Flutes on threadingtools taps
What are flutes on taps?
A groove on taps is required to make room for material removal during tapping. A flute can have different shapes designed for its use, which can cause the material removed to be ejected in a different way. In hand tap sets, all taps are straight fluted. All flute shapes can be found on both cut-in taps and machine taps.
Different tap grooves: Spiral groove, straight fluted with peel point and straight fluted
Straight fluted taps
Taps with straight groove are the most commonly used taps. Universally applicable, mainly for short-chipping steel and cast iron, they form the basis of the taps. They are suitable for both through and blind holes. Straight fluted taps can have the form A, C, D or E. Taps with straight flutes are not suitable for deep threads as there is hardly any chip evacuation.
Straight fluted taps:
- Suitable for through and blind holes
- Are not suitable for deep threads
- Can have the form A, C, D and E
Form A (6 – 8 leads, threads)
Form C (2 – 3 leads, threads)
Form D (3,5 – 5 leads, threads)
Form E (1,5 – 2 leads, threads)
Straight fluted taps with peel point
Taps with a straight groove and peel point are only suitable for through holes. The chip removal is below the bore and in the direction of the chip. Due to the relatively flat grooves, this tap is particularly stable and the coolant reaches the cutting edges without problems. Straight fluted taps with peel cut have the form B.
Straight fluted taps with peel point:
- Only suitable for through holes
- Have the form B (3,5 – 5 leads, threads)
Tap with helical flutes
A distinction is made between taps with left-hand twisted and right-hand twisted spiral grooves:
Left-hand spiral grooves on taps
Taps with left-hand spiral grooves are suitable for through holes. The chip removal of these tap types takes place below the hole. The chips are removed in the cutting direction.
Left-hand spiral grooves on taps:
- Suitable for through holes
- Have the form C or D
Form C (2 – 3 leads. threads)
Form D (3.5 – 5 leads. threads) - 8 – 15 degrees spiral grooves
Right-hand helix flutes for taps
Taps with right-hand spiral grooves are particularly suitable for blind holes. The spiral grooves transport the chips out of the drill hole upwards, which prevents the chips from clogging the grooves. Good chip evacuation minimizes thread damage and prevents tap breakage.
Right-hand spiral grooves on the tap:
- Suitable for blind holes
- Have the form C or E
Form C (2 – 3 leads. threads)
Form E (1,5 – 2 leads. threads) - Available in 15, 25, 35 and 45 degree spiral flutes
Number of flutes for taps or machine taps
The number of slots is not regulated in the DIN standard. However, it has become generally accepted that hand taps M8 and larger are designed with four flutes.
The advantages are obvious: the friction is lower, the chip removal is better and you get a smoother cutting behaviour and thus longer tool life. However, one more flute must be ground, which extends the flute grinding process.
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