A method and device are provided for simplifying a flow-drill screwing process. Based on work performed during the process, a process variable E is formed. This variable is compared to analogously formed comparison values in order to be able to determine the proper or faulty running of the process.

A method of configuring a machine (201) for production of a thread, having a pitch (227), on a workpiece (310), the machine (201) comprising: a tool (220) having a thread (223) centred on a first axis (250) and comprising one or more thread-producing peaks (225) for producing the thread having the pitch (227); and a tool holder (210) holding the tool (220), the method comprising: determining a first distance (441), in a first direction (260) parallel to the first axis (250), from a reference position (412) of the tool holder (210) to a first thread-producing peak (226) on the tool (220) when said tool (220) is held in the tool holder (210); and setting a first configuration (401) of the machine (201) wherein the reference position (412) of the tool holder (210) has a displacement (440) parallel to the first axis (250) from a reference position (411) of the workpiece (310) depending only upon: the determined first distance (441); a translation (443) parallel to the first axis (250) to account for an angular offset (340) between the first thread-producing peak (226) and a desired thread start position (311) on the workpiece (310); and an integer multiple (444) of the pitch (227).

A method of configuring a machine (201) for production of a thread, having a pitch (227), on a workpiece (310), the machine (201) comprising: a tool (220) having a thread (223) centred on a first axis (250) and comprising one or more thread-producing peaks (225) for producing the thread having the pitch (227); and a tool holder (210) holding the tool (220), the method comprising: determining a first distance (441), in a first direction (260) parallel to the first axis (250), from a reference position (412) of the tool holder (210) to a first thread-producing peak (226) on the tool (220) when said tool (220) is held in the tool holder (210); and setting a first configuration (401) of the machine (201) wherein the reference position (412) of the tool holder (210) has a displacement (440) parallel to the first axis (250) from a reference position (411) of the workpiece (310) depending only upon: the determined first distance (441); a translation (443) parallel to the first axis (250) to account for an angular offset (340) between the first thread-producing peak (226) and a desired thread start position (311) on the workpiece (310); and an integer multiple (444) of the pitch (227).

A method of configuring a machine (201) for production of a thread, having a pitch (227), on a workpiece (310), the machine (201) comprising: a tool (220) having a thread (223) centred on a first axis (250) and comprising one or more thread-producing peaks (225) for producing the thread having the pitch (227); and a tool holder (210) holding the tool (220), the method comprising: determining a first distance (441), in a first direction (260) parallel to the first axis (250), from a reference position (412) of the tool holder (210) to a first thread-producing peak (226) on the tool (220) when said tool (220) is held in the tool holder (210); and setting a first configuration (401) of the machine (201) wherein the reference position (412) of the tool holder (210) has a displacement (440) parallel to the first axis (250) from a reference position (411) of the workpiece (310) depending only upon: the determined first distance (441); a translation (443) parallel to the first axis (250) to account for an angular offset (340) between the first thread-producing peak (226) and a desired thread start position (311) on the workpiece (310); and an integer multiple (444) of the pitch (227).

There is provided an R- table apparatus which freely movies one table on a plane in the forward-and-rearward and leftward-and-rightward directions and in the rotational direction. The R- table apparatus changes a horizontal distance between a center line of a main axis of a driving apparatus and the action point by elevating an elevating base, and a table is moved to an arbitrary position without rotating along a guide member.

There is provided an R- table apparatus which freely movies one table on a plane in the forward-and-rearward and leftward-and-rightward directions and in the rotational direction. The R- table apparatus changes a horizontal distance between a center line of a main axis of a driving apparatus and the action point by elevating an elevating base, and a table is moved to an arbitrary position without rotating along a guide member.

A method of producing a rotationally orientated thread starting at a desired angular position and suitable for mass production is provided. The method is particularly suitable for improving the angular positioning of spark plugs in car engines. The method involves measuring precisely the length (L) of the tool (13) and the distance, at a particular angular position, of a full thread form (14) of the thread to the tip, so that its start position at the tip can be calculated. Using that distance as an offset of the length of the tool reported to the CNC machine, and starting from its reference position, it commences producing the thread (12) in the bore (11) at the desired angular position of the bore (11).

A method of producing a rotationally orientated thread starting at a desired angular position and suitable for mass production is provided. The method is particularly suitable for improving the angular positioning of spark plugs in car engines. The method involves measuring precisely the length (L) of the tool (13) and the distance, at a particular angular position, of a full thread form (14) of the thread to the tip, so that its start position at the tip can be calculated. Using that distance as an offset of the length of the tool reported to the CNC machine, and starting from its reference position, it commences producing the thread (12) in the bore (11) at the desired angular position of the bore (11).

A method and apparatus for forming a fastener for an aircraft. An annealed titanium alloy is provided with about 5.50 to about 6.75 weight percent aluminum, about 3.50 to about 4.50 weight percent vanadium, more than 0.20 weight percent oxygen, and more than 0.30 weight percent iron. Operations are performed to form the fastener for the aircraft from the annealed titanium alloy.

A method and apparatus for forming a fastener for an aircraft. An annealed titanium alloy is provided with about 5.50 to about 6.75 weight percent aluminum, about 3.50 to about 4.50 weight percent vanadium, more than 0.20 weight percent oxygen, and more than 0.30 weight percent iron. Operations are performed to form the fastener for the aircraft from the annealed titanium alloy.