Cutting Thread and Rolled Thread are two different thread processing processes, the main differences are as follows:

1. Processing principle 

• Cutting Thread

Direct cutting of material by tools (such as turning tools, taps, dies, etc.) to form grooves and teeth of threads. It belongs to the processing method of removing the best material.
Common methods: turning, milling, tapping, thread cutting machines, etc.

• Rolled Thread

High pressure is applied to the workpiece through the rolling die (rolling wheel) to cause the material to undergo plastic deformation and extrude the thread shape. It is the most chip free processing, the material is not cut, but is redistributed.
Common methods: two-roll rolling, three-roll rolling, plate rolling, etc.

2. Material adaptability 

• Cutting Thread

Suitable for a variety of materials (including brittle materials, such as cast iron, cemented carbide), but may cause burrs or micro-cracks at the edge of the material due to cutting forces.

• Rolled Thread

Only suitable for malleable materials (such as low carbon steel, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium fasteners etc.), brittle materials can not be rolled (easy to break).

3. Thread performance 

•   Cutting Thread

  Low thread strength: cutting will cut the material fiber, which may reduce fatigue strength.
  High surface roughness: tool marks may remain, requiring subsequent polishing.

•   Rolled Thread

  Higher thread strength: the material fiber is continuous, and the surface cold work hardening improves the hardness and wear    resistance.
  Smoother surface: lower surface roughness of thread after rolling, better sealing and fatigue resistance.

4. Production efficiency and cost 

•  Cutting Thread

Suitable for small batch, non-standard thread or large size thread machining.
Lower tool cost, but low efficiency (especially for mass production).

• Rolled Thread

Suitable for mass standardized production (such as bolts, screws) with high efficiency (multiple parts per second can be processed).
High mold cost, but low cost per piece (no material waste, long tool life).

5. Accuracy and tolerance 

• Cutting Thread

Accuracy depends on the machine and tool, high flexibility, can be processed complex or non-standard threads.

• Rolled Thread

High accuracy and good consistency, but the mold design is complex and only suitable for standard thread specifications.

6. Application Scenarios 

•   Cutting Thread

 Large diameter thread, non-standard thread, brittle material, small batch customization requirements. For example: transmission screw of large machinery, threaded connectors of special materials.

• Rolled Thread

 Standardized small diameter threads (such as bolts, screws, nuts), mass production scenarios.
 For example: titanium car parts, electronic product screws.

Choose the right process according to the specific needs (such as materials, batches, performance requirements)!