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Thread Milling 3flutes - mach3 wizard
« on: April 05, 2010, 04:58:49 AM »
I need to make thread and I only have one thread mill. Can I use this thread mill with mach3's wizard on thread milling?

Any suggestions on what to use for thread milling. I have not done any before. I don't have a lathe. The mill I do have specs:

MSC #: 57569410
   
Scientific Cutting Tools
Qty:    [Add item to list]
Order Qty of 1 = (1) Piece
Your Price: $118.45 ea
In stock: 6
Mfr: Scientific Cutting Tools
Mfr #: TMLR370-20ELA
Description:    Solid Carbide Long Reach Thread Mills Thread Size: 1/2-20 Length of Cut: 1.200 In. Cutter Diameter: 0.370 In. Shank Dia Frac: 3/8 Overall Length: 3-1/2 Number of Flutes: 3
Thread Size:    1/2-20
Length of Cut (Decimal Inch):    1.2000"
Cutter Diameter (Decimal Inch):    .3700"
Shank Dia Frac:    3/8
Overall Length (Inch):    3-1/2
Number of Flutes:    3
Threads per Inch:    20UN
Coating:    TiAlN
Big Book Page #:    387
MSDS Sheet:    Get MSDS for this item
 

Offline RICH

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Re: Thread Milling 3flutes - mach3 wizard
« Reply #1 on: April 05, 2010, 08:16:03 AM »
New Fangled Solutions  which is a suite of mill add ons has a thread milling wizard. I have never used it, a seperate license is required thus you neeed to purchase it.

Quote
Mach3 Addons for Mill is a solution for using Mach3's wizard capability to simplify the creation of G-Code files.  This package will minimize the time it takes to go from "start to part".  A demonstration version of the Addons is included in the default Mach3 installation.  This version allows you to run through the actual wizards, chaining operations and generating toolpaths.  It will not, however, generate a Gcode file.  The Addons require a licensed copy of Mach3 in order to function properly.
RICH
Re: Thread Milling 3flutes - mach3 wizard
« Reply #2 on: May 30, 2010, 02:24:38 PM »
Not hard to program in any case. Here's an example for an M20 hole using an imaginary 10mm cutter. it's metric too so sub stitute your own values. Usual discalimers apply.

%

g0 x0 y0 (go to the axial centre of the hole at x0 y0)



#1=3.0 (create a variable called #1, value 3)
g0 x0 y10 z#1

g41 (set leftwards compensation for the tool of your choice)
(the first call of the subroutine is an introductory move over the work)

m98 p1 L15 (repeat the subroutine o1 ffiteen times)

g40 (cancel tool diameter offset)

g0 x0 y0 (retract to axial centre of hole)

g0 z20 (pull out to safe Z value)
m30 (finished!)

O1 (start of subroutine o1)
#1=[#1-2.5] (subtract thread pitch value from #1)
g03 x0 y10 z[#1] i0 j0 (mill a vertical helix descending by 1.25mm per turn)

m99 (end of subroutine)
%

I need to get some thread milling cutters actually, they'd save a lot of time. the program here would work with only one tooth but if you had a multi toothed cutter you could drop the cutter most of the way into the hole, then do two subroutine passes (one as an introductory move) to cut the thread.

As i said ... usual discalimers apply ... this should work, but try it on foam first. i would, so you should too ;)
Re: Thread Milling 3flutes - mach3 wizard
« Reply #3 on: May 31, 2010, 06:44:46 AM »
quick update here, replace g03 with g02 if you want a right hand thread  :D