Scientific Cutting Tools Inc  

Scientific Cutting Tools is featuring solid carbide NPS/NPSF thread mills at the 2023 Eastec show. The NPS/NPSF nomenclature stands for National Pipe Straight (NPS) and Dryseal National Pipe Straight Threads (NPSF). The 15° helical flute design aids in reducing side cutting pressure during operation. Shank sizes range from 5/16” to ¾”. Thread sizes range from 1/8-27 through 2-1/2-8 and larger. The NPS thread mills cut NPSC (National Pipe Straight Coupling), NPSL (National Pipe Straight Loose), NPSH (National Pipe Straight Hose) and NPSM (National Pipe Straight Mechanical) straight pipe threads. NPSF thread mills cut NPSF (National Pipe Straight Fuel) and NPSI (National Pipe Straight Intermediate) straight pipe dryseal threads. NPS/NPSF thread mills work well in a broad variety of materials. The most common NPSM (National Pipe Straight Mechanical) are not self-sealing and used in pipes of iron, brass, and steel. NPSL pipe threads are for joints and lock nuts that are not self-sealing. NPSL, NPSM, and NPSC specifications all share a 60° flank angle. The dryseal NPSF allow for a leak proof connection which does not require o-ring or sealants. Items are stocked uncoated or AlTiN coated. AlTiN coating is highly recommended for tool longevity and when working with high-speed applications. Information on the company and products is available at www.sct-usa.

Drill mills are designed for milling, chamfering, and light spotting applications. A video of the tool performing different operations can be found here. Despite the word ‘drill’ in the name, it is not recommended for drilling. The name is conceived from the common industry standard for the tool. Cutting diameter sizes range from 1/8” to 1/2”. Included angle options are 90° or 120°. The two-flute design is optimal when chip evacuation and increased chip-per-tooth are the priority. For harder materials, the fortified strength of the four-flute design performs best and allows for increased feed rates in hard materials. Items are stocked uncoated or AlTiN coated. AlTiN coating is highly recommended for longevity and high-speed applications.

Drill mills are the newest addition to the specialty tool group. Helical chamfer mills were introduced in late 2018 followed by spotting drills in 2020. Both tools are significantly superior at their singular tasks, however, the drill mills have the advantage of performing both operations as well as general milling. The utility and diversity of the drill mill functions provide flexibility and enhanced productivity in one outstanding tool.