What are the Differences Between Thread Rolling and Thread Cutting?

Thread Rolling is a Thread forming method that does not cut or shave the surface to make threads but reforms and molds threads on it with applied pressure. It is a cold forging method meaning that squeezes the metal to form threads below its recrystallization temperature. It is not exactly a new technology and has been around for a very long time. However, the recent advancement in technology and the industry allowed this method to be precise and cost-effective for mass manufacturing only recently.

On the other hand, Thread Cutting involves using a cutting tool to remove material from the workpiece to create the threads. It is a subtractive method that outputs a considerable amount of chips or shavings in the process. This can be done with a single-point tool on a lathe or with a multi-point tool on a screw machine. Thread cutting is typically used to produce threads on bolts, screws, and other fasteners, and it is capable of producing threads with a wide range of thread profiles and pitches. Unlike the rolling method, Thread Cutting allows for the production of threads on a wider range of materials.

So to summarize the differences; thread rolling is a more efficient and cost-effective process than thread cutting, but thread cutting is more versatile and can be used on a wider range of metals.