Tapping is the process used to create internal threads in pre-drilled holes. There are three main ways in which this process can be carried out, so let’s take look at them:
1. Using tapping machines.
Tapping machines, which are available from companies such as https://www.cotswold-machinery-sales.co.uk/roscamat-tapping-machines, help to improve efficiency and accuracy by automating much of the tapping process. They are available as electric or pneumatic and are easily configured for the work you need to do.
2. Using hand taps.
Hand taps are commonly employed in manual openings. They are very versatile, allowing taps to be performed on the job rather than removing them to wherever the tapping machine is located. They are a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to tapping machines, making them more accessible to DIYers and mobile professionals who may be unable to transport a machine.
3. Using spiral point taps.
Spiral point taps use a threaded rod to prevent chip accumulation and are most commonly used when the hole needs to fully penetrate the drilled material Like hand taps, spiral point taps are lightweight and portable. This means they can be transported to a job, expediting repairs and reducing costs.
Which is best suited to your project?
Choosing between machine and manual tapping requires an in-depth assessment of the work to be performed. Generally, tapping machines are best suited to high-volume, repetitive work in an industrial context, whereas manual tapping is designed for ad hoc repair and maintenance activities.
Although manual tapping tools are cheaper to obtain, the cost of a tapping machine will soon be absorbed in a high-volume production environment through the increased accuracy and speed with which tapped threads can be created.
You should also consider the material into which you wish to tap a thread. Manual tools are often better suited to lightweight, delicate materials, such as aluminium, while tapping machines have greater impact and are better suited to stronger materials, such as steel and titanium.
By carefully assessing these factors, you will be able to select the tapping tools best suited to your project, timescale, and budget.
