What are threading inserts?
The inserts have an external thread that resembles a coarse wood screw thread and an inside thread that resembles a fine machine screw thread. You can effectively use machine screws in wood with them, as they are useful for any item that will require the screw to be removed later. The threads of conventional wood screws are damaged when you remove them from the wood. If the line completely disappears from a wood screw hole, the screw will no longer be able to be fitted into that hole. Threaded inserts allow threaded machine screws, which is a more convenient method to accomplish this task.
Threading inserts Types
Internal thread
The term internal thread refers to a thread found on nuts or tapped holes, while the term external thread refers to one found on bolts, studs, or screws. The axial thread form is the name given to orientated threads that are oriented axially. There are three parts to a thread profile. These are the crest, the root, and the flanks.
External Thread
Inserts with threads on both the outside and the inside of the carbide threading insert are called externally threaded inserts. Generally, the inserts are threaded into a pre-tapped hole, or, in the case of some carbide threading inserts, the inserts can tap their own thread into a drilled or molded hole. Various types of anchorages are then used, including nylon locking elements, as well as other means.
How to choose the insert geometry
For thread turning, one of the most important considerations in choosing the correct insert geometry. Geometry affects many aspects of the tool life, such as chip control, insert wear, thread quality, and tool life in general.
Flat geometry
Flat geometry provides overall functionality; it can be used to work with a wide range of materials. A round cutting edge adds strength to the cutting edge.
Sharp geometry
These are suitable for sticky, work-hardening materials such as low-carbon steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous materials, and superalloys, to name a few. Their cutting edge is sharp, resulting in a high level of surface finish and low cutting forces.
Chip-breaking geometry
This type of geometry is used for materials that are long in the chips. The product can also be used as a byproduct to strengthen stainless steel, alloyed steel, and non-ferrous metals. A machining geometry optimized for chip-forming to maximize the efficiency and precision of the process. The use of this geometry is not recommended for radial infeed operations.
Threading insert Shapes
Among threading inserts, some have a single cutting surface, while others have multiple surfaces which can be used to continue threading when a tooth wears out. Several dimensions determine the number of sides and angles of the threading insert.
The GlobalSpec SpecSearch database provides information about many different types of threading inserts. Most are described according to shape.
- Circular: Threading inserts, also known as round inserts or circular threading inserts, are circular machines used in button mills and radius groove turning machines. Once part of the edge wears out, some are adjustable to use the unused portion.
- Diamond:Designed with four sides and two acute angles, diamond-shaped thread cutting inserts have four sides and can be used for thread cutting.
- Triangle: There are three equal sides and three tips to a triangular threading insert. Each of these sides and ends includes an angle of 60 degrees. Using indexable machines is the preferred method of using these products, which have several teeth.
- Trigon: They are elastic triangular-shaped threading inserts that have different geometry. Some cutters have bowed sides or have an intermediate angle on the sides to accommodate higher included angles at the tips.
- Square: There are four equal sides to square threading inserts, a unique shape characterized by its square cut-out tip. Threading inserts with square cut-out tips are used for precise thread cutting.
- Rectangle: There are two long side lengths and two short side lengths on rectangular threading inserts. As such, the short sides of the segments are the cutting edges used in grooving operations.
- Rhombus: There are also four-sided rhombic threading inserts and parallelogram threading inserts with an angle on the side for clearance between the cutting points.
- Pentagon: The hexagon threading insert is comprised of five equally sized sides and an equal angle to cut various types of threads.
- Hexagon: It may be called a hexagon threading insert, as it has six sides.
- Octagon: Input inserts called octagons or octagonal threading inserts have eight sides and are typically indexable for complicated cutting processes.
Choosing Insert Type
Full profile insert
Full profile inserts are the most popular inserts. With this tool, the crest of the thread can be cut completely, as well as the thread’s profile.
For a stronger thread, it ensures the bottom, top, and depth of the thread are all in the right places. Also, regardless of the thread profile, this will help eliminate any deburring. Due to the larger nose radius, fewer passes are needed compared to a V-profile insert. In addition, it allows you to thread more efficiently. For this reason, it is necessary to have a separate insert for each pitch and profile.
V-profile insert
There is no V-profile insert attached to the thread crests. Using the same diameter screw and nut is imperative before threading any screw or nut. This can be accomplished by turning the outer diameter of the screw to the same diameter as the inner diameter of the nut. Furthermore, it is possible to use the same insert for multiple pitches as long as the thread profile angle (60° or 55°) and radius are the same. As a result, the nose radius of the insert is smaller to cover the range of pitches, therefore reducing the tool life and creating Burrs on the tool.
Multi-point insert
Unlike full profile inserts, multi-point inserts have more than one insert point (NT>1), similar to full profile inserts. If an insert consists of two points, the productivity is doubled. If an insert consists of three points, the productivity is tripled. As a result, the tool’s life is extended, productivity is increased, and costs are reduced since fewer passes are required. Because the cutting edge has a longer contact length, stable conditions are necessary due to the increased cutting forces. Besides being able to clear all the teeth, it also needs to have a sufficient gap behind the last thread for the insert to insert fully.
Tips on Using Thread inserts
The basic threaded inserts are thread-in and press-in, with sizes ranging from 8-32.
In softer woods and plywood, thread-in inserts are a good choice because their coarse outside threads ease the cutting process. You can then screw the insert into place by drilling a hole the right size for its body. White oak and maple are hardwoods, so drilling a hole slightly larger than the outside thread diameter and epoxying in the insert is recommended. If the insert is close to the edge of the part and screwing it in might split it, make sure to drill a hole slightly larger than the outside thread diameter. It would be best if you covered the end of the insert with epoxy to protect the threads inside.
Hardwoods, softwoods, and plywood all work well with press-in inserts because of their barbed exteriors. The well should be drilled so that the body of the insert will fit inside the hole. You can clamp the insert into place or tap it with a hammer and a block of wood. The drilling hole needs to be deep enough so that the epoxy engages only the tips of the insert barbs. This is especially important for applications where the clamping action tends to pull the inserts out of the wood, such as knobs on a drill-press fence extension.
How to use threaded inserts?
This video uses insert nuts with an outside diameter of around 8.5mm, smaller than those I am using in the video. The first hole should be 9mm in diameter for something like this. You can use softwoods as thin as 8mm if you need a tight-fitting. The manufacturer should always determine the pilot hole size. For drilling depths, drills are equipped with depth-stops. This is especially useful if you need to drill many holes at once.
It can be challenging to fit the screw into the hole. Some screws include a hex socket built into the head. You can use flat blade screwdrivers with the slot. You can prevent the machine screw from moving by using the one you plan to use in the final fitting and attaching a locking nut. Once the insert nut is fully driven home, it can be finished with an impact driver. You can remove the machine screw by removing the nut with a small spanner. In addition to threaded inserts with heads.
There are several threaded inserts, each featuring a unique design, but they are all designed with female threading to support fasteners with male threading. A spiral design is a characteristic of circular threaded inserts, for example, and they are usually made of steel or bronze. The metal is coiled up in the appropriate size and shape to support the threaded fastener.
Additionally, some inserts feature a nut wrapped around female threading that belongs to this kind of product; when a fastener is driven into the cage nuts, the tops of the nuts feature “wings” that dig into the object when the fasteners are driven into them.
In terms of threading, externally threaded inserts are those with threads on the exterior, as their name implies. The threads have been internalized, but the external threads are also present. In this regard, I would like to know what this external threading is for. It is much easier to drive them into predrilled holes if they feature external threading since they can easily be driven into them.
How to install thread inserts
Inserts with threads are an excellent choice for reinforcing threads on bolts and studs when they are frequently installed and removed. Choosing the right threaded inserts when working with weaker materials can provide a strong, durable solution.
Installing Threaded Inserts
Getting started is easy. Use the steps below to get started.
- You will need a drill to remove the old threads.
- Prepare the countersinks to match the table’s diameter.
- Use a standard tap to tap the new threads after completing the countersinks.
- Install inserts slightly below the surface (.010 to .030 inches) by hand or using installation tools.
- Tap the installation tool on the key to drive it into the surface.
Some Common Angles of Threading Inserts
Some of the most common or standard angles for turning inserts include 55, 60, and 90. There could be some variation in these, but they are most frequently used. In addition, some common models of threading inserts include 16ER AG55, 16IR AG55, GC1125, GC1135, GC1025, 16er ag60 insert, 11er a60, 11ir a60 inserts, 16Ir ag60 insert and CB7015.
How to Remove Threaded Inserts
In just the same way that replacing threaded inserts is a straightforward process, removing them is equally straightforward. If you wish to see how to do this, please see below.
- The procedure includes drilling out the locking keys according to certain drill diameters and drill depths.
- Once the keys are deflected inward, break them off.
- You will need a tool to remove the insert.
- Once the insert has been removed, screw the replacement into the existing holes. Nothing has been damaged.
Bottom Line
Once you know all the necessary details regarding threading inserts, you will now be able to use threading inserts in CNC threading more efficiently. It is important to remember all the steps mentioned above to give the best shot of Inserting the threads.
When threading is necessary for your application, precise and consistent threading is paramount. Huana Tools offers an exclusive selection of high-performance threading inserts that will ensure 100% accurate threading every time. Huana Tools threading inserts are made of tungsten carbide for both standard and custom threading applications. Our threading experts are also ready to help you improve the threading of your products.
Whatever the thread pitch, profile or material, we can provide you with the solutions you need. The threading tools and inserts we offer help you produce quality threads for interiors and exteriors.
