Measurement of Screw Threads
Module 5- Part 1
CONTENTS:
Introduction to Screw Thread
Screw Thread Terminology
Types of thread Form
Introduction:
Threads are of prime importance, they are used as
fasteners. It is a helical groove, used to transmit force
and motion. In plain shaft, the whole assembly, the
object of dimensional control is to ensure a certain
consistency of fit.
In case of thread work, the object is to ensure
mechanical strength of the screw thread, being governed
by the amount of flank contact rather than by fit in a
threaded hole.
- The performance of screw threads during their assembly with
nut depends upon a number of parameters such as the condition
of the machine tool used for screw cutting, work material and
tool.
-The inspection of the screw threads reveals the nature of defects
present the geometric aspects of screw threads are relatively
complex with respect to the interrelationship of pitch diameter,
variation in lead, helix and flank angle.
-The gauging of screw threads is the process of determining the
extent to which screw thread conform dimensionally to the
prescribed limits of size.
Screw Thread Terminology
Lead: The axial distance advanced by the screw in one
revolution is the lead
Pitch: It is the distance measured parallel to the screw
threads axis between the corresponding points on two
adjacent threads in the same axial plane. The basic pitch is
equal to the lead divided by the number of thread starts.
Minor diameter: It is the diameter of an imaginary co-axial
cylinder which touches the roots of external threads.
Major diameter: It is the diameter of an imaginary co-axial
cylinder which touches the crests of an external thread and
the root of an internal thread.
Pitch diameter: It is the diameter at which the thread space
and width are equal to half of the screw thread.
Helix angle: It is the angle made by the helix of the thread at
the pitch line with the axis. The angle is measured in an axial
plane.
Flank angle: It is the angle between the flank and a line
normal to the maxis passing through the apex of the thread.
Height of thread: It is the distance measured radially
between the major and minor diameters respectively.
Depth of thread: It is the distance from the tip of thread to
the root of the thread measured perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis.
Form of thread: This is the shape of the contour of one
complete thread as seen in axial section.
External thread: A thread formed on the outside of a work piece is called external
thread.
Internal thread: A thread formed on the inside of a work piece is called internal
thread.
Axis of the thread: An imaginary line running longitudinally through the center of the
screw is called axis of the thread.
Angle of the thread: It is the angle between the flanks or slope of the thread measured
in an axial plane.
Types of thread Form
The form of the thread groove is a distinctive feature by means of which screw threads may
be grouped into two types.
1. V threads are used for fastening purposes. Typical forms are B.S.W, B.A, unified, metric etc.
2. Transmission threads, used to cause displacements in a mechanism. The common examples
may be lead screw of lathe; the typical forms are square and acme type of threads.
- It has an included angle of 55° between the flanks and equal radii at crest and root. These
are intended for use as standard nuts, bolts and pipe work. It is defined in a plane which
contains the axis of the thread.
- The B.A. thread was introduced by British Association. In metric threads, there is angle and
clearance at crest and root so that contact between mating threads takes place only on the
flanks.
- The acme thread has an included angle of 29° and is used for lead 84 screws and feeds on
machine tools. It has flat crests and roots. A screw and nut may be located on major or minor
diameter.
(a) V thread (b) B.A. Thread
(d) Unified Thread
(c) Whithworth thread
References:
Engineering Metrology- R.K Jain
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