Understanding Thread Standards in Mechanical Engineering

In the realm of mechanical engineering, various standards govern threads, and it’s time to organize and summarize them. Threads, whether metric or imperial, straight or tapered, sealed or unsealed, internal or external, with angles of 55 or 60 degrees, often lead to confusion. This compilation aims to provide clarity and serve as a handy reference.

Frequently used thread standards can be printed out and kept on the desk for quick consultation. Over time, this practice aids in natural memorization.

NPT: The General-Purpose American Tapered Pipe Thread

NPT, a widely used American standard tapered pipe thread, features a 60-degree thread angle.

PT Thread: Imperial Tapered Thread with a 55-degree Angle

PT threads, with a 55-degree angle, are commonly used for sealing applications. Imperial pipe threads are fine threads, enhancing the strength of the threaded pipe by avoiding deep teeth, which could otherwise compromise its integrity.

PF Thread: Parallel Thread for Pipe Applications

G Thread: 55-Degree Non-Sealing Pipe Thread

G threads, part of the Whitworth thread family, are cylindrical threads without sealing capability. ‘G’ stands for cylindrical thread, and the division into 55 or 60 degrees is functional.

ZG Thread: Commonly Known as Pipe Taper

ZG, colloquially known as pipe taper, signifies threads formed by a conical surface. These are often found in water pipe joints, historically labeled as ‘Rc’ in the old national standard.

Understanding the distinction between metric threads (using pitch) and imperial threads (using threads per inch) is crucial. Metric threads have a 60-degree equilateral tooth shape, while imperial threads have an isosceles 55-degree tooth shape, with American threads featuring a 60-degree angle. Metric threads use the metric system, while imperial threads use the imperial system.

Pipe threads are mainly used for connecting pipelines, with close coordination between internal and external threads. The nominal diameter refers to the connected pipe’s diameter, and it’s evident that thread diameter exceeds the nominal diameter for larger threads like 1/4, 1/2, and 1/8, which are nominal diameters in inches.

Unified Imperial Threads: Standard in Inch-Based Countries

Widely adopted in inch-based countries, unified imperial threads have three series: coarse (UNC), fine (UNF), extra fine (UNFF), and a fixed pitch series (UN).

Example: Coarse series – 3/8-16UNC-2A; Fine series – 3/8-24UNF-2A; Extra fine series – 3/8-32UNFF-2A; Fixed pitch series – 3/8-20UN-2A.

The first digit, 3/8, represents the thread diameter in inches, with the subsequent digits denoting threads per inch. The series designation follows, and the last two digits indicate precision grade (2A).

55-Degree Cylindrical Pipe Thread Conversion

Originating from the inch-based series, 55-degree cylindrical pipe threads are extensively used for fluid and gas transmission and wire installation connections. Different countries use varied designations, as detailed in the provided table.

55-Degree Conical Pipe Thread Conversion

These threads have a 55-degree angle and a 1:16 taper. The designations differ globally, and a conversion table is provided for clarity.

60-Degree Conical Pipe Thread Conversion

These threads, with a 60-degree angle and a 1:16 taper, find application in the machine tool industry in China and the United States, as well as the former Soviet Union. The designations have evolved over time.

55-Degree Trapezoidal Thread Conversion

Trapezoidal threads, with a 30-degree angle, are internationally standardized, with consistent designations across countries.

Thread Classification: Understanding Different Types

Threads are classified based on their application, including International Metric, American Standard, Unified, V-shaped, Whitworth, Knuckle, Pipe, Square, Trapezoidal, Buttress, and Ball Screw threads.

Notable Thread Types:

• International Metric Threads (CNS Standard)

• American Standard Threads (UNC, NF, NEF)

• Unified Threads (UNC, UNF, UNEF)

• V-shaped Threads (Sharp V Thread)

• Whitworth Threads (55-degree angle)

• Knuckle Threads (Circular Thread)

• Pipe Threads (P.S., N.P.S.)

• Square Threads (Transmission Efficiency)

• Trapezoidal Threads (30-degree angle)

• Buttress Threads (Single Direction)

• Ball Screw Threads (High Efficiency)

English Bolt Notation: Example: LH 2N 5/8 × 3 – 13UNC-2A

This signifies a left-hand double-thread bolt with a 5/8-inch diameter, 3-inch length, and 13 threads per inch, using the UNC standard with a 2A fit (2: medium fit for external threads).

Imperial Thread Sizes:

Imperial thread sizes are commonly represented by threads per inch, equivalent to the reciprocal of the pitch. For instance, a thread with 8 threads per inch has a pitch of 1/8 inch.