SPL Tapping Information
SPL Tapping Information
SPL Tapping Information
APPROVALS DATE
DRAWN: A.B. 27 OCT 03 Engineering
CHIEF ENG.: B.J.M. 27 OCT 03
APPROVAL:
Tapping
APPROVAL: Information
APPROVAL:
PATH: \\SPLSRV1\Engineering\Standard\Spiralock Standards\
1. Tapping
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Spiralock Corporation Engineering Document
Engineering Tapping Information
1.1.4. T-10
Optimum for lead-screw controlled, high production tapping of all grades of cast iron and
other abrasive materials, and for materials of 30-42 Rc.
Looks similar to general purpose style except for finish/color
Double nitrided
Full eccentric relief
Use for sizes #6 through 3/4 (nitriding will embrittle smaller sizes)
3. Tool Steels
Tool steels (high-speed steels) are high-alloy, W-Mo-V-Co bearing steels designed to cut
other materials efficiently at high speeds, despite the extreme heat generated at the tool's
cutting edge. This heat can reach 1000 degrees F or more depending on cutting
conditions, coolants used and other operational factors. To provide good cutting tool
performance a tool steel must have three basic characteristics.
First, the capacity for heat treatment to a high hardness, usually from a minimum nominal
hardness of Rc 63 to a maximum nominal hardness of Rc 68. High hardness is
necessary for good wear resistance.
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Spiralock Corporation Engineering Document
Engineering Tapping Information
Second, the capacity for maintaining high hardness at elevated temperatures. This is
called red hardness. Tool steels are subjected to considerable heat where the cutting
edge meets the work piece chip interface. Red hardness is essential.
Third, tool steels must have enough impact toughness to handle interrupted cut tooling
applications. They are notably tougher than carbide or ceramic materials.
Naturally, in addition to these three basic characteristics, tool steels must be capable of
being fabricated, hot worked, machined, and ground. Note: the balance percentage of the
materials listed below is always iron (Fe).
AISI M1 - molybdenum, chromium, vanadium alloy steel. It is one of the most widely
available tool steels in use today. It is similar in properties to the tungsten tool steels (T
series) at a lower cost.
C .83 Cr 3.75 V 1.15 W 1.70 Mo 8.50
AISI M7 - molybdenum type high speed steel designed with higher carbon and vanadium
to provide higher hardness after heat treatment and improved wear resistance compared
to M1 steel. Standard tool steel used for Spiralock taps and the most commonly used.
C 1.00 Cr 3.75 V 2.00 W 1.75 Mo 8.75
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Engineering Tapping Information
3.2. Carbide
A sintered material made by using a cobalt binder to cement micron-sized carbide
particles together, creating a dense composite. The hardness is from the carbide
particles and the wear resistance is from the cobalt bonding. Extremely resistant to
abrasion, wear, corrosion, compression and high temperature fluctuations. Is often given
a titanium nitride (TiN) coating to greatly increase lubricity and wear resistance.
Used both for special taps as well as thread turning inserts.
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Spiralock Corporation Engineering Document
Engineering Tapping Information
• Chipless Tapping
Since the thread is formed and not cut, there are no chip removal problems when tapping
blind holes.
• Stronger Threads
For materials that work-harden, such as steel and stainless steel, the grain flow of formed
threads follows the contour of the thread, resulting in greater thread strength.
• Better Thread Gaging
Because no material is cut away, the possibility of producing oversized threads is greatly
reduced.
• Stronger Taps
The absence of chips eliminates the need for flutes, resulting in a solid, stronger tap.
• Longer Tap Life
Because there is no cutting edge to dull, forming taps last 3 to 20 times longer than
cutting taps.
• Ideal for Non-Lead Screw Tappers
The ability to form their own leads makes form taps well-suited for machines without lead
screws.
Forming
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Spiralock Corporation Engineering Document
Engineering Tapping Information
n tapping
4.2. Materials
Aluminum, brass, copper, lead, 300/400 series stainless steels, steel, diecast zinc and
17-4 stainless are potential materials for cold-form tapping. In general, any material that
produces a stringy chip is a good candidate for cold forming.
The quality and type of lubrication becomes more important to tap life and thread quality
as speed increases. Cutting oils are generally preferred for lubrication because of their
lubricity compared to that of water soluble coolants. For non-ferrous materials, water
soluble may be used at increased concentrations. For steels and stainless steels, a high
sulfur/high chlorine tapping oil with a fat additive is recommended. TiN coatings are
recommended in softer and stainless steels in conjunction with water soluble coolants.
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Engineering Tapping Information
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Engineering Tapping Information
6. Thread Milling
The increased use of CNC technology has created the conditions for a future-oriented
technology for the production of internal and external threads. Thread milling is a useful
alternative to thread cutting or thread forming in many cases. It offers the following
esistance. advantages:
• High cutting speeds and feeds
• Multi-functional designs reduce cycle times by combining drilling, chamfering and
threading
• Produces threads with excellent form, finish and dimensional accuracy
• Easy machining of difficult materials
• Eliminates tap breakage
• Full bottom threading
• Precise thread depth control
• Optimum positional accuracy
• Pitch diameter can be controlled by CNC offset
• One tool for both right and left-hand threads, as well as through or blind holes
• One cutter can produce varying diameters with the same thread pitch
• Produces small, controllable chips
• Smaller machines can produce larger threads due to less spindle torque
• Less cutting pressure for thin-walled workpieces
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Spiralock Corporation Engineering Document
Engineering Tapping Information
Speed Considerations:
Workpiece material and hardness
Type and size of thread
Style of thread mill,
Method of coolant application
Required thread finish
Depth of cut
Rigidity of workpiece
Machine tool size, power and rigidity
Use lower speeds for heat treated, exotic and abrasive material and maximum tool life
Use higher speeds for softer materials, better finishes, smaller diameters and fragile set-
ups
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