3 benefits of electric tapping arms
Tapping is one of the most common operations in metalworking and fabrication. Tapping internally threaded holes in drilled parts can be done manually using hand tools. However, it is time-consuming and taps are prone to breakage. The use of electric tapping arms has made this work faster, easier and more consistent, and has therefore found its place in many workshops next to other machines.
What is an electric tapping arm?
An electric tapping machine is an articulated arm whose sections move and rotate independently. In order to guide the tap into the drilled hole, the operator moves the arm, which keeps the tap square to the workpiece. The tap is then driven by an electric motor. Generally these systems are modular. They are equipped with variable speed and torque as well as quick-change adaptors. This allows for conversion to different thread sizes and materials.
Here are three of the main benefits.
1. Increased efficiency
Electric tapping machines, such as those sold by //www.cotswold-machinery-sales.co.uk/roscamat-tapping-machines/electric-tapping-machines/roscamat-tiger-electric-tapping-machine/, are designed to improve business efficiency while delivering greater levels of precision.
Tapping holes is a lot faster than doing them by hand. The arm can reach across a large workpiece without having to move it. The quick-change tool holder switches between different thread diameters in just a few seconds, meaning it helps on mixed hole diameter jobs.
2. Increased precision
The tap is held in the arm square to the workpiece throughout the cut, whatever the operator’s experience. Additionally, many tapping machines incorporate torque control, so that the machine motor will stop or reverse direction before sufficient force is applied to snap the tap. Improved threads, fewer broken taps and less scrap all translate to more cost-effective tapping.
3. Less reliance on CNC machines
By using dedicated electric tapping machines rather than CNC machines for tapping, CNC machines can instead be used for more complex tasks.
By doing a few threads on the bench with no programming or CNC setup required, parts can be completed while expensive machine time is utilised for other cutting and machining that only a CNC can perform, which can increase overall productivity.
Manual, electric and CNC tapping compared
| Method | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Hand tapping | Cheap, portable | Slow, relies on skill, taps break easily |
| Electric tapping arm | Fast, square, torque-controlled | Needs bench space and an investment |
| CNC tapping | Fully automated as part of a machining cycle | Uses expensive machine time, needs programming |
Frequently asked questions
What materials can an electric tapping arm handle?
Typical materials that most machines can tap include steel, stainless steel, aluminium and brass, within their size and torque limits. Harder materials as well as larger threads require more torque and are best tapped using the correct taps and with the proper lubrication. Check the specifications for your machine and the thread range it can handle.
Do electric tapping arms need special training?
As they are simple to use, operators can normally learn to use an electric tapping arm quickly, but a basic training course covering topics such as set-up, tool change, torque setting and safe working practices is still important. The manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed.
Where to go next
For more on metalworking, read a beginner’s guide to sheet metal fabrication.
Dedicated electric tapping arms enable workpieces to be tapped quickly and precisely, whilst freeing up CNC machines to undertake other work. Simple to use, they enable operators to quickly and easily cut threads.
