ProtecPower: Protective shield for thread rollers
LMT Fette is presenting the world’s first coating for thread rollers. The new ProtecPower coating enables an additional performance boost for non-cutting thread production. Tool life can be prolonged by up to 30%.
Thread rolling produces high-strength threads faster and more precisely than using cutting techniques. Under enormous pressure, the threads are produced on the workpiece as part of a rapid forming process. The entire surface of the tool is affected by this process and the huge strains involved present new challenges for the developers of tool coatings. Instead of mainly protecting the blade, as is the case with cutting tools, in thread rolling a coating has to act as a shield for the whole roller.
The Protec coating, which is produced using thin-film technology, adheres firmly to the roller surface and protects the entire head against pressure, ensuring significantly longer tool life. This thin-film coating behaves elastically and flexibly. Additionally, it optimizes the rolling process by improving friction properties. LMT coating experts have tailored the new layer for the specific strains of processing hard materials from 900 N/mm2 upwards. As a result, the Protec-coated thread rollers, which can be used in various LMT Fette thread rolling heads, have an up to 30% longer tool life.