Background
The casting of parts instead of machining or forging offer many possible advantages such as design control and flexibility in mass production, lower cost (in high production), creation of complex shapes not possible (or cost prohibitive) in machining, additional structural benefits, etc.. However, there are certain disadvantages to using a metal casted part when considering the installation of helically coiled screw thread inserts. The two most common installation problems seen due to casting materials are porosity defects and increased surface roughness.
Porosity defects
Casted materials can suffer from porosity defects. In the scope of screw thread insert installation, the porosity issues most commonly seen are due to shrinkage, which causes cracks and cavities to form at or below the surface, and gas pockets, which are material voids occupied by trapped gases present in the cooling process. Either way, what occurs are gaps in the STI threads that impede insert installation. These gaps cause the insert (tanged or Tangless®) to get stuck or to skip threads. If there is a large enough gap, a tanged insert can become obstructed at the radius causing the tang to bend out prior to completing the installation. If the gap is found by a Tangless® insert, the tip of the insert can become wedged, and if there is excessive torque it can wipe out the drive notch. Unlike a tanged insert, a Tangless® insert can be safely removed from the piece with a KATO Tangless® removal tool, but the insert is irrevocably damaged.
Checking for porosity defects or discontinuities
Unfortunately, standard gauging techniques will not account for porosity issues in threads. Since, the problems tend to be gaps, or the absence of material, STI gages (Go/NoGo and pin gages) cannot find the problems. A visual inspection or other methods can be used to find any defects, or discontinuities, which may impede insert installation.
Increased surface roughness
Torque tests revealed noticeable difference when comparing the installation torque of the same lot of inserts into the same type aluminum produced by different manufacturing processes. Machined aluminum bar stock was compared to casted aluminum. The difference showed that a normal byproduct of casting materials, higher surface roughness, causes an increase in installation torque. If excessive torque is applied during installation, either the tang on tanged inserts, or the drive notch on Tangless inserts may become damaged.
Rough surface installation
The same installation procedures apply for a casted (rough surface) part as any other. However, additional care and attention is needed when performing the following steps:
- Properly set the torque on the electric driver (or air pressure on the pneumatic driver). When the torque is set properly, the installation tool should stop if there is an impediment in the thread, but the insert should not deform or break (drive notch or tang should remain intact).
- The installation tool should remain perpendicular to the workpiece. Any wobble, or increase in installation angle will result in additional torque, and possible damage, to the insert.
- Do not push down during installation. Allow the tool to float atop the surface and let the insert thread itself into the part.
In short, when installing CoilThread® inserts (tanged or Tangless®) into casted parts the installation is the same, but additional care and attention is needed.
