International Journal of Mechanical and Production

Engineering Research and Development (IJMPERD)

ISSN (P): 2249-6890; ISSN (E): 2249-8001
Vol. 8, Issue 2, Apr 2018, 149-156
© TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.

CYCLE TIME REDUCTION STUDIES IN THREADING

K. PALAKSHA REDDY1, DEEPAK KUMAR2, R. VENKATRAMAN3 & V. VISHWESHVAR4

1,2,4
School of Mechanical Engineering, SASTRA Deemed To Be University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, India
3
Shanmugha Precision Forgings, A Unit of SASTRA Deemed To Be University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, India
ABSTRACT

Cycle time reduction is one of the critical aspects for achieving successful production of products. Prompt
delivery, high quality of products have now become the significant factors for customer satisfaction. The various methods
of programming in CNC systems ensure machine ability, but at the same time optimization and increase in productivity
are to be enhanced. Various programming methods in manufacturing of threads were studied in this research work.
The cycle times of three different work piece materials during the G76 threading cycle were noted. Then, we proposed
G92 cycle of threading to reduce the cycle time. The new process enabled variable depth of cut, less number of passes
resulting in cycle time and it is easy to use. The work was practically implemented on a CNC lathe machine and the data
related to the experiments were recorded. This method was applied to 10 other work pieces, wherein it was noted that for
all types of threads manufactured, a considerable amount of time is being saved and the productivity was increased

Original Article
marginally.

KEYWORDS: CNC Programming, Canned Cycles, Threading Cycle, G76 & G92

Received: Jan 08, 2018; Accepted: Jan 30, 2018; Published: Feb 26, 2018; Paper Id.: IJMPERDAPR201816

INTRODUCTION

Product cycle time is the time interval taken by a manufacturer for complete development and production
of a product. The time taken for this process is significant, because it reflects the ability of a company to reach
market or to react to changes in customer demands and desires. Reduction in cycle time can improve efficiency and
optimize profit potential. Optimal selection of production processes helps to reduce cycle time, which results in cost
saving. This can be achieved by a thorough analysis of every step of the production process, rectifying inefficient
steps and eliminating steps irrelevant to the process. Thus, there is a growing need for good quality, high process
safety, minimal manufacturing cost, quick payback for CNC machines, balance between quality and cost at each
stage of operation, shorter manufacturing times, reduced field failure of a product and process related controllable
input variables at their optimum operating conditions.

Threading is a machining process used to produce a helical groove of a given shape and size, usually on a
cylinder (Straight thread), or on a cone (tapered thread). The major purpose of threads is to connect two parts
together without damage during joining and disjoining. Threading on CNC machines can do using G76 or G92
cycles. G76 thread cutting cycle is one example of canned cycle. Canned cycles or fixed cycles can automate
operations such as drilling, boring, threading, pocketing, etc. Canned cycles allow an easier way to program a
machine to produce a feature of a part [11].

LITERATURE REVIEW

Santoshkumar et al. [1] Have studied the effect of the implementation of lean manufacturing principles on

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150 K. Palaksha Reddy, Deepak Kumar, R. Venkatraman & V. Vishweshvar

reduction of cycle time of truck body assembly in an automobile industry. The take time for the assembly line was studied
briefly and they have concluded that application of proper line balancing has resulted in an eloquent reduction in cycle
time and increase in overall efficiency of the assembly line. Saran kumar reddy, et al. [2] have reported that reduction of
cycle time in a bearing house assembly was achieved by adopting variation in production/process type, pre machining the
components and also by implementing new tool. Also, the implementation of certain lean principles such as 5S, SMED and
pull production system have effected in overall cycle time reduction of the component. They have further extended their
conclusion suggesting variation in process parameters such as speed, feed, depth of cut, etc., will also result in cycle
reduction of the component.

Venkatraman et al. [3] have studied the reduction of cycle time in a machining process using value stream
mapping. It was reported that on employing lean manufacturing strategies in crankshaft manufacturing system, which
aimed to eliminate the 8 non-value added wastes like over processing, over production, searching and waiting, unnecessary
transportation and defects and errors from the manufacturing system and also enables product variability in the
manufacturing cell. As a result, the manufacturing lead time was reduced by 40%, defects were reduced, process capability
was increased and response to the customer demand in small lots was accelerated. Young Hoon lee and Taeheon [4] Kim
have focused on reduction in cycle time in semiconductor fabrication using balance control. The work discusses in
ascertaining the correct WIP level for operations, against which balance status can be measured. Mathematical modelling
of balance measurements were done for bottleneck scheduling and operations management of the fabrication line. Through
computational experiments, performance was evaluated and the results showed that balance driven management helps in
33% more production in 21% lesser manufacturing cycle time than production driven management.

Ashwinkumar Arivoli et al. [5] have made a case study on reduction of cycle time using line balancing algorithm.
The studies were conducted in an industry that manufactures air – oil separators for compressor and the study was
restricted to bottle neck station. Various tools such as the Fishbone diagram, Pareto chart, Value Stream Mapping were
used to check the adherence of current process with the takt time. With the help of line balancing algorithm using
CAMSOAL software, 5 % reduction in cycle time was achieved to meet the takt time at the bottle neck station. M. Klarin
et al. [6] Have done a case study in a reduction of production cycle time by optimizing production and non-production
components of time in the metalworking industry. Their works focused to survey and control the methodology of reducing
the production cycle time of components, coupled with factor analysis into the factors of production and non-production
components, ascertained by a modified method of current observations, and viewed as a process whose effectiveness was
monitored using control charts. The empirical results provided an understanding on a number of managerial issues
concerning investment decisions in product-specific cycle time improvements and reductions, together with process
redesigns.

Sandeepmalik et al. [7] have studied the implementation of cycle time reduction technique in an industry which
involved deep study on the processes happening throughout the industry, identification of different obstacles to
implementation of cycle time reduction technique. They have categorized the obstacles as technical, business and cultural
barrier and have investigated the effect of each on cycle time reduction. The results reported shows with proper study and
application of appropriate techniques, cycle time reduction has resulted in increase in overall productivity. P C Chauhan et
al. [8] have experimentally investigated the effect of surface roughness of blank diameter on dimensions external threads.
The work had been carried out on thread rolling machine using HSS die and Sup 9A work piece. It was reported that the

Impact Factor (JCC): 6.8765 NAAS Rating: 3.11

Cycle Time Reduction Studies in Threading 151

surface roughness affected the thread dimensions drastically and an improved surface finish led to increase in both nominal
diameter and pitch circle diameter of the thread produced. Ajay Bangar et al. [9] have found that hardness, surface
roughness and blank diameter had significant effect on dimensions of thread on external threading of threaded bolts
manufactured by flat reciprocating die on different materials like mild steel, En-8, En-47. It was observed that the
reduction of carbon content lead to increase in outer diameter of the thread and increase in surface roughness led to
increase in the former. Further, the results were optimized by Taguchi technique and with the help of regression modelling
the variation of outer diameter with aforementioned parameters had been modelled. Abu ali et al. [10] have explored the
impact of product innovativeness and entry strategy in cycle time and initial market performance of thirty seven small
manufacturing firms andresults indicate that these firms are able to achieve shorter cycle time by keeping the technical
content of the product simple without any compromise in quality. They further emphasize that the break-even time is one
of the crucial parameter that indicates market performance of a firm and the cycle time as a mediator between authoritative
actions and market performance.

EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY

The production process for 10 work pieces were studied in the Industry. G76 threading cycle was used for
manufacturing of thread in all the 10 parts. The G76 threading cycle is a canned cycle that provides an ease in
programming to produce thread in a product, it provides great flexibility and gives control over number of spring passes,
depth of first cut, depth of finish cut, in feed angle and many more [11]. An alternate G92 threading cycle was proposed
and implemented for manufacturing of thread in the 10 work pieces. G92 is a box type cycle in which depth of thread cut
for each pass is given as input. Although G92 involves lengthy programming yet it allows control over number of passes in
which the thread is to be produced and this attribute has been exploited to reduce the number of passes in which the thread
is produced thus reducing the threading cycle time. The experiments were conducted on a CNC horizontal lathe with
coated thread inserts. The photographs of the parts are shown in Figures 1, 2 & 3 and the grades of the materials being
machined with their assigned part names are shown in Table 1.

1. Adapter 3. Seat 4. End cap

5. Cap end 9. Stem bolt

Figure1: Photographs of Brass Work pieces

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152 K. Palaksha Reddy, Deepak Kumar, R. Venkatraman & V. Vishweshvar

6. Conduit connector 10. Connector 2. Bonnet-bar stock 7. Bar stock bonnet

Figure 2: Photographs of Mild Steel Work pieces

8. Connector

Figure 3: Photograph of SS Workpiece

Table 1: Workpiece Material, Thread Profile and Inserts

Part Thread Threading Brand
No. Material
Name Profile Insert Holder
1 Adapter Brass (IS 319 II) Partial 16 ERM AG-60 SER 2525 K16 Tagutech
Bonnet,
2 MS (12 L 14) Full 3 ER-26 UN SER 2020 M16 Vartex
bar stock
3 Seat Brass (IS 319 II) Partial 16 ERM AG-60 SER 2525 K16 Tagutech
4 End cap Brass (IS 319 II) Full 16 ERM -14 SER 2525 K16 ISCAR
5 Cap end Brass (IS 319 II) Full 3 ER-26 UN SER 2020 M16 Tagutech
Conduit
6 MS (12 L 14) Full 16IRM 14 NPT SIR S16-13 Tagutech
connector
Bar stock
7 MS (12 L 15) Full 3ER 28 UN SER 2525 K16 Vartex
bonnet
8 Connector SS (SS 316) Full 16IRM 14 NPT SIR S16-13 Tagutech
9 Stem bolt Brass (IS 319 II) Full 3ER 28 UN SER 2525 M16 Tagutech
10 Connector MS (1215) Full 16IRM 14 NPT SIR S16-13 Tagutech

Both the G76 and G92 programming methodologies were implemented in the production of thread in afore
mentioned 10 parts, accordingly the data for the cycle time, number of passes and number of pieces per shift were noted
both before and after the threading with G76 and G92 cycles. The G76 threading cycle method used in manufacturing of
thread in the part No: 01, Part name: adapter, Material: Brass (IS319 II)) is programmed as follows:

G76 P030055 Q50 R30

G76 X36.474 Z -12.30 P812 Q150 F1.27

Where,

Impact Factor (JCC): 6.8765 NAAS Rating: 3.11

Cycle Time Reduction Studies in Threading 153

First block of G76 cycle

G76 : G code for threading cycle.
Second block of G76 cycle
P: P actually consists of multiple values which control the thread
G76 : G code of the threading cycle
behaviour
X : The end value in x-axis
03 : Number of spring passes or spring cuts
Z : The end value in z-axis
00 : Thread run out at 45°
P : Thread depth ( as radius value )
55 : Flank angle or Infeed angle
Q : Depth of first cut
Q: Depth of normal cut (these values are given in hundreds, so the
F : Thread Pitch
depth of cut will be 0.05)
R: Depth of Last or Finish cut

Note: The final diameter (X value in the second block of the G76 code), depth of last or finish cut and depth of
normal cut are the important parameters to be specified and the number passes required to produce is decided by the
program.

G92 threading cycle:

G92 Z-12.30 U0.0 F1.27
X36.494
X37.994
X36.474
X37.594
Where,
X37.234
Z- The end value in z-axis or the length of the thread.
X36.914
F- Threading feed rate or Thread pitch
X36.794
X- Current diameter of the thread pass
X36.674
X36.514

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The G92 threading cycle offers control over depth of cut in each pass of threading operation in this way it
indirectly gives control over number of passes required to produce thread and enables the user to vary depth for each pass.
The G92 programming method for the manufacturing of threads was practically implemented in the CNC turning lathe
after successive trials. The tool was run and properly inspected throughout the experimental process. Accordingly, the data
for the cycle time, number of passes and number of pieces per shift were noted for both G76 and G92 cycles as shown in
Table 2.

Table 2: Experimental Data on Cycle Time Reduction in Threading

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154 K. Palaksha Reddy, Deepak Kumar, R. Venkatraman & V. Vishweshvar

Figure 4: Comparison of the Cycle Time for 10 Parts

when Manufactured by G76 and G92

Figure 5: Comparison of the No. of Passes for 10 Parts

when Manufactured By G76 and G92

Figure 6: Comparison of the Number of Pieces per Shift for

10 Experiments when Produced by G76 and G92

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show comparison of cycle time, no. of passes and no. of pieces/shift for 10 parts made using
G76 and G92 threading cycles. The cycle time has been reduced considerably in the G92 cycle than G76 cycle in all the 10
parts due to reduction in the number of passes as shown in Figure.5. In G92 threading cycle, each pass with different depth
of cut can be programmed thereby the total depth of thread cut can be achieved in less number of passes than that required
in G76 threading cycle by dividing the depth of the thread accordingly for each pass. Where as in the G76 cycle, the final
diameter, depth of finish cut and total depth of thread cut need to be specified and the program calculates the number of
passes to produce thread.

CONCLUSIONS

• The G92 threading cycle offers user to have control over the number of passes required by enabling the

Impact Factor (JCC): 6.8765 NAAS Rating: 3.11

Cycle Time Reduction Studies in Threading 155

programmer to produce variable depth of cut in each pass.

• The G92 threading cycle implemented as an alternative to G76 threading cycle has resulted in a reduction in cycle
time and the number of passes for manufacturing threads in components in all the 10 parts as shown in Table 2,
Figure.4 and Figure.5.

• The number of pieces manufactured per shift and cost savings per month has increased for all the 10 parts
manufactured using G92 threading cycle than G76 threading cycle as shown in Table 2 and Figure. 6.

• The combined effect of reduction in cycle time, increase in the number of pieces produced per shift and cost
saving has resulted in an increase in productivity for each part.

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