Tying Up Loose Threads/Machine builders develop technologies that improve thread grinding

摘要

Thread grinding is one of the most challenging grinding tasks, because the operator has to be concerned with precise lead, pitch, and flank and helix angles. It is not just grinding to a diameter, but producing a specific form to a specific diameter. The form may be a 60 deg V thread, a 29 deg angle Acme thread or a gothic thread for a ballscrew. This is difficult considering the grinding wheel that is required to hold a fine radius in the root of the thread also has to remove the rest of the material in a cost-effective manner. Because of material hardness and high-precision and fine surface-finish requirements, some parts must be thread-ground. Precision ballscrews, lead screws, worm gears, thread gages and automotive steering components are good examples. Precision parts with internal threads that are typically thread-ground include ball nuts and thread ring gages.