Knurling In CNC Machined Parts

DALIAN, China - Jan. 28, 2024 - PRLog -- What is Knurling?

Knurling is a specialized manufacturing process employed to create a textured pattern of raised ridges on the surface of a cylindrical workpiece. This technique is widely utilized in various industries to enhance the functionality, grip, and aesthetic appeal of components.

Purpose of Knurling:

Improved Grip: Knurling is often applied to provide a tactile surface for improved grip. This is particularly crucial in applications where manual manipulation of objects is involved, such as tool handles, knobs, and control surfaces.

Decorative Elements: Beyond functionality, knurling is used for decorative purposes. It adds a textured or patterned surface, enhancing the visual appeal of the part.

Types of Knurling Patterns:

Straight knurling

Straight or linear knurling forms linear and parallel grooves along the axis of cylindrical parts. This can be used for gripping or decorative purposes. It is also widely used to facilitate push in assembly of permanently joined parts. This allows for lower part accuracy with very good concentricity and very tight fit, which will perform the same service as other methods, such as higher force smooth push fit or low-temperature push fit, but with lower operating costs.

Diamond knurling

This mode uses two straight cut mode wheels that roll at a certain angle with the axis of the cylindrical part. It jointly imprints overlapping inclined grooves, forming diamond pattern cross hatching. The angle between grooves is usually fixed at 30 °, but there can also be a certain range of angles.

Knurling Tools:

Product engineers use different knurling tools based on expected applications and desired results. It is recommended to consider the properties of the selected material, such as ductility and hardness, in order to achieve a good rolling effect. Here are some key tools for metal embossing.

1. Steering wheel

Knurling wheel is the most commonly used tool for metal knurling. They typically include two or more hardened steel wheels with relatively inclined knurled patterns. These wheels are usually connected to a knurling tool and pressed against a rotating workpiece to produce a preferred knurling pattern.

2. Knurled inserts

These are specialized tools that can be fixed on a lathe for mechanical processing. The embossed insert has a specific embossed pattern that can be programmed to produce the preferred embossed surface. Blades usually have different patterns and sizes, and are made of hard alloy or high-speed steel.

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