

Compare that to cut threads, which because of the tools used, cause grain structure to essentially fracture.Īlso, formed taps have a longer life, as they last about three to 20 times longer than cut taps.Ĭutting taps and forming taps both have benefits and limitations from stronger threads to greater compatibility. But machinists aren’t limited to the materials when they decide to cut taps.Ĭutting taps also have the upperhand regarding horsepower, as this threading method requires less power than forming taps.įormed threads are stronger because the grain flow of materials is compressed at the crest and root of the thread form. When machinists use forming taps, they can only use the process on aluminum, soft steel and nonferrous metals. Additionally, forming taps usually require a larger hole because this style causes a material to thread away and into the threads of the tap. The two threading methods tap holes differently, but they also have a handful of other differences, starting with the type of thread each method produces.Ĭutting taps are more versatile than forming taps and can be used with more materials. Forming taps involves the displacement of a material (like metal) within a hole. In the experimental part of this article, tests are conducted in form tapping. Thus, the ASTM D5619 is not only realized and applied for cut tapping but also for form tapping. Additionally, forming taps usually require a larger hole because this style causes a material to thread away and into the threads of the tap. Cut tapping is the less reliable process for tapping torque tests because chip curls can drag and jam in the tap’s flute and can contribute to the measured tapping torque. Forming taps involves the displacement of a material (like metal) within a hole. Unlike cutting taps, forming taps create external threads. This gradual cutting motion allows a tap to smoothly enter a hole. Milling is the process of machining using rotary cutters to remove material by advancing a cutter into a workpiece.This may be done by varying directions on one or several axes, cutter head speed, and pressure. This process then leaves an internal thread that meets the machinist’s desires.Ī machinist achieves that geometric precision by using tools that come with a feature called the chamfer, which cuts a 90-degree angle or edge to make it more symmetrical. A 3-axis clone of a Bridgeport-style vertical milling machine.

Cutting a tap means using tools that remove material from the tapped hole, according to North American Tool. When machinists need to create internal threads, they opt for cutting taps. Cutting taps and forming taps produce threads that are interchangeable and gauge identically, but those are the only similarities between the two tapping styles.
