There is a special process, but I can remember the name, it's not a special Tap or die, it's not grinding and it's not "softening" the steel, It is a special and expensive process, and I belive the word electric o dielectric is in the name of this process although I'm not sure
2006-08-08 04:14:34 · 2 answers · asked by elcabula2002 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Hi. Are you looking for EDM, Electro-Discharge Machining? Cuts just about any conductive material.
2006-08-08 04:23:54 · answer #1 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The steel is usually hardened AFTER having the threads cut in it. It is a much cheaper and easier process than EDM, that way. You just use a machine lathe, and cut the threads. Depending on just how hard your steel is, you might be able to anneal (soften) it, by mild heating and slow cooling, then cut your threads, then re-harden it by tempering (Heating to the desired temperature and rapid quenching/cooling.) I believe that there is also an induction process that can be used to harden taps and dies (again, AFTER their threads have been cut); you might want to look into that.
2006-08-08 04:39:43 · answer #2 · answered by cdf-rom 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋