The tapping process used to be entirely manual, but technology has allowed for the development of a variety of tapping machines that can do the job very efficiently and accurately.
Electric tapping machines are now widely used across numerous industries to create thread holes in metal items. This process enables bolts, screws, and other threaded parts to be attached together.
Applications
Electric tapping machines are used in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, and valve manufacturing.
Types of electric tapping machines
Arm-type electric tapping machines (as the name suggests) use a long, flexible, mechanical ‘arm’ with specialist attachments on the end to ‘tap’ the holes. These use a motor to power the tapping arm and to rotate the tapping head. This type of tapping machine is often used in situations where a large number of holes need to be made quickly and accurately.
Horizontal electric tapping machines utilise a metal bed with metal rods on both sides that hold the material in place and enable high-accuracy tapping. Many of these have limit switches which can be used for reversing the tapping process, thus providing greater precision and accuracy. This type of machine can be used for inner or outer tapping.
CNC electric tapping machines are a more recent development and utilise computers to generate detailed instructions. These are transmitted from the computer to the tapping machine. These machines are capable of different types of tapping including blind hole tapping, through hole tapping, rigid tapping, floating tapping, synchronous tapping, and peck tapping.
Portable handheld electric tapping machines are easily operated by a single person and can be powered either by batteries or a standard electric supply. The tapping head can be changed easily, and taps can be made from different kinds of materials. These are great for smaller-scale projects.
Advice
Expert firms such as Cotswold Machinery are able to give advice as to which tapping machines are best suited to your individual requirements.
Advantages
The key advantages of electric tapping machines are their speed, precision, strength, and ease of use.
