New generation EVOline axial rolling heads launched

A new generation of EVOline axial roll heads has been specially developed for the automated production of large threads in high-strength materials. Photo: LMT Tools

The EVOline axial thread rolling heads from FETTE Werkzeugtechnik, a member of the LMT Tools family and market leader in the field of thread-rolling systems, stand for short production times, high-thread strength, outstanding service life, and maximum process reliability. The latest generation has been specially developed for large threads in high-strength materials and offers an efficient alternative to conventional thread rolling machines. A practical example from the energy sector demonstrates its performance — with up to 50% time savings and double output in unmanned operations.

With the new generation of EVOline axial thread rolling heads, LMT Fette offers an efficient, maintenance-friendly, and economical solution for the reliable and automated production of large threads in high-strength materials. The product family comprises four sizes — F55 EVO, F65 EVO, F75 EVO, and F85 EVO — and is designed for high-strength steels up to 1,400N/mm², hardness ranges up to HRC 44, thread sizes up to M100, and pitches up to 6mm.

The geometrically optimised design and the use of high-performance materials result in a robust, durable, and low-wear construction. This leads to longer service life and reduces maintenance costs. Up to 100,000 components can be manufactured per maintenance interval. The axial rolling heads can be seamlessly integrated into existing machine environments and enable precise, fully automatic processes.

Complete processing in a single line reduces handling and non-productive times, increases process stability, and boosts productivity. This gives the rolling heads a decisive advantage over conventional stand-alone rolling machines, which require time-consuming manual steps and high personnel costs. The result: a more efficient manufacturing process and sustainably lower costs per component.

Pictured right: the innovative, optimised design and the use of high-performance materials ensure a long service life, high wear resistance, and easy maintenance

Anita Tritschler, global product manager for rolling systems at LMT Tools, said: “Rolled threads offer around 30% higher strength than cut threads, therefore making them the first choice for safety-related components. With the new generation of EVOline axial rolling heads, we are consistently transferring these advantages to large threads in high-strength materials and creating an economical solution for automated series processes.”

Typical users are companies that require reliable and economical processes — particularly in energy generation and supply, construction and infrastructure, the oil and gas industry, and mechanical and systems engineering. An example from the wind power industry demonstrates how powerful the new generation of EVOline axial rolling heads is.

Threaded bolts with M64x6 threads on both sides and a thread length of 250mm are manufactured from material in strength class 10.9 with a tensile strength of 1,000N/mm². The starting point was a rolling machine embedded in a highly manual process chain. Time-consuming work steps, high handling costs, and a correspondingly high personnel requirement had a noticeable impact on manufacturing and unit costs.

With the switch to the EVOline axial rolling head F75 EVO, a fully automated, interlinked process with simultaneous machining was implemented, including an AKEA feed unit and automatic workpiece loading. The result: around 50% less production time per component and double the output.

Ms Tritschler concluded: “This practical example shows what is possible when the rolling process is integrated into a fully automated production structure. With the new generation of EVOline axial rolling heads, the costs per component can be significantly reduced and competitiveness sustainably strengthened.”