Types of Cutting Taps and Their Uses: An Easy Guide

Cutting Taps

Turning taps are part of machining tools used to cut threads into bored holes. They are available in different models based on the material type, and the threading techniques are also different. The type of tap to use is essential to ensure the accuracy of threads and extend the life of the tool. In this article, all significant categories of cutting taps and their applications are briefly described.

Taper Taps

Taper taps are identified on the basis of the invite taper region whose cutting edges run up to the first eight to ten threads. This design is also easier to start in a hole and preferable for starting those machinists who have lesser control over the threading. Taper taps are employed on relatively soft materials such as aluminum and plastic. They are usually used where a preliminary hole has been made that then has more passes over it by other taps.

Form Taps

Form taps do not have the characteristic of cutting taps in that they do not take out material. Instead, they transfer the material and shape it into threads to obtain firmer and smoother threads with no chips produced. Form taps are suitable for soft materials such as aluminum and brass, as well as some stainless steel materials. They are usually applied in industries where threads must be clean and are most important, such as the auto industry and the medical industry.

Plug Taps

Plug taps are for general use and suitable for most threading application requirements. They have three to five tapered threads on the cutting end to give equal emphasis on the utility of threading and the depth of the tapered threads. This type of plugin is frequently utilized in materials such as carbon steel, brass, and cast iron. They are instead used in through-hole threading and can be recommended for use in various machining applications.

Bottoming Taps

Bottoming taps have a slight taper that is around one to two threads in size at the pointed end. This design enables them to develop strings to the near bottom of a blind hole. They are mainly applied after a taper or plug tap has made the hole ready for the next operation. Bottoming taps are used in interactions that require interaction thread depth, such as in accurate manufacturing and joining.

Spiral Point Taps

Spiral point taps, also referred to as gun taps, are intended for use in through-hole products. The straight flutes in their design advance the chip in front of it when it is cutting, and there is no build-up, so they effectively thread. These taps are ideal for long-threading applications and are well suited to steel and alloy materials, including stainless. The chip-clearing geometry decreases the tool wearing and maximizes its life cycle.

Spiral Flute Taps

Spiral fluted taps contain helical flutes that lift chips up and out of blind holes, something that favors them. These taps are specially designed for use in soft metals such as aluminum, copper, and plastic materials, where chip removal is paramount. Spiral flute taps are used extensively in industries that demand high-quality threads on holes, such as aerospace and electronics.

Pipe Taps

Pipe taps are precision-cutting taps with tapered screw threads that are used in pipes and pipe fittings only. These threads create secure and leak-proof joints for applications in plumbing for gaseous and fluid transmission pipelines. Pipe taps are commonly used in systems where there is a need to develop leakproof connections while transferring liquids or gasses. Their design allows the necessary tapering for sealing purposes to be incorporated as part of their construction.

Machine Taps

Machine taps are intended for use where speed tapping is necessary or when using a power tool. There are several types of taps: spiral-point and spiral flute, that are adapted for different materials and use. Machine taps are mainly employed in industries where a large number of items are needed, such as the automotive and aerospace industries. Due to their reliability and speed, they are essential equipment in the current production processes.

Conclusion

Knowledge of cutting taps and their types is very crucial in any threading and machining operations. Some may require spiral point taps for chip-clearing efficiency, while others may require form taps with no chips at all; choosing the right tap is essential for better threads and longer tool life. As with most tools, performance and productivity depend on the match between the tool and application, and that is why we recommend that you make your tap match the material and your application.