Services

Tapping

Kloeckner Metals is proud to provide tapping as part of its portfolio of services at select locations across North America.

Tapping image

Tapping

Tapping is a process used in the metals industry to create internal threads inside a hole in a metal part or component. The process involves using a tool called a tap, which is a cutting tool with a series of sharp threads designed to cut matching threads into the metal part as it is rotated.

The process involves several steps, including drilling a hole of the appropriate size and depth in the metal part, preparing the tap by applying cutting fluid or lubricant to the threads, and then inserting the tap into the hole and rotating it in a clockwise direction.

As the tap rotates, the cutting edges of the threads remove material from the metal part, creating matching threads inside the hole. The tap is then reversed and removed from the hole, leaving behind a set of internal threads that can be used to connect the metal part to another part or component using a bolt or screw.

It is commonly used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing. It is used to create internal threads in a range of materials, including steel, aluminum, and other metals. It can be performed manually using a hand-held tap, or it can be performed using specialized machines that automate the process for high-volume production.

Products That Undergo Tapping

Special Tapping Equipment

Branches Featuring Tapping

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Industries Served by Tapping

Automotive

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Automotive

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Electrical

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Food Service

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Heavy Equipment & Construction

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Heavy Trucks

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Architectural

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Trailer and Truck Industry

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What equipment is used for tapping?

    Answer:

    The process is used to create threads in metal parts or components, and requires specialized equipment to achieve accurate and precise results. Some of the equipment used for tapping in the metals industry includes:

    1. Tools: These are hand-held tools used to manually create threads in metal parts. Tapping tools include taps, which are used to cut internal threads, and dies, which are used to cut external threads.
    2. Machines: These are specialized machines designed to automatically create threads in metal parts. Tapping machines can be used for high-volume production and are capable of tapping multiple parts simultaneously.
    3. Drill presses: These machines are commonly used in conjunction with tapping tools to drill a hole in the metal part before tapping. The drill press can be used to ensure that the hole is precisely located and oriented before the process begins.
    4. CNC machining centers: These computer-controlled machines can be programmed to perform tapping operations on metal parts. CNC machining centers can be used for high-precision tapping applications and are commonly used in the production of precision parts and components.
    5. Attachments: These are specialized attachments that can be added to other types of machines, such as lathes or milling machines, to enable tapping operations.

    Overall, the equipment used will depend on the specific application and requirements of the thread being created. It can be performed manually or with the assistance of specialized machines and attachments, and the appropriate method will depend on factors such as the material being tapped, the size and complexity of the thread, and the desired level of precision and quality.

  • What does it mean to create threads in metal parts?

    Answer:

    Creating threads in metal parts means cutting a helical groove into the surface of a metal part to create a screw-like shape, which can then be used to fasten the part to another surface or to connect two parts together. The process of creating threads is commonly referred to as tapping.

    Threads can be created on the inside of a hole in the metal part, known as an internal thread, or on the outside of a cylindrical metal part, known as an external thread. Internal threads are created by using a tool called a tap, which is inserted into the hole and rotated to cut the helical groove. External threads are created using a tool called a die, which is placed around the metal part and rotated to cut the groove.

    Creating threads in metal parts is an important process in many industries, including manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. Threads allow parts to be securely fastened together, which is critical for ensuring the safety and reliability of mechanical systems. Creating threads requires specialized tools and equipment, as well as expertise and experience to ensure proper thread size, pitch, and quality.

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