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CoroThread® Mill 500
Assortment
Success stories
How to use

CoroThread® Mill 500

The next-generation orbital thread mill

  • True flexibility — one tool covers a wide range of materials, applications, thread forms and sizes
  • Exceptional reliability, ensuring process security in deep threads, long overhangs, difficult materials and unstable setups
  • Superior tool life and productivity, supported by state-of-the-art coating technology and wear-resistant grades

Tool type
Solid
Workpiece material(s)
P
M
K
N
S
O
Designed for flexibility, optimized for security 

Difficult materials. Deep threads. High-value components. CoroThread® Mill 500 is our next-generation orbital thread mill, designed for the most demanding internal threading applications. Its robust design, advanced grades and coatings, and chatter-free technology in selected variants deliver exceptional process security and tool life.

An optimized geometry paired with grades X1AH and X0AH gives you the flexibility to machine a wide range of materials, applications, thread forms and sizes with one reliable tool concept.


More productive thread milling 

CoroThread® Mill 500 combines advanced coating and an optimized geometry to deliver unmatched tool life across materials and applications. Increase cutting feeds safely — without compromising quality.

With an optimized flute count and support for one-pass machining, it drives maximum productivity in every threading operation.


Chatter-free technology

Designed for chatter-free machining, CoroThread® Mill 500 minimizes vibration in long overhangs. It ensures excellent surface smoothness and improved thread quality, especially in deep threads, unstable setups, and difficult materials.

Available for 3×D and 4×D length variants.



Optimized programming, maximum thread quality

Use our optimized programming methodology supported by CoroPlus® Tool Guide and CoroPlus® Tool Path to maximize the performance of CoroThread® Mill 500. It improves thread quality, increases tool life and reduces the number of passes.

Carbide recycling
Turn worn-out carbide into lasting value with a simple, certified recycling service. We buy back your solid carbide tools and reuse them to make brand new ones.
By doing this, we reduce environmental impact* and support more circular operations for both you and us.​​​​
Find out what your carbide is worth

*High recycling rates reduce environmental impacts notably, see Furberg, A., Arvidsson, R., Molander, S. (2019): Environmental life cycle assessment of cemented carbide (WC-Co) production, Journal of Cleaner Production.


Product range


Thread mills

  • Thread sizes: M1.2–M18
  • Usable length: 2–4×D
  • Thread forms: M, MF, MJ, UNC, UNJC, UNF, UNJF, EGUNF (STI)
  • 4–6 flutes
  • Internal coolant starts from M3, UNC#8-32
  • External coolant starts from M1.2, UNC#1-64
  • Chatter-free technology in 3–4×D
  • Grades X1AH and X0AH

Application

  • Internal threads in both blind and through holes
  • Main industry segments: Aerospace, general engineering, automotive, medical and electronics
  • Typical components: Engine casings, hydraulic blocks, cylinder heads, medical instruments and microscopes
  • Workpiece material hardness: up to 48 HRC

Workpiece materials

Grades

Grade X1AH

  • Versatile performance across a wide range of materials
  • PVD coating

Grade X0AH

  • Optimized for Ni and Ti alloys, ideal for aerospace components
  • Available for EGUNF (STI), MJ, UNJF, UNJC
  • PVD coating

Available as stocked standards and non-stocked standards.

Assortment overview

Thread formsOrdering code startThread sizeUsable lengthCoolant typeGrade
MetricT500-XM20Ax-Mx
T500-XM30Ax-Mx
T500-XM40Ax-Mx		M1.2–M182×D
3×D
4×D		External/InternalX1AH
Metric fineT500-XM25AE-MFxxMF5–MF142.5×DExternalX1AH
Metric with rounded root formT500-XM30Ax-MJxxMJ3–MJ103×DExternal/InternalX0AH
UNCT500-XM20Ax-UNCxx
T500-XM30Ax-UNCxx		UNC 1–UNC 5/162×D
3×D		External/InternalX1AH
UNC with rounded root formT500-XM30Ax-UNJCxxUNJC 4–UNJC 9/163×DExternal/InternalX0AH
UNFT500-XM20Ax-UNFxx
T500-XM30Ax-UNFxx		UNF0–UNF5/162×D
3×D		External/InternalX1AH
UNF with rounded root formT500-XM30Ax-UNJFxxUNJF8–UNJF 9/163×DExternal/InternalX0AH
Extended gauge (STI)T500-XM20AE-EGUNFxxEGUNF10–EGUNF 3/82×DExternalX0AH

New range versus previous generation



CoroMill® Plura (R217)CoroThread® Mill 500
Number of articles48135
Stocked/non-stocked48/069/66
Thread formsM, MF, UNC, UNFM, MF, MJ, UNC, UNJC, UNF, UNJF, EGUNF
Thread sizesM1.6-M12M1.2-M18
Useable lengthUp to 3×DUp to 4×D
CoolantExternalInternal/External
Chatter-free technologyNoYes
M4-M18 (3×D) and M4-M16 (4×D)
ISO materials
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Success stories

Customer case

Market:​ China
Component: Ring
Material:​ P5.0.Z.HT (P15), heat-treated low-alloy steel
Hardness: 380 HB
Operation:​ Threading 20 holes/part, 8 mm (0.315 inch), blind holes
Thread size: UNJF 3/8-24
Machine: Vertical multi-spindle machine
Tool holder: ER collet holder
Coolant:​ Emulsion 5–6%


Cutting data
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CompetitorSandvik Coromant​ (optimized data)
Tool-T500-XM30AE-M2 X1AH
ULDR3×D3×D
Coolant style​ExternalExternal
DC, mm (inch)1.55 (0.061)1.55 (0.061)
Number of flutes44
n, rpm45476160
vc, m/min (ft/min)20 (65.6)30 (98.4)
fn, mm/rev (ipr)
at program tool center		0.0119 (0.00047)0.0088 (0.00034)
vf, mm/min (inch/min)
at program tool center		54.3 (2.12)54.3 (2.12)
Thread depth, mm (inch)5 (0.196)5 (0.196)
Result, no. of holes32160
Criteria for failureSet tool life/gaugingGauging
Number of passes31

Results

-59%

Cycle time

+400%

Tool life

Challenge: ISO P15 heat-treated low-alloy steels (P5.0.Z.HT) present demanding thread milling conditions due to high cutting forces, intermittent chip formation, and dominant wear mechanisms at the cutting edge. These challenges typically require multi-pass strategies to control load and wear, increasing cycle time and reducing process security.

Result: With CoroThread® Mill 500, the customer was able to perform the operation in one pass instead of three. Using the same table feed, they reduced cycle time by 59% and increased tool life by 400%.

Customer case

Market:​ Europe
Material:​ P3.0.Z.HT (P13), heat-treated alloy steel
Hardness: 380 HB
Operation:​ Threading 20 holes/part, 15 mm (0.590 inch) deep, blind holes
Thread size: UNJF 3/8-24
Tool holder: Hydraulic
Coolant:​ Emulsion 5–6%


Cutting data
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CompetitorSandvik Coromant​ (optimized data)
Tool-T500-XM30AA-UNJF3/8 X0AH
ULDR3×D3×D
Coolant style​ExternalExternal
DC, mm (inch)8.2 (0.322)8.2 (0.322)
Number of flutes34
n, rpm19401940
vc, m/min (ft/min)50 (164)50 (164)
fn, mm/rev (ipr)
at program tool center		0.049 (0.0019)​0.049 (0.0019)
vf, mm/min (inch/min)
at program tool center		94.5 (3.72)94.5 (3.72)
Thread depth, mm (inch)10.5 (0.413)10.5 (0.413) 
Result, no. of holes992992
Criteria for failureSet tool lifeStopped at set tool life
Number of passes21

Results

-48%

Cycle time

1.56

Saved hours

Compared with a competitor tool, CoroThread® Mill 500 reduced cycle time significantly. The customer completed the operation in a single pass instead of two, saving 1.56 hours on a batch of 20 parts.

Customer case

Market:​ Europe
Component: Side rail
Material:​ M1.0.Z.AQ (304L), austenitic stainless steel
Hardness: 183 HB
Operation:​ Threading 37 holes/part, through holes
Thread size: M4x0.7
Machine: Doosan DM 6700
Tool holder: Hydraulic
Coolant:​ Emulsion 5%


Cutting data
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CoroMill® Plura (R217)CoroThread® Mill 500​ (optimized data)
ToolR217.13-031070AC12P 1620T500-XM30AE-M4 X1AH
ULDR3×D3×D
Coolant style​ExternalExternal
DC, mm (inch)3.1 mm (0.122)3.1 mm (0.122)
Number of flutes34
n, rpm36974621
vc, m/min (ft/min)36 (118)45 (148)
fn, mm/rev (ipr)
at program tool center		0.017 (0.0007)0.063 (0.0024)
vf, mm/min (inch/min)
at program tool center		65 (2.56)291 (11.46)
Thread depth, mm (inch)6 (0.236)6 (0.236)
Result, no. of holes740740
Criteria for failureSet tool lifeStopped at set tool life
Number of passes11

Results

+347%

Productivity

-78%

Cycle time

Unlike CoroMill® Plura (R217), CoroThread® Mill 500 required no radial adjustments, delivering a 347% productivity increase while reducing cycle time by 78%.

Customer case

Market:​ USA
Component: Test block
Material:​ P2.5.Z.HT (4140), heat-treated alloy steel
Hardness: 350 HB
Operation:​ Threading 540 holes/part, 22 mm (0.866 inch) deep, blind holes
Thread size: M6x1
Machine: Okuma MU-6300V-L
Tool holder: Hydraulic
Coolant:​ Emulsion 5–6%


Cutting data
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CoroThread® Mill 500​ (using data from CoroPlus® Tool Guide)
ToolT500-XM30AE-M6 X1AH
ULDR3×D
Coolant style​External
DC, mm (inch)4.8 mm (0.189)
Number of flutes4
n, rpm5928
vc, m/min (ft/min)89 (292)
fn, mm/rev (ipr)
at program tool center		0.053 (0.002)
vf, mm/min (inch/min)
at program tool center		319 (12.5)
Thread depth, mm (inch)14 (0.551)
Result, no. of holes375
Criteria for failureGauging (chipped at 90-180 holes without CF collet)
Number of passes1

Results

66

Minutes of tool life

Based on recommended cutting data from CoroPlus® Tool Guide, a stable single-pass strategy was applied with no wear offset adjustments throughout tool life. While the first two tools showed chipping between 90–180 holes, thread quality remained consistent. By introducing a CF collet on the third tool, chipping on the front tooth was eliminated — securing a more reliable and predictable tool life.

How to use

Thread milling versus tapping

Why thread milling?

  • Higher process security, making it ideal for high-value components, difficult materials and deep threads
  • Lower risk of component damage if the tool breaks
  • Greater programming flexibility: easy adaptation of machining strategies and adjustment of radius compensation and thread tolerance
  • Produces full bottom threads
  • Lower cutting forces
  • One tool for both through and blind holes, and multiple diameters with the same pitch
  • Better chip control than tapping applications

When to use an orbital thread mill over a full-toothed thread mill

  • Both can use modified strategies or add additional radial passes
  • Full-toothed thread mills can also be suitable if the designated thread length is within the APMX
When to use an orbital thread millBenefits
Smaller thread sizes

To avoid overload during run-in, tools for small threads (M1.2, M1.8) are designed with only two cutting rows.

As a result, even small threads can be machined reliably.

Deeper threads and difficult reachOrbitals offer a better solution for deeper threads or features that require more clearance in the tool.
Difficult materials or applications

Lower cutting forces can be achieved compared to full-toothed thread mills.

At extended lengths (3×D and 4×D), the XD geometry of the orbital threads provides a chatter-free feature to improve thread quality.



Orbital thread mill versus full-toothed thread mill


Application recommendations

Cooling strategy

  • Internal cooling through the tool: The most reliable option and becomes increasingly important as threads get deeper and dimensions get larger
  • Cooling through the collet: The use of slotted collets or slotted sleeves (CF) gives similar results to a tool with internal cooling
  • External flood cooling: The least favorable for deeper internal threads — it risks fractured front teeth, whereas internal cooling shifts wear to the working teeth where it's expected

Slotted collet (CF)
For external coolant

View our full range of CF collets here.


Tool life comparison


Material42CrMo4–310 HB
ThreadM5–10 mm deep
Overhang3×D
vc, m/min (ft/min)60 (197)
fz, mm (inch)0.128 (2.36)
StrategyClimb milling
AdaptionHydraulic chuck AK182

Tool path fundamentals

Thread milling needs a machine capable of simultaneous movement in X, Y and Z: 

  • X and Y determine the thread diameter.
  • Z controls the pitch — defined as the Z-axis movement per revolution.
  • The thread is produced by circular ramping (helical interpolation).
Climb versus conventional milling
  • Preferably use down (climb) milling — it produces a favorable thick-to-thin chip
  • Up (conventional) milling gives less tool deflection and can leave a better surface finish, but carries a risk of reduced tool life

Down (climb) milling versus up (conventional) milling

Feed direction by thread type

The correct cutter direction depends on whether you're cutting internal or external threads and right- or left-hand threads, combined with climb or conventional milling.


Tool path: internal threading


Right-hand threadsLeft-hand threads
Down milling (climb)
Up milling (conventional)


Entrance into cut

Enter the cut smoothly to avoid vibration and extend tool life — circular ramping makes this gradual engagement possible.

Program an extra circle on exit to ease the tool out of the cut and further protect tool life.

Programming strategy

Recommended programming method

Access an optimized programming method through CoroPlus® Tool Guide and CoroPlus® Tool Path to achieve higher thread quality, longer tool life, and fewer passes.

NC programming and radius compensation

Use G41/G42 radius compensation to control thread tolerance:

  • Every CoroThread® thread mill is marked with a radius programming value (RPRG) that indicates the cutter's exact pitch diameter and the radius compensation required.
  • Enter the RPRG into the tool memory offset. Under good operating conditions, the first thread will never be cut oversized.
  • Apply further radius/wear adjustments to fine-tune the thread gauge fit. (Note: newer machines reduce feed rate when radius compensation is active.)

Integrated programming: NC code generation for these strategies is available directly through CoroPlus® Tool Path, so the recommended roll-in, entry-loop and compensation logic is applied automatically.

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