8459.70 - Other threading or tapping machines:

Heading 8459.70 encompasses "other threading or tapping machines" that are not specifically classified under other subheadings within 8459. These machines are designed for the precise creation of internal or external threads, or for cutting internal threads (tapping), on various materials, typically metal. This category includes machines that perform threading or tapping operations as their primary function, distinguishing them from general-purpose machine tools that might have some threading capability as a secondary function.

Unlike the "way-type unit head machines" (8459.10.00.00), machines classified under 8459.70 are generally not integrated into larger production lines as standardized, multi-station units. They also differ from the broader categories of drilling, boring, and milling machines within 8459, as their core operation is specifically focused on thread generation. The key differentiator lies in the dedicated mechanism and purpose of creating or cutting threads.

Within this category, further distinctions are made based on the level of automation. Subheading 8459.70.40.00 covers numerically controlled (NC) threading and tapping machines, which utilize computer programming to guide their operations, offering high precision and repeatability. Subheading 8459.70.80.00 captures all other threading and tapping machines that do not fall under the numerically controlled classification, typically including manually operated or simpler automated models.