Plus, a thread mill can create interior and exterior threads, right-hand and left-hand threads, as well as very large threaded holes (e.g. This reduces both the cost of tooling and the amount of time associated with tool changes. This can be advantageous if there are tight tolerances on the thread sizes or if allowances need to be made for finishing such as painting.Īlso, a single tool can be used in thread milling to make a wide range of hole sizes. So, the machine operator has the ability to adjust thread size using a strategy similar to using an end mill, rather than a drill bit to make a hole. A threaded hole is milled at a high RPM and the tool helixes into a previously-milled hole. The primary advantage of thread milling is the ability to control the fit. Thread Milling: Advantages and Disadvantages To complete these last areas as perfect threads, a secondary finishing tool is required and results in longer cycle times.Īs general rule of thumb, it is best to employ tapping when you need to make a lot of holes with few variations in size. In the case of blind tapping, the deepest threads in the hole are made with the part of the tool that is designed to plunge rather than thread. Also, rigid taps are used exclusively for interior threading of holes and cannot be used to mill threads onto the outside of a post or screw.įinally, since the initial portion of a rigid tap is designed to plunge into material rather than making perfect threads, these tools are best for tapping through holes rather than blind tapping, which is threading holes that end within the material. Once the hole is tapped, the size and position of the thread is final. Plus, having to switch tapping tools for all of the various size holes increases the cycle time.Īnother disadvantage is that tapping does not allow for adjusting thread fit. This can consume a large number of valuable, but limited positions in the tool magazine. Additionally, tapping can thread deeper holes in harder materials such as steel.Ī significant disadvantage of tapping is that a different size tap is required for each size hole that needs to be threaded. High-speed tapping centers set up with a rigid tap can thread holes in a fraction of the time it would take to thread mill the same holes. The greatest advantage of tapping is speed. This article explains the advantages and disadvantages of each so that you can make an educated decision about the strategy that will work best for your parts. Tapping, just what are the difference between them and when should each be used? There are some distinct differences between thread milling and tapping.
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