What Is a Tapping Drilling Machine?
A tapping drilling machine is a tabletop drilling machine with a tapping function.
Tapping is performed by using forward and reverse rotation. The tapping drilling machine can be rotated in reverse with the flip of a switch. After threading with a tap, the machine can be turned in reverse with the flip of a switch to remove the tap.
There are two types of tapping drilling machines: those that have been modified to become tapping drilling machines, and those that were designed as tapping drilling machines. The latter is more accurate for threading than the former; ultra-fine tapping such as M1 and M2 is not possible with a modified drilling machine.
Uses of Tapping Drilling Machines
Tapping drilling machines are mainly used in factories that handle metal.
Threading (tapping) machines are more common than you might think in mold and die factories, metal processing, and equipment maintenance operations. Most of the machines and parts in factories are fixed by bolts and other screw parts. Screws and tapping are inseparable.
For example, when manufacturing dies in a mold and die factory, most of them have more than 300 parts. Metal plates, punches, dies, etc., are all secured with hexagon socket head bolts, so the number of tapping points easily exceeds the number of parts. Some factories have dedicated workers who cut screws all day long. In such operations, tapping drilling machines are machine tools that greatly improve productivity.
Principle of Tapping Drilling Machines
Tapping drilling machines are machine tools that can efficiently perform two operations: drilling and tapping. The changeover can be done with a single switch. (The rough setting of the spindle speed is determined by the way the V-belt inside the belt cover is applied.)
Inverter control is also recommended for frequent tapping size changes. Since the speed can be quickly adjusted to any desired rotation speed, it is possible to adjust the rotation speed to suit the drilling and tapping size and material to be processed. In addition, manual tapping work is essentially a repetitive process of cutting in, putting back, cutting in again, and putting back. With tapping drilling machines, this is not necessary, and it takes only about 4 seconds to cut an M6 tap to a depth of 3/4″ if the pre-hole has already been machined.
However, care must be taken when tapping SKD material or hardened products. The higher load increases the possibility of damage to the tap. When machining such materials, the spindle speed of the tapping drilling machines should be reduced to a low speed. Frequent switching is also necessary in tapping operations, as the tapping operation requires repeated in-feed and out-feed operations. Since it is anticipated that both hands will be busy, a foot switch may be used.