Screw whirling machine

Types of screw whirling machines

Screw whirling machines perform the same basic process but differ in type and application. Types of screw whirling machines include tapping whirling machines, cutting screw whirling machines, and micro-screw whirling machines.

• Tapping screw whirling machines: These specialized machines are designed to produce screws with fully threaded bodies, including a precise tapping section. Tapping whirling machines can manufacture screws with complex thread geometries and tight tolerances. Some models of tapping whirling screws have multi-spindle setups, increasing their production efficiency for high-volume screw production.
• Cutting screw whirling machines: These machines produce screws by cutting threads onto a smooth cylindrical blank. The type of screw whirling machine used can influence the friction and resistance encountered during the whirling process. Some cutting Screw whirling machines work by forming threads through external cutting processes. This may involve the use of multiple stationary cutting tools that are positioned precisely to create the threads as the blank of the material is rotated. In contrast to other methods of thread production, external thread cutting may be preferred for its simplicity.
• Micro-screw whirling machines: Micro-screw machines are designed to manufacture small-diameter screws, often used in precision applications such as electronics, watches, and medical devices. These micro-screw machines offer high accuracy and flexibility to produce intricate screw designs.

Specification and maintenance of screw whirling machine

• Applicable materials

  The raw materials for the whirling screw include copper and its alloys, iron materials and stainless steel. Common brass is an alloy made up of 60% copper and 40% zinc. Copper alloys may include metals such as nickel, zinc, tin, or aluminium. Their properties are determined by the proportion of the different metals. Compared to brass, bronze contains a higher copper content, usually comprising 70% copper and 30% zinc. The proportion of metals can affect the strength of the alloy. For example, bronze tends to have higher corrosion resistance and durability. Unlike brass and bronze, steel materials are made up of iron and carbon. Steel is much harder than copper alloys. Steel lacks the flexibility to perform some whirling operations. Steel can be whirled only when it has a low strength. The common stainless steel used for whirling is 304 stainless steel. A whirling screw machine can perform various whirling operations with different materials.

• The maximum length

  Various screws produced by the whirling screw machines have their own specific maximum lengths. Generally, the length of a screw is always correlated with the application. For example, the length of a wood screw ranges from 1 inch to 4 inches, and the longer the length, the more challenging it is to whirl it. Industrial screws can reach a maximum length of 40 inches. However, industrial application scenarios also require very long screws, such as a length of 84 inches, but the diameter must be increased to whirl such a length. At present, the whirling screw machine can whirl the screw length within 84 inches through a fixed-type whirling head.

• The maximum diameter

  When the screw diameter exceeds 2 inches, a whirling head with a fixed position is required to perform the whirling operation. The material of the whirling head is generally cast iron or other high-strength materials. It plays a supporting role in the whirling process to ensure that the whirled screws are of high precision and good quality.

Maintenance

• Lubrication

  Regular lubrication of moving parts to prevent wear and tear is important. Lubricating oil or grease with adequate quality should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Lubrication can prevent the screw whirling machine's moving parts from being easily damaged and maintain its service life.

• Cleaning

  It is essential to clean up the residual materials and debris after using the screw whirling machine, and periodic cleaning is needed. In this way, the tool and the machine's working surface will always be kept clean to avoid scratches and damage to the materials being made. Meanwhile, it is also helpful to keep the machine in good condition.

• Inspection

  For the screw whirling machine's tools and parts, a regular inspection and timely repair or replacement of damaged or abraded components are also critical. This way, the machining accuracy of the whirling machine can be ensured, thereby enhancing the quality of the whirled screws.

• Maintenance of electrical parts

  The electro parts of the screw whirling machine, such as the control box and electric motor, need maintenance to keep them from dust, moisture, and other pollutants. Furthermore, in order to keep the machine working well and prevent electrical faults, it is necessary to check the wiring and connectors to ensure they are firm and reliable, and to clean the electrical contacts.

• Safeguarding

  The protection devices of the screw whirling machine should be checked regularly to ensure their normal operation. The safeguarding devices are to prevent accidental injuries during the whirling process; therefore, it is essential to safeguard them correctly and ensure they are in good condition.

Applications of screw whirling machines

Whirling machines have a variety of applications due to their ability to manufacture screws in different sizes, types, and material. This makes them essential and widely used in many industries and sectors.

• Automobile industry: The automobile industry relies heavily on screws and bolts for assembling different parts and components of vehicles. Some of the components include wheels, brakes, engines, transmissions, and body assemblies. This includes self-drilling screws for the auto industry, which has sharp threads that cut into material without needing pre-drilled holes. Whirling machines create screws used in these assemblies. An industry cannot function without screw machines.
• Construction industry: The construction industry uses screws to attach various building materials, including wood, metal, drywall, and decks, among others. As building materials are becoming stronger and heavier, the construction industry is seeing an increase in structural assemblies, heavy-duty joining, and prefabricated construction, all of which require screws. An w and screw machines easily make screws used in these assembly heavy-duty constructions.
• Furniture manufacturing: Various furniture pieces are constructed by fastening sheets of glass, metal, plastics, and wood together using screws. Furniture whirling machines create these screws. Therefore, these machines are necessary for creating furnishing pieces.
• Aerospace industry: Just like the automobile industry, the aerospace industry makes heavy use of screws and bolts to assemble critical components and systems such as airframes, engines, landing gear, and avionics. Spacecraft also make use of screws. Precision is paramount when manufacturing aerospace screws. Therefore, these screws have to be manufactured using precision tooling techniques like whirling.
• Medical equipment manufacturing: Various medical equipment such as surgical devices, diagnostic machines, and implantable devices have to be manufactured with precision screws. Their unique designs and delicate functions require the use of precision screws with small sizes. Therefore, a whirling machine with precision tooling is used to create these screws. It’s essential for the screw to mate accurately with mechanical parts of these medical devices.
• Consumer electronics assembly: Precision screws are commonly used to assemble consumer electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras. Precision whirling machines make these screws. They have high accuracy and can cut and create small-sized screws.

How to choose screw whirling machines

When buying a screw whirling machine for sale, the target market should be the priority. Determine the parameters of the target customers by considering the applications of the machines in their industries and the types of screws they manufacture. It's important to choose a screw whirling machine with features that match the requirements of the target customer base.

Quality assurance should also be a goal when buying a screw whirling machine to sell. As such, it's important to partner with a reputable supplier or manufacturer who offers reliable machines. Additionally, it's important to inquire about the warranty offered for the machines. This protects customers and ensures peace of mind in case of any technical issues or defects.

Since most industries crave machines that boost productivity, it is vital to consider the efficiency and production capacity of the whirling machines when purchasing them. Select machines that have fast processing times and high production capacities to cater to the needs of customers looking for screw-whirling machines to increase their output.

Consider machines with flexible settings that accommodate various screw specifications when buying screw-whirling machines for screws of different sizes and materials. Furthermore, the ease of operation of a whirling machine is crucial. Choose a machine that has user-friendly controls and clear instructions for easy setup and operation. Investigating the machine's maintenance needs and the availability of spare parts can also go a long way in determining the success of the business in offering after-sales support to customers.

Finally, consider the safety features of the whirling machine, such as emergency stop buttons and guards, to minimize potential risks. Whirling machines with safety elements protect operators and minimize the likelihood of accidents or injuries.

Q&A

Q1. What industries use screw whirling machines?

A1. A screw whirling machine makes screws used in the carpentry and woodwork, automotive, plumbing, and general fastening industries. Specialist whirling machines make firearm screws that are used in the military and security industry. The general industry uses whirling machines to make screws that are used in the assembly of machinery and equipment.

Q2. What type of metals can a screw whirling machine work with?

A2. Steel whirling machines make screws using various metals, depending on the durability required. Common combinations are stainless steel or brass and titanium or alloy steel.

Q3. Are CNC screw whirling machines available?

A3. Yes. CNC screw whirling machines are available and are common in the industry. These machines use computer-aided technology for more precise control of the screw-making process.

Q4. What is the average production capacity of a screw whirling machine?

A4. This depends on the type and specifications of the machine. Some machines can produce over 1000 screws per hour. This high capacity suits large-scale industrial screw production.