Successful tapping applications depend on several important factors. These can include axial compensation on CNC machines, internal coolant supply, and special advantages related to self-reversing tapping attachments, according to Mark Johnson, president of Tapmatic Corp., Post Falls, Idaho. “Rigid or synchronized tapping on CNC machines has become an industry standard,” he said. “Even though the synchronization of the machine’s feed advance to the spindle rotation is accurate, there will always be a small discrepancy between the actual pitch of a specific tap and the machine’s synchronized movement.”

Using a completely solid holder means that even a very small discrepancy will cause high axial forces on the flanks of the threads. “This has a negative effect on tap life and thread quality,” said Johnson. “Using a tap holder with a small amount of axial compensation allows the tap to better follow its pitch and this reduces the axial forces for a dramatic improvement in tap life and thread quality.” 

Tapmatic’s SynchroFlex tap holders include a machined flexure that provides a small amount of axial compensation. “The SynchroFlex flexures have a high spring rate, which is important for avoiding axial miscutting,” he said. “If the spring force is too soft, like in the case of traditional tension-compression tap holders with a large amount of axial compensation, axial miscutting can occur. This is especially true when using free-cutting, high-speed taps often recommended for synchronized or rigid tapping cycles. SynchroFlex is designed to provide just the right amount of compensation for synchronized tapping.”

A SynchroFlex II SFT50 performing synchronized tapping with M8 on a CNC lathe with live tooling uses a self-reversing tapping attachment at 2,500 rpm to tap ten M8 holes in 11 seconds. (Provided by Tapmatic)Lubrication is important for tapping in general and especially for roll form tapping. “Using a tap holder with internal coolant capability allows the use of taps with either an axial coolant hole for blind holes, or radial coolant holes for through hole applications,” said Johnson. “This gets the coolant where it is needed for the cutting or forming of the threads. It also greatly helps with clearing chips out of the hole when using cutting taps.”

Tapmatic’s SynchroFlex tap holders all include a balanced, high-pressure internal coolant system. Pressure up to 80 bar or 1,200 psi can be used and because the system is balanced, the coolant pressure does not influence the tap holders axial compensation.
Self-reversing tapping attachments offer special advantages compared to synchronized tapping. “With synchronized tapping, because the machine spindle needs to stop and reverse within a very limited number of revolutions, it is not possible for the machine to maintain the programmed spindle speed. Using a self-reversing tapping attachment allows the machine spindle to turn continuously in one direction at the actual program speed. The result is a shorter cycle time,” said Johnson.
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For example, in one test using rigid tapping to tap ten M8 holes at 2,500 rpm, cycle time was 18 seconds. Repeating the same test at 4,000 rpm saved just one second. Using a self-reversing tapping attachment at 2,500 rpm to tap the same ten M8 holes took just 11 seconds. “In addition to improving cycle time, using a self-reversing tapping attachment also allows the tap to run at the recommended speed, and this provides longer tap life as well,” said Johnson.

Modern CNC machines have the capability of synchronizing the spindle rotation to match the feed advance for a specific tap pitch. The "Rigid" or synchronized tapping cycle is very accurate, but it is impossible to avoid small discrepancies between the machine synchronization and the actual pitch of the specific tap being used. Using a rigid tap holder means that any deviation at all increases the thrust forces acting on the tap and this dramatically reduces tap life.

At the heart of SynchroFlex® is a precisely machined flexure which provides axial and radial compensation for the unavoidable discrepancy between the machine feed advance and the actual tap pitch. By compensating for this error, the thrust forces acting on the tap are dramatically reduced.The result is the longest possible tap life, 100% improvement or more, and much better quality threads.
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SynchroFlex® II with increased flow rates for high pressure internal coolant.
Tapmatic's 80 bar, balanced, internal coolant system is included in all SynchroFlex tap holders and our system does not influence the axial compensation forces.The holders may be used with or without internal coolant.

by Bernard Martin

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2024 is just around the corner, and JMI CNC Tooling & Automation is excited to highlight the exceptional innovations our represented companies will showcase at the event.

Taking place from September 9-14 in Chicago, IMTS is the premier platform for exploring the latest advancements in manufacturing technology. As you plan your visit, make sure to stop by the booths of the following JMI-represented companies.

Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect to learn about in each to these booths!

At Achteck America Inc.'s booth you can learn about their broad range range of cutting tools.

Achteck offers both indexable and solid carbide tools designed for turning, milling, drilling, and grooving across materials such as steel, stainless steel, heat-resistant alloys, and more.

With an extensive inventory maintained in Michigan, Achteck stands out for their competitive pricing and ability to meet the needs of both general-purpose and specialized machining tasks, including Swiss tool, heavy-duty turning, and railway wheel turning. Their innovative grooving inserts, milling cutters, and solid carbide drills are perfect for those looking to enhance their productivity and precision in manufacturing operations.

• West Building, Level 3 — 431258 — Tooling & Workholding

At AB Tools booth at IMTS 2024 you can learn about top-quality, USA-made cutting tools that have been trusted by professionals since 1977.

As the home of the renowned Shear Hog®, AB Tools specializes in a range of innovative solutions including indexable dovetails, O-ring grooving tools, keyseat cutters, and precision firearms tooling. With an impressive turnaround time of just 5-6 workdays for custom specials, AB Tools ensures you get exactly what you need, when you need it.

• West Building, Level 3 — 432264 — Tooling & Workholding

Visit Blue Photon’s booth at IMTS 2024 to learn about their unique adhesive workholding solutions, designed to hold parts securely without the distortion that comes from traditional clamping.

Whether you're working with hard-to-hold, easily distorted, or brittle parts, Blue Photon’s technology is the perfect fit, especially for applications in milling, turning, grinding, and more. Their system is ideal for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, medical machining, and optics. Plus, with the ability to integrate zero-point systems, you can automate your workholding processes with unmatched precision.

• West Building, Level 3 — 431446 — Tooling & Workholding

At BRM - Brush Research Manufacturing Co., Inc. at IMTS 2024 to explore their industry-leading solutions for improving surface finishes and deburring.

Known for their Flex-Hone Tools and abrasive brushes, BRM's products are essential for achieving superior surface quality in a wide range of applications. Whether you're working with metals, composites, or other materials, BRM offers tools that enhance performance and extend the life of your components

• North Building, Level 3 — 237148 — Abrasive Machining/Sawing/Finishing

Be sure to visit GMN USA’s booth at IMTS 2024 to learn about their high-performance spindle technology firsthand. Known for their precision and reliability, GMN spindles are designed to meet the demands of high-speed machining across various industries.

Whether you’re involved in aerospace, automotive, or any other field requiring top-notch machining capabilities, GMN’s products can enhance your production efficiency and quality.

• North Building, Level 3 — 237065 — Abrasive Machining/Sawing/Finishing

Visit Jergens' booth at IMTS 2024 to check out their 5 axis machining workholding solutions designed to boost productivity and precision in your machining operations. Jergens will be showcasing their 5CV 130mm self-centering vise, perfect for high-accuracy clamping and ideal for various machining applications.
Additionally, check out their Tooling Columns, which provide robust and flexible workholding options to maximize machine output. Don’t miss the opportunity to get a demo on the Jergens Ball Lock® Mounting System, a quick-change solution that drastically reduces setup times, allowing for fast and repeatable fixture changes.

• West Building, Level 3 — 432154 — Tooling & Workholding

Visit MASA Tool's booth at IMTS 2024 to discover the innovative Microconic™ system, specifically designed for precision workholding in CNC Swiss machining.

This cutting-edge system is ideal for holding workpieces ranging from Ø0.15mm to 10mm (Ø0.006" to 0.390") in any machine with a collet-type chuck.

The Microconic™ system consists of two major components: the Microconic™ cartridge, which replaces standard collets such as 5C, TF15, TF16, TF20, TF25, or TF37 in your CNC machine spindle, and the Microconic™ collet, which fits seamlessly into the Microconic™ cartridge. This setup ensures micron-level accuracy and repeatability, making it perfect for industries that require extreme precision, such as medical devices, aerospace, and watchmaking.

• West Building, Level 3 — 432163 — Tooling & Workholding

Visit Pratt Burnerd America's booth at IMTS 2024 to explore their high-quality lathe chucks, known for delivering unmatched precision and durability. As a trusted name in workholding solutions, Pratt Burnerd offers a wide range of products, including manual, power, and special application chucks that are designed to enhance the performance of your CNC machines. Whether you’re looking for innovative rotary workholding solutions for standard or custom applications, Pratt Burnerd has the expertise and products to meet your needs.

• West Building, Level 3 — 431384 — Tooling & Workholding

Visit Tapmatic’s booth at IMTS 2024 to explore their extensive range of innovative tapping solutions and toolholders designed to optimize your machining processes.

Tapmatic is best known for their high-performance tapping heads, which are engineered to reduce cycle times, enhance thread quality, and significantly extend tool life. But that's not all—Tapmatic also offers cutting-edge tools like the Scribewriter for precise marking, the DeBurr-Z tool for efficient deburring, and the TapWriter Dot Peen Marking tool for robust and permanent part marking. Whether you're in need of tapping solutions or advanced marking and deburring tools, Tapmatic has the expertise and products to elevate your production capabilities.

• West Building, Level 3 — 431246 — Tooling & Workholding

Beyond deburring, the DeBurr-Z steps can also perform engraving. Its compression float feature facilitates a faster approach to the workpiece, proving especially effective for marking on curved surfaces. This dual functionality adds to the tool's appeal, making it a versatile asset for machining tasks beyond traditional deburring.

The DeBurr-Z not only contributes to precision but also enhances the lifespan of cutting tools. Thanks to its adjustable compression force, it aids in prolonging the life of cutting tools, simultaneously speeding up the machining process by enabling faster approach feed rates. This dual benefit significantly boosts overall efficiency and reduces production time, aligning with the demands of modern manufacturing.

compiled and written by Bernard Martin

Eliminating the need for secondary marking operations, Tapmatic's TapWriter is a CNC marvel that scribes numbers, text, date codes, or artwork directly onto your workpiece. This innovative dot-marking tool operates without spindle rotation, making it a versatile and efficient addition to your machining process.

Utilizing a long-life carbide stylus or a ballpoint, the TapWriter effortlessly creates fine lines on your workpiece. What sets it apart is its ability to mark curved surfaces without requiring adjustments to the Z-axis, offering precision without compromise.

Part numbers, serial numbers, date codes, and even logos can be effortlessly etched onto your materials, whether they are soft or hard, with a hardness of up to 62 HRC. This adaptability makes the TapWriter an indispensable tool for various industries.

Installation is a breeze as the TapWriter seamlessly integrates with machining centers or CNC lathes equipped with live tooling. It employs standard engraving software, eliminating the need for delicate cutting tools and high-speed spindles, streamlining your workflow.

The TapWriter's versatility extends to the materials it can mark. Whether it's soft plastics or hardened steel up to 55 RC, its durable carbide stylus ensures a precise mark, even on uneven or rounded surfaces.

Speed is a defining characteristic of the TapWriter, boasting a remarkable capacity of up to 80 characters per minute, contingent on your machine's capabilities. Its efficiency makes it a favored choice in the aerospace industry, where gentle curves in the dot's cross-section prevent stress concentration.
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With the TapWriter, you are in control of every aspect of your mark, from revolutions per minute dictating dots per minute to the velocity of the carbide stylus when it impacts your workpiece. It's time to take the hassle out of marking and embrace the precision, efficiency, and control offered by Tapmatic's TapWriter.

Join Jones Marketing at SOUTHTEC 2023 - October 24-26, 2023! 

​We're a premier Manufacturers' Representative Agency will be featuring innovative metal cutting technologies from a distinctive group of high performance tooling & workholding suppliers. Some with no known competitors!

The Southeast is experiencing exceptional growth in areas critical to the economy, such as aerospace, automotive, advanced materials and workforce development – making the region a hotbed for advanced manufacturing.

SOUTHTEC is designed to give manufacturers the means to discover and acquire the tools needed to drive the next evolution of their industry.

SOUTHTEC creates a greater opportunity to engage first-hand with world-class suppliers and identify solutions needed – from development to final production.

Save the date for SOUTHTEC 2023 - October 24-26, 2023.  ​

And don't forget to visit our other partners while you're at the show!
​You can click the links below to add them to your show planner:

• Blue Photon Technology & Workholding Systems LLC  - booth 1934
• GMN USA  - booth 1936
• Jergens -  booth 1928
• ​Tapmatic Corporation & OMG North America - booth 1931