3D Printed Thread Former With Integrated Coolant Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thread formers or drills face limitations in coolant flexibility and sealing issues during operation, with restricted bore geometries and challenging coolant transitions between the shaft and profile bodies.
Innovation Solution
The use of 3D printing technology to build up the profile and shaft bodies in layers, creating a coolant supply line within the shaft body aligned with coolant distribution lines in the profile body, allowing for targeted coolant application at thread pressure edges or cutting edges, with flexible coolant line geometries and precise sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If holes are made in the profile body from the outside for coolant application, then coolant can be applied to the thread pressing edges or thread cutting, but the bore geometries are restricted and the transition between shaft body and profile body is difficult to seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional external coolant holes to internally formed coolant channels created through 3D printing technology. This dimensional approach allows coolant supply lines to be formed within the shaft body and profile body, enabling complex curved geometries and precise positioning that were previously unachievable with traditional drilling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing parameter from traditional drilling to 3D printing layer-by-layer construction. This parameter change enables the creation of coolant channels with arbitrary geometries, including curved paths and precise outlet positions, while simultaneously solving the sealing problem at the connection between shaft body and profile body.
2Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece tap with central channel is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but coolant distribution to specific areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coolant distribution system into multiple independent channels: a central coolant supply line in the shaft body and multiple coolant distribution lines in the profile body. Each distribution line can have its own outlet opening positioned at specific locations, enabling targeted coolant application to different thread pressing edges or cutting areas simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements local quality by providing different coolant distribution characteristics at different locations. Each coolant distribution line can be configured with specific outlet positions and orientations, allowing optimized coolant delivery to specific high-heat areas while maintaining overall system simplicity through the modular channel design.
3Productivity
If the profile body is made from harder material than the shaft body, then thread cutting effectiveness is improved, but the connection between shaft body and profile body becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shaft body and profile body into a single integrated 3D printed structure. This combining approach eliminates the connection interface problem entirely, allowing the profile body to be made from hard material for effective thread cutting while the shaft body provides structural support, with the coolant channels seamlessly transitioning between sections through the unified manufacturing process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible and reliable coolant supply and discharge, improving machining efficiency by allowing curved coolant lines and precise coolant distribution, reducing material weakening, and enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the profile body and the shaft body have been built up in layers in a 3D printing process
Implementation Method 2
at least the profile body by selective melting or sintering of the applied material
Implementation Method 3
at least the profile body by selective melting or sintering of the applied material
Implementation Method 4
a coolant supply line, which is connected to several coolant distribution lines formed within the profile body, the coolant distribution lines each having an outlet opening in the area of the thread pressure edges or thread cutting
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 8~10
AI summary
The invention relates to a thread former or drill comprising a shaft body (10) having a clamping section (12) at one end and a holding section (14) at the other end, further comprising a profile body (16') formed separately from the shaft body (10) with thread forming edges (45) or thread cutting edges for forming or cutting a thread on a workpiece, wherein the profile body (16') has a connection section (20) at one end with which the profile body (16') can be attached to the holding section (14) of the shaft body (10), wherein at least the profile body (16') has been built up layer by layer in a 3D printing process, wherein a coolant supply line (40) is formed within the profile body (16') which is aligned with a coolant supply line (32) formed within the shaft body (10) when the profile body (16') is attached to the shaft body (10).which is connected to several coolant distribution lines (44, 44', 44", 44'') formed within the profile body (16'), wherein the coolant distribution lines (44, 44', 44", 44'") each have an outlet opening in the area of the thread forming edges (45) or thread cutting edges. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a thread former or drill.