What is thread rolling vs thread cutting?

Thread rolling is a cold forming process that displaces metal to form the thread profile, while thread cutting removes material. Rolled threads have continuous grain flow, giving higher fatigue and tensile strength. Thread rolling is preferred for high-strength fasteners.

What is thread rolling vs thread forming?

Thread rolling and thread forming are often used interchangeably, but thread forming typically refers to screws that form threads in the workpiece (e.g., thread rolling screws for plastic). Thread rolling specifically refers to the process of forming threads on the fastener itself using dies.

Do you sell thread rolling machines or thread rolling dies?

No, we are a fastener manufacturer, not a machinery supplier. We use thread rolling machines and thread rolling dies in our production, but we manufacture thread rolling bolts, screws, and studs. For thread rolling tool or die head inquiries, please contact our sales team.

What is the difference between thread rolling and electro-galvanizing?

Thread rolling is a manufacturing process to form threads, while electro-galvanizing is a surface finish applied after threading. Electro-galvanizing provides corrosion protection with thickness specified by standard grades (e.g., Fe/Zn25/X). See our whitepaper for corrosion comparison.

Can you provide a thread rolling diameter calculator?

We do not provide a calculator, but we follow the design principle: blank diameter (material below pitch diameter) is displaced during rolling. Our engineers review your drawing to determine the correct blank diameter for optimal thread rolling.

Cold-formed rolled threads · Higher fatigue strength

Thread Rolling: Cold-Formed Threads for Higher Strength Fasteners

Thread rolling is a cold forming process that displaces metal to form the thread profile — no material is cut away. Rolled threads have continuous grain flow, giving higher fatigue and tensile strength than cut threads. Ideal for high-strength bolts, screws, and studs.

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Thread Rolling: Cold-Formed Threads for Higher Strength Fasteners

Process Overview

How It Works

Thread rolling is a cold forming process: hardened dies (flat or cylindrical) displace metal under high pressure to form the thread profile — no material is cut away. Rolled threads have continuous grain flow, giving higher fatigue and tensile strength than cut threads. Key design input: blank diameter (material below pitch diameter is displaced during rolling).

Key Advantages

✓Higher fatigue and tensile strength due to continuous grain flow
✓No material waste — cold forming, not cutting
✓Smooth surface finish and improved thread accuracy
✓Faster production rates for high-volume fasteners
✓Suitable for high-strength property classes up to 12.9

Typical Applications

Thread rolling is used for high-strength bolts, screws, studs, and thread rolling screws that require superior mechanical performance. It is the preferred process for fasteners in automotive, construction, and industrial applications where fatigue resistance is critical.

Capability Envelope

Diameter Range	M3–M36 (typical)
Property Classes	4.8 / 8.8 (dominant) / 10.9 / 12.9
Standards	ISO 898-1:2013, ISO 7085
Thread Types	Metric coarse/fine, self-tapping (thread rolling screws)
Process Type	Cold forming (flat or cylindrical dies)
Surface Treatment	As-rolled, or with zinc plated per ISO 2081 / GB/T 9799
SKU Volume	3361 SKUs in live catalog
Lead Time	Confirmed by drawing review

Typical capability ranges shown; final confirmation is subject to drawing review. We manufacture thread rolling fasteners, not thread rolling machines or thread rolling die head equipment. For thread rolling machine or thread rolling dies inquiries, please contact our sales team for fastener products.

Per ISO 898-1:2013 / ISO 7085 (drawing callouts take precedence)

Design & Cost Tips (DFM)

Leave tool radius on inside corners

Sharp internal corners are not machinable: R ≥ tool radius (R1.5–R3 typical). Smaller radii mean more tool changes and higher cost.

Thin walls and deep cavities

Wall thickness ≥per specification for aluminum and ≥per specification for steel is recommended. Cavities deeper than ~5× tool diameter need a drawing review first.

Tolerate only critical features

Tight tolerances everywhere means expensive everywhere. Put per drawing on mating features and leave the rest to ISO 2768-mK.

Rethink small threads

Deep blind tapped holes need runout allowance. Below M2, evaluate rivet nuts or wire thread inserts for better cost and consistency.

Finishing changes dimensions

Anodizing and plating add microns to surfaces. Mask precision fits or leave allowance — and state it on the drawing.

Cost structure and volume breaks

Material, machine time, finishing and inspection are quoted separately. Unit price breaks clearly at batch-dependent — tell us the target volume.

Selection Boundaries: When to Use, When Not

Good fit

✓High-strength fasteners requiring property classes 8.8, 10.9, or 12.9
✓Thread rolling screws (self-tapping type) that form mating threads in the workpiece
✓Applications demanding higher fatigue resistance than cut threads
✓Volume production of bolts, screws, and studs with consistent quality

Not recommended

✗Low-strength applications where cut threads are acceptable
✗Very large diameters beyond M36 (subject to machine capacity)
✗Threads requiring special forms not achievable by rolling (e.g., certain pipe threads)
✗Small quantities where thread cutting is more economical