High-tensile materials, such as pre-hardened steel, high-strength alloy steel, or certain high-performance titanium alloys, place higher demands on processing tools due to their high tensile strength and hardness. In this case, milling is generally considered a more suitable processing method compared to tapping, mainly for the following reasons:
- Cutting force control
During tooth milling, cutting forces can be more precisely controlled, which is especially important for high-tensile materials that require greater force to remove material. By optimizing cutting parameters, such as cutting speed and feed rate, tooth milling can reduce stress on the material, thereby reducing the risk of material breakage during machining. - Thermal management
When machining high-tension materials, a large amount of heat is generated during the cutting process. Milling teeth can effectively manage this heat through appropriate cooling strategies, such as the use of coolant, thereby reducing thermal damage to the workpiece and tool. In contrast, tapping may be more difficult to dissipate heat effectively due to its continuous contact nature. - Reduced tool wear
Milling tools are typically made from high-hardness materials, such as tungsten carbide or cobalt alloys, which are able to withstand the wear and tear that occurs when machining high-tensile materials. The design of tooth milling cutters also allows them to be replaced or adjusted more easily to account for wear, thus extending tool life. - Processing flexibility
Milling teeth provide a high degree of processing flexibility and can be easily adjusted to suit different thread specifications and design requirements. This is especially important for machining high-performance parts made from high-tension materials, which often require precise thread specifications to meet stringent performance requirements. - High quality threads
Finally, milling can produce high-quality threads in high-strength materials, including smooth surfaces and precise thread shapes. This is because the thread milling process allows for more precise control of depth of cut and feed, which improves the overall quality and consistency of the thread.