EXSYS Tool Introduces A Thread Whirling Toolholder

Thread whirling increases tool life by distributing the cutting load over several inserts.

EXSYS Tool is introducing its latest thread whirling toolholder designed for single-spindle Swiss screw machines to machines high-precision OD threads in challenging materials.

An inexpensive alternative to dedicated thread whirling machines, the EXSYS toolholder is ideal for processing micro-components with long, slender thread profiles such as medical bone screws, dental implants and aerospace fasteners.

The ring-shaped toolholder has an adjustable range of zero and 15 degrees to accommodate most profile shapes. It employs a maximum input and output rpm of 6,000 1/min and maximum torque output of 13 Nm to threadmill rough stock at extremely high speeds.

Because of its open interface, the EXSYS toolholder accommodates cutting tool inserts from different suppliers. The chosen inserts, however, must be identical and evenly spaced for the thread whirling process. The cutting edges of these inserts face the toolholder’s opening and rotate around the bar stock to cut an external thread. The machine’s Z-axis longitudinally feeds the toolholder at high speeds, while the bar stock rotates at slow speeds via C-axis control. Each insert then takes its cut of the material as the toolholder whirls around the bar stock.

Thread whirling with the EXSYS toolholder has several advantages over traditional, single-point threading operations. Thread whirling increases tool life by distributing the cutting load over several inserts. The process also cuts threads to their full depths, including full deburr, in one pass. Single-point threading, on the other hand, has one cutting edge, taking the entire cutting load over several passes. Furthermore, in thread whirling, users can freely select their speeds and feeds to suit ideal cutting conditions.

Also, because the EXSYS toolholder’s cutting action takes place near the machine’s guide bushing, users achieve maximum rigidity during the threading process, which ultimately results in accurate, quality components with high surface finish.

The EXSYS thread whirling toolholder mounts to one of the rotary tool stations on the Swiss screw machine and offers fast cutting tool change outs.

For more information, visit www.exsys-tool.com.