tangling. Between passes, the tool is advanced diagonally, parallel with one flank as the thread becomes deeper. By hand, that advance is usually done on the compound slide.

Normally, for reducing shank diameter, or cutting right-hand threads, you cut with the left flank of the tool, which for threads, has the lower relief angle, less chatter, and better finish. Meanwhile, you follow the flank on the right of the tool, where there is higher relief, but without cutting, so not damaging that less supported, so more vulnerable, right-hand edge of the tool.

Coarse pith threads on small diameter shanks, are the occasion that may require a tilt of the tool to increase the presented relief angle on the left-hand side of the insert.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: FranzS
Baluncore said:
That is correct.
If the shank diameter is so small, that a tilt must be present, then the thread pitch is too coarse. The angle of the thread as a helix will then be too steep, and the nut will tend to come undone.

When cutting the thread, only the rounded tip and one side of the profile tool is cutting. The helical waste is then easier to curl, and can exit from the tool as a strip or helix without tangling. Between passes, the tool is advanced diagonally, parallel with one flank as the thread becomes deeper. By hand, that advance is usually done on the compound slide.

Normally, for reducing shank diameter, or cutting right-hand threads, you cut with the left flank of the tool, which for threads, has the lower relief angle, less chatter, and better finish. Meanwhile, you follow the flank on the right of the tool, where there is higher relief, but without cutting, so not damaging that less supported, so more vulnerable, right-hand edge of the tool.

Coarse pith threads on small diameter shanks, are the occasion that may require a tilt of the tool to increase the presented relief angle on the left-hand side of the insert.
Great, thanks a lot
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K