Thread Cutting Applications

KolverUSA Tech Articles and News

Thread Cutting Applications

Posted By: Jim Chase on Aug 9, 2009

The most common manufacturing defect with thread cutting fasteners is lifted head screws, or screws that are not fully threaded into the part.

This defect occurs when the torque required to cut the thread is higher than the final torque. Torque wrenches and most power tools can only be set to one torque setting. Therefore they stop tightening the fastener after the torque they are set for is reached; whether or not the screw is fully tightened. This type of defect is commonly known as a lifted head screw. This type of defect is frequently seen in application using metal screws cutting threads into plastic, metal screws with loctite or other adhesives cured on the thread prior to fastening, and metal screws cutting threads into aluminum.

Kolver has solved this problem with the introduction of the version 2.2 software for the EDU1AE. The new software has a new parameter "Delay Time". When the Delay Time parameter is set to any value other than zero the unit is running at the full torque capacity and factory set RPM level of the specific PLUTO screwdriver connected to the EDU1AE controller for that time period. During the Delay Time the torque output of the screwdriver is not limited in any way.

See the graph below for a representation of the thread cutting process:

thread_cutting_graph

The Delay Time feature for thread cutting applications is unique among low cost screwdrivers. Before Kolver's introduction of this feature customers only choice was an expensive Transducer Controller system.