Diametral Pitch Knurling & Conversions

BLANK DIAMETER SELECTION FOR DIAMETRAL PITCH KNURLING DIES

Blank diameters for diametral pitch knurling dies are more easily computed, since they are always common fractional sizes. The formula is as follows:

American Standard ANSI B94.6-1984 describes the diametral pitch knurl system. Diametral pitch knurls are designed to track uniformly on fractional size stock up to 1" in multiples of 1/32" or 1/64". They are held to closer tolerances for this purpose.

The American Standard recommends that the use of 64 Diametral Pitch knurls be avoided as much as possible, and that preference be given to the use of 96 D.P. knurls for simplification of tooling. (For Equivalent Normal Circular TPI see below.)

The number of teeth that will be rolled can be easily determined by multiplying the blank diameter by the Diametral Pitch of the knurl. Example: A 96 D.P. knurl will roll 96 x 1/2 = 48 teeth on a 1/2" diameter stock.

NOTE: Unfortunately the above formulas do not hold precisely for all conditions. Sometimes apparently identical knurls from different manufacturers will not track on the same blank diameters due to a difference in the sharpness of the teeth. Also, it is possible for the number of teeth rolled on a part to change as the knurling tool wears. How deeply the knurl penetrates into the work blank on the first revolution is the main factor in determining if an adjustment should be made to the basic formula.

Some factors which affect this penetration are:

1. In-feed rate (or axial feed rate for knurling from the turret)
2. Sharpness of the knurl teeth
3. Hardness of the material
4. Included tooth angle of the knurl (a sharper angle pentrates easier)
5. Width of knurl face (a narrow face penetrates easier)
6. Method of knurling (bump from cross-slide or end knurling from turret)
7. Bevels on edges of part or knurl tool (affects knurl penetration from end)

A change in any of the above variable may correct (or cause) a mis-tracking problem.