Thread taps are used to tap a thread on the required components. As you could guess, there are different types of thread taps. They all play the same function of cutting the thread but all of them do not work the same way. Each one works differently and so not all of them are suitable for all purposes. You are therefore required to select the right tap based on your requirements.
Your choice of whether to select a Metric thread tap or ACME thread tap will totally on your requirements. Therefore, you need to start with understanding your requirements clearly when you are selecting your thread taps.
You need to first know what type of hole to be cut and what is the hole size to select the right tap. Certain types of taps are suitable for tapping certain types of holes. After understanding your requirements, you need to focus on the type of holes.
Thirdly, you should also take into account the material that is being used. Not all taps are suitable for all materials. The hardness of the material will vary and you need to therefore make sure that you select a suitable tap for the material at hand.
If you are tapping in short chipping materials, you may need to go for straight flute taps. This will let the chipped particles fall through the flute leaving the tapping path clean.
The tapping requirements vary from one industry to the other. In some industries mass production will be involved whereby the same type of hole should be tapped in the same type of material. In this case you have very little variables. So you should select tapping materials that are specifically designed for that specific material. This will help you reduce the frequent breakage of the taps. There are situations whereby you are required to tap in a variety of materials or you may tap different types of holes or both. In such cases, you need to select taps that are meant for multipurpose use and that would prove to be versatile rendering themselves suitable for multiple application scenarios.
You cannot blindly select an ACME thread tap or metric thread tap without taking into account the specific tapping requirements. Irrespective of the nature of the tapping requirements you have, you cannot certainly compromise on the quality of the taps you order. The tap quality will determine the quality of the threads and their finish. It is therefore important to pay attention to these basic factors and select the best suppliers that could meet your current as well as future requirements.
Screen your suppliers well in advance and have them short-listed so that you know where to go for the right type of tap for your requirements as and when the need arises. Investing in good quality and the right type of taps will help you save money and time down the line, as you would be required to deal with lesser issues while tapping your components.
