If you have ever used a tap and die tool to produce threads on pipe or any other workpiece, you know just how frustrating the process can be. These tools are both time consuming to use and capable of jamming. This fault can potentially damage your workpiece and your tools. Luckily you can avoid all of the hassles of dealing with these tools when you thread mill pipe threads using a milling machine.

Computer Numerical Control(CNC) based milling machines have become one of the most important production technologies when it comes to creating custom components through material removal. By utilizing this technology, threaded components can be cut at rates much faster than tap and tie tools. Depending on the specific form of milling cutter being used, you can thread mill pipe threads in a single pass!

Full Form Thread Mills
The fastest way to thread a component is with a full form thread mill. These tools are designed with a row of small cutters that can cut an entire threaded surface quickly and easily. By dropping the length of a thread pitch during a 360 degree pass, every cutter terminates where the one below it began, forming a perfect helical thread. These tools can can a wide variety of thread sizes, though they can only cover a single thread pitch. They are typically available in a number of options to facilitate the cutting of specific tapered threads such as NPT threads. While these tools are definitely the fastest option, but not always the most versatile.

Single Pitch Thread Mills
Single pitch mills are designed to cut an entire threaded surface using only one cutting point. This requires a much longer tool path where the cutter moves allow the entire distance of the threads. While these tools take significantly longer than full form thread mills, they have many more applications. One obvious advantage is the ability for these tools to cut threads with different pitches without having to switch tools. Because the cutting surface on these tools is so much smaller, they can also be used for more delicate tasks. If you are threading a thin walled surface or a component with a delicate overhang, these single pitch tools will be the best option.

If you are looking to thread mill pipe threads or other threaded surfaces using a milling machine, you need to invest in high quality tools. Because the small teeth on these cutting tools are so delicate, solid carbide tools are one of the best options. Tools made from carbide are far more stable than steel tools and they will stay sharp longer, even at high temperatures.

Online Carbide is an American manufacturer of high quality solid carbide end mills and drill bits. When you visit www.onlinecarbide.com, you can find a wide variety of both full form and single pitch thread milling cutters. If you have any questions about any of the tools they carry, or you are interested in ordering custom end mills for your shop, you can reach a member of their team by sending an email to [email protected].