Bolts, screws, and studs are important fasteners, which are used in a variety of industrial applications. The successful use of these fasteners depends a great deal on their manufacturing processes. In this post we shall discuss the various aspects in the manufacturing of these bolts, screws, and fasteners.

yiyuan are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

The Basic Fastener Manufacturing Process

Most fasteners are manufactured using materials like stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, aluminum, and plastics. The manufacturing process for fasteners is unique depending on their individual function. The points below explain each step in detail:

1. Choosing the Raw Material: The raw material is decided based on the application and fastener requirements. The material needs to be inspected to ensure that it is certified to blueprint specifications. Material needs to be received, inspected, documented and I.Ded for the proper manufacturing process.

2. Creating the Fasteners: A few of the methods used to create a fastener are as follows:

• CNC Machining: Raw material in bar form is programed into a computerized machining center to manufacture close tolerance small to medium volume screws, bolts, fasteners and custom machine parts.
• Single Spindle Screw Machining: A faster production method to manufacture medium to large volume fasteners, inserts, flanges, pins and machined parts at a reduced cost.
• Multi Spindle Screw Machining: A very economical manufacturing process to provide precision parts in high volume quantities. Bars are fed into a machine with multiple stations.  Each station performing a different operation resulting in custom designed fasteners and machined parts.  Parts drop off machine complete to blueprint specifications.   

These are the first two steps in the manufacturing process of bolts, screws, and fasteners. The next post will discuss the optional steps, as well as testing and inspection.

Production of a lead screw

Zoe Moser | 5. June

Rolled vs. Whirled! The manufacture of a lead screw explained briefly and concisely

How does the production of lead screws actually work? What are the processes available and what is the difference between the thread rolling and thread whirling manufacturing processes?

To find out, we should first compare the two manufacturing methods of thread rolling and thread whirling.  

The manufacturing process of thread rolling

According to DIN , the manufacturing process of thread rolling is part of the manufacturing process of shaping. In contrast to thread whirling, it works absolutely without cutting.

The actual manufacture of the lead screw is explained very easily. A workpiece is placed centrally between two tools with profile.   They rotate simultaneously and the thread is rolled into the surface of the raw material by cold forming. The thread profile has been transferred to the workpiece by the compressive stress and rotation. The thread is created.

Let us look at an example of this:

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Screw Manufacturers.

The advantages: for high volumes, this production process is faster and more cost-effective than thread whirling. One reason for this is that the material requirement is lower. In addition, cold forming achieves a hardening of the surface and higher strength. The pitch angle, the high surface quality of the rolled thread and the low coefficient of friction of the plastics result in high efficiency and a long service life of the lead screw drive.

Our lead screws can be easily designed online. In just a few steps you can download the CAD data including production drawing free of charge. CAD software or knowledge in handling CAD programmes is not required. In addition to the configuration tool, igus naturally also offers a wide range of products in its online shop. We look forward to your visit.

Thread whirling production

Let us now look at the second manufacturing option. As already briefly mentioned above, thread whirling is a machining production process. Today, we dedicate ourselves to the production of the male thread.

The actual manufacturing process is also quickly explained here. Unlike thread rolling, thread whirling requires only one tool. This is ring-shaped and is clamped around the appropriate workpiece. This rotates very slowly, while the whirling tool rotates outside at very high speed. The thread is produced by inward facing cutting bits.

For a better illustration we have an example of this as well:

The advantages: the process is ideal for producing very precise threads that require a particularly high surface quality. This means that the surface is rougher and the edges sharper compared to thread rolling. Its flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of thread geometries. The process is often used for materials that are not or only poorly suitable for thread rolling.

Conclusion: lead screw production

Both processes have their special specifications igus uses thread rolling as a standard process because of the cost savings, better surface finish and longer service life. Thread whirling is more suitable for small quantities and for very precise threads with narrow tolerances. It always depends individually on the required specifications and application used.

Our experts will be pleased to advise you on the selection of the right lead screw: send a support request here.

For a better overview we have listed all advantages again here:

The company is the world’s best Stamping Parts supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.