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2025
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What are the 3 main types of taps used to make threads?
Taps play an important role in the threading process. Straight flute taps, spiral flute taps and screw point taps (apex taps) are the three most commonly used types of taps for manufacturing threads.
Straight flute taps are the most versatile type of tap. The number of teeth in the cutting cone part has a variety of choices, the short cone is suitable for non-through hole, the long cone is used for through hole. If the bottom hole is deep enough, the straight flute tap with a long cutting cone can increase the number of teeth sharing the cutting load and prolong the service life. It can be used on ordinary lathes, drilling machines and tapping machines, and is suitable for processing materials with high hardness, easy to wear, cutting in powder form, as well as through holes or blind holes with short tapping depth.
Spiral fluted taps are particularly suitable for machining through-hole threads. Chips are discharged upwards during machining and the helix angle affects the actual cutting lead angle. For ferrous metals, a helix angle of about 30 degrees is appropriate to ensure the strength of the helical teeth; for non-ferrous metals such as copper and aluminum, the helix angle is increased to about 45 degrees, which makes the cutting sharper. Commonly used in CNC machining centers to drill blind holes, fast processing speed, high precision, good alignment.
Screw Tap (apex tap) is the first choice for through-hole threading as the chips are discharged forward when processing threads. Its core size, good strength, can withstand large cutting force, in the processing of non-ferrous metals, stainless steel, ferrous metals and other materials, can have good processing results.
These three types of taps have their own advantages, according to different processing needs to choose the right tap, can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of thread manufacturing. Contact Jinxin to help you recommend the right type of tap.
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