Tapping is the process of making a thread inside a hole so a screw or bolt can fit tightly. The tool used is called a tap, and it cuts the threads as it turns into the hole. The tapping process can be done by hand or with a CNC machine when high accuracy is needed.
Surface Preparation
First, the hole should be drilled to the correct size and cleaned, and sometimes it can be covered with oil or cutting fluid. This helps the tap cut smoothly without breaking.
Tool Selection
Next, the right tap must be chosen. The choice depends on the material and the thread size. For small jobs, a hand tap may be used, but for larger or repeated work, machine taps are better.
Setting Up the Machine
In CNC tapping, the workpiece is fixed in place, and the machine is set so the tap goes into the hole at the right angle and depth. Proper setup is very important for accuracy, and if they are used correctly, automated CNC tapping machines make threads with the same results every time.
Carrying Out the Tapping
The tap is rotated into the hole and cuts the threads, and the speed must be controlled to avoid damaging the tool. CNC machines do this automatically and make the process more reliable. Firms such as cotswold-machinery-sales.co.uk/roscamat-tapping-machines/ offer a variety of tapping machines for different uses.
Final Inspection
Finally, the new threads are checked. The pitch, depth and overall quality must be correct – otherwise the screw or bolt may not hold properly.