Tag Archives: Thread Quality Control

Thread Quality Control Series: Thread Remediation

Thread Remediation

The purpose of thread quality control is to ensure that two mating parts will assemble correctly. This assembly can be impeded by missing threads, incorrect thread sizes, or all too often, obstructions in the thread (such as weld spatter or broken tools). In most cases, confirmation of the thread quality can be assured by the GO thread-verification process. But when threads are obstructed, a dedicated remediation process may be required.

What is thread remediation? Put simply, thread remediation is the act of removing any obstructions that would prevent the threads from assembling with the threaded features on, or in, their mating parts. This process includes such terms as chasing, cleanout, retapping, rethreading or re-rolling. Remediation may be required for threads with embedded paint, weld spatter, rust, excess coating, dirt, dings, or distortions.

When performing thread remediation, the correct tool must be selected for the job. In the case of internal thread remediation, specially sized chasing tools or taps; or Serra-Tools™ can be used. New Vista’s Serra-Tools™ are particularly advantageous because these tools are GO gages with serrations cut into the threads to provide a cleaned-out and gaged thread in a single pass. Each tool is designed to meet a specific remediation objective, so contact your New Vista applications engineer to determine which tool is the best fit for your application.

When remediating external threads, two methods are predominant: remediation with dies, and remediation with thread rolls. The most common difficulties with external threads are plating and coating buildups, and dinging. While plating / coating buildups are most often remediated with dies, and dings usually remediated with thread rolls, each application is special and should be evaluated carefully to determine the best remediation process for the job.

When considering powered thread remediation, New Vista’s Thread-Remediation Units operate on the same principle as our Thread-Verification Units.  Click the link in the description below for a detailed explanation of the patented design that makes New Vista’s thread Units fast and reliable.  As always, New Vista Compliant Mechanisms are included with both handheld and automated Thread-Remediation Units to facilitate effortless entry into or onto the thread, and to prevent damage at the mouth, or end, of the thread.

If remediating threads is a recurring or required step in your manufacturing process, consider New Vista’s Thread-Remediation Units to speed up your cycle and eliminate errors. If you have additional questions about thread remediation, or would like tool and method recommendations, contact one of New Vista’s application engineers today. Expert applications service is available from our U.S. location and from locations in several other countries as well.

Powered Thread Gaging: At Your Fingertips

The New Vista Handheld RT Thread Unit being held by our very own Jim Audette.

The trend to replace hand gaging with powered thread verification is a prime example of technology making manufacturing safer & more efficient. Gaging threaded features has traditionally been done by hand, however, this is often tedious and allows room for operator error or injury. That’s where the New Vista Handheld RT Thread Unit comes in. The RT Thread Unit allows an operator to quickly power a thread gage into (or onto) and back out of (or off of) a thread to ensure assemblability. Not only will you find that your inspection time is greatly reduced, but the risk of repetitive motion injuries is all but eliminated when using the RT. The RT Thread Unit Kit contains everything that you will need to start verifying your threads with your standard taper shank gages.

The RT Thread Unit Kit includes:

  • One RT Thread Unit equipped with a Type FP Chuck
  • Three tool adapters for taper shank gages (handle size 0, 1, and 2)
  • One torque adjustment tool
  • Two 14.4v rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
  • One battery charger

To order your Handheld RT Kit today, click here.

Contact vs Non-Contact Thread Gaging

           What is the best way to guarantee that a glove fits? You could measure every feature of the glove, but you will only be confident in the fit when you try it on.

Graphic illustrating contact vs non-contact thread verification. Featuring a camera system and a New Vista RTU Thread Unit.

           The same considerations must be made when choosing between contact and non-contact thread verification methods. In the example above, contact gaging is simply putting your hand into the glove, whereas non-contact inspection involves using a camera system to measure threaded features. While New Vista offers solutions for both methods, manufacturers tend to prefer contact verification.

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Thread Quality Control Series: Powered Gaging of Tapered Pipe Threads

               Pipe threads are manufactured in many forms, but the most common types are straight and tapered threads. Straight pipe threads are gaged with the “GO” & “NO GO” process like regular threads, but tapered pipe threads require an entirely different gaging method: A series of L checks.

                The 3 main types of L checks are the L-1, L-2 (for external threads) or L-3 (for internal threads) & the 6-Step Check. To learn about these checks in detail, visit our post detailing the Hand Gaging of NPT Threads: Hand Gaging of NPT Threads. In this video, we will be focusing on the L-1 check, as it is the most common check used in powered pipe thread verification.

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Thread Quality Control Series: GO & NO GO Checks

Stop Spinning Gages

“I just want to avoid spinning gages all day.”

We hear this sentiment from manufacturing professionals all over the world.  We were discussing this recently with a manufacturer in Wisconsin who machines large quantities of threaded parts.  Their customer requires them to “GO” and “NO GO” verify every part.  They were dealing with this requirement the way many plants do: operators stood by and spun a gage into every thread with their fingers.  Unfortunately, this method was not only burdensome, but it allowed plenty of room for operator error and repetitive motion injury.

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