Threading is machining a thread form on the outside or inside of a part.
On a lathe, a threading tool cuts the helical thread while the rotation of the material and the feed of the tool are synchronized.
A Closer Look
The accuracy and surface quality of the thread govern how the part functions — how securely it fastens, or how well a pipe joint seals.
Threads come in many standards, such as metric threads and tapered pipe threads, chosen to suit the application.
On a CNC automatic lathe, threading is controlled by program, so uniform quality is maintained even in volume production. It is the central operation in machining threaded parts such as nipples.