A tapping machine is used for forming and cutting internal threads in a pre-drilled hole in metals, plastics and composite materials. This blog post will provide a basic overview of how a tapping machine works and what kind of tapping machines are available.
What Kind of Tapping Machines are there?
Tapping can either be performed on an automated or manual machine. In automated machines, before the workpiece is secured, the operator must have programmed the CNC machine with the codes to carry out the tapping. The CNC machine then drills the holes, carries out the tapping and creates the threads.
Manual tapping requires more precision and the skills of an experienced machinist in order to get the desired result.
New technology is being created all the time in the tapping world, with laser cutting machines also providing tapping and drilling. Specialist machinery suppliers such as www.cotswold-machinery-sales.co.uk/roscamat-tapping-machines can offer advice on the latest automated tapping machines.
The Working Process of a Tapping Machine
There are a number of processes a tapping machine goes through to create a thread:
Clamp the workpiece – The workpiece which contains the pre-drilled hole is securely clamped or held in position on the tapping machine.
Align the tap – The tap is then inserted into the spindle on the tapping machine and aligned with the hole to be tapped.
Spindle rotation – The spindle which is holding the tap starts rotating at the specified speed which is usually in a clockwise direction for right-hand threads.
Feed motion – As the tap rotates, it is gradually fed into the hole along its axis. This feed motion happens either by the tap moving into the stationary workpiece or the workpiece moving onto the stationary tap.
Thread cutting – As the tap moves into the hole, the cutting edges remove the waste material from the walls of the hole and cut the correct internal thread form.
Reverse rotation – Once the tap has reached the depth you require, the spindle rotation is reversed to allow the tap to back out of the hole.