Carbide Taps
Carbide taps are threading tools made from ultra-fine grain carbide, a material known for its hardness and wear resistance. They are used to create internal threads in various materials, including hard metals, Inconel, steel, and abrasive materials. Carbide taps offer advantages over traditional high-speed steel (HSS) taps, such as longer tool life, higher cutting speeds, and the ability to machine harder materials.
Key Characteristics of Carbide Taps:
Material: Made from ultra-fine grain carbide with a high cobalt-content binder.
Durability: Highly resistant to wear and breakage, even in harsh environments.
Long Tool Life: Can last significantly longer than HSS taps, reducing the need for frequent replacements and downtime.
High Cutting Speeds: Designed for high-speed machining and can operate at speeds up to 4 times faster than HSS taps.
Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of materials, including hard metals, Inconel, steel, and even highly abrasive materials.
Advantages of Using Carbide Taps:
Reduced Tool Changes:
Longer tool life translates to fewer tool changes, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
Increased Productivity:
Higher cutting speeds and fewer tool changes lead to faster production rates.
Cost Savings:
While initially more expensive than HSS taps, the reduced downtime and longer tool life can lead to significant long-term cost savings.
TYPES OF CARBIDE TAPS AVAILABLE
Straight Flute Taps: Suitable for through holes and general-purpose tapping.
Spiral Flute Taps: Designed for blind holes and better chip evacuation.
Spiral Point Taps: Similar to spiral flute taps but offer enhanced chip evacuation in blind holes.
Thread Forming Taps: Create threads by deforming the material rather than cutting, often preferred for softer materials and high-volume production.
Taper Taps: Used for initial threading in a hole, gradually widening the thread as the tap advances.
Plug Taps: Used after a taper tap to deepen the thread, offering a more forceful cutting pressure.
Bottoming Taps: Designed for blind holes, cutting the thread all the way to the bottom.
Pipe Taps: Used to create threads in pipe fittings and other plumbing applications, available in straight or taper designs.
Extension Taps: Features a long shank, allowing access to deeper holes.
Combined Drill and Tap: Combines a drill bit and a tap for a one-step threading process.