Re: Speed of Tapping Head?

My Procunier manual says that for my #1 tapping head, that 3,000 RPM
is the maximum tapping speed. This one handles up to a 1/4 inch tap
in aluminum, or an 8mm threadforming tap.

the maximum for my #2 head is 2,000 RPM. and that one handles up to
a 1/2 inch tap in aluminum.

I usualy tap at much lower speeds (500 rpm) (thank goodnes that there
are no metric time units to convert) as I think tap life would be
increased and since I am not a production shop, tap life is way more
important than speed of making a part. Also since I usually tap at
1/4 in in aluminum on the #1 and 1/8npt on the #2.

If you wanted to figure out exactly the most desirable maximum speed
for your part, figure the tap circumference to determine sfpm of the
cutter. Then you can look up the metal you are tapping and figure
the cutting speed. Kind of like figuring lathe rpm by surface feet
per minute. Then with the tap material, probably HSS, you can locate
the best cutting speed SFPM.

and remember to keep the taps well lubricated. probably the single
biggest thing to keep tap life.

Hope that helps.

Dave

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Peter Homann" <peter.homann@a...> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm looking at constructing a small electronic tapping head for my
Taig CNC
> Mill. By electronic, I mean that the tapping head will be driven by
a small
> 12 dc motor geared down to an appropriate speed. The direction will
be
> controlled by micro switches and possibly a PIC microprocessor.
>
> The tapping head is to tap up to 6mm (1/4"), and if I can 8mm. My
question
> is:
>
> What is an appropriate speed for a tapping head?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Peter Homann
> <mailto:peter.homann@a...>
> Work : +61 3 8530-7755
> Adacel Technologies Ltd Fax : +61 3 9596-
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