Types of automatic tapping machines in India
An automatic tapping machine performs the threading of holes in less time, with greater accuracy, using advanced technology. Various types are available for vertical, horizontal, and other applications.
The spindle of the machine is parallel to the floor in this machine. It has a table mounting feature. Workpieces are manually placed on the table under the tap or automatic tapping head. The operator can easily position the workpiece for tapping. The table height can be adjusted for different workpiece sizes. The operator may need to move the workpiece manually to tap holes in different locations. This is better for small workpieces that can easily be moved to different locations. However, this type of automatic tapping machine doesn’t work well for large or heavy workpieces.
Automatic vertical tapping machines
The spindle in these machines is perpendicular to the table. Like horizontal tapping machines, the workpiece is placed on the table. It is a good option for small and medium workpieces with already existing holes. Job holders and fixtures can be used to secure workpieces. The height of the table can be adjusted to tap workpieces of different thicknesses. However, they are not ideal for large workpieces that cannot be easily moved. One advantage is that the operator can easily use this machine to tap holes in the same location on many workpieces.
Multiple spindle automatic tapping machines
Spindles in this type of automatic tapping machine are in a vertical line. They are parallel to one another. The advantage of the machine is that many holes can be tapped simultaneously. It saves a lot of time. Operators do not need to reposition workpieces after each hole is tapped. The automatic tapping machine performs threads very accurately. Tapping guns may be used with this machine. The workpiece needs to fit between the spindles. Job holders and fixtures can be used to secure all workpieces. This is an excellent choice for large workpieces that have many holes to be threaded.
Specifications and maintenance of automatic tapping machine India
Specifications
- Variety of Taps: Automatic taping machines can work with a wide range of taps. This includes the NPT, BSPT, metric, pipe, gas, and composite threads. Each one is different in its shape and is used for various pipings.
- Speed and Rate: The machine has a taping speed ranging from 120 to 220 tapes. In an hour, it can make 1000 to 1600 taps, which is a lot faster than making them by hand.
- Power Requirement: Some machines are power-hungry, using up to 0.5 horsepower or 350 watts, and need single-phase power of 230 volts. Others are less demanding, needing only 0.25 horsepower or 180 watts.
- Control System: The machine operates on a microprocessor with digital controller features, including an LED display and push-button presets. It has automatic start-stop cycles with programmable run times. It has overload, overcurrent, and overheating protection and reverse operation for tap clearing. Some machines have an automatic cut-off for tap length.
- Tapping Capacity: The machine can tap holes that are between 1.5 inches and 10 inches in diameter. Tapping threads from sizes 1/8 inches to 2 inches is possible. The maximum tapping length it can do is 12 inches.
- Voltage Usage: The machine can use either 12V DC or 230V AC.
- Pneumatics: Some machines are pneumatic, needing compressed air of 6 to 8 kg/cm2 made with a tap holder bush.
Maintenance
- Keep the machine clean and vacuum out any dust, debris, or material build-up. Use a brush to clean the tap and other parts and remove the tapping fixture before cleaning. Apply compressed air to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Apply a small amount of lubricant to the slide rails, shafts, and other moving parts of the machine to reduce friction and make parts work better and last longer. Wipe off the excess. Lubricate tapping tools regularly. Apply lubricant to the screw threads and make sure all lubricant ports on the machine have been used.
- Inspect the tapping head carefully, looking for cracks or other damage, and replace it if found. Ensure the tap holds tightly in the fixture. Check all electric cables and connections for fraying or exposure, and use a wire tie to keep them together in a bunch out of the way.
- After use, always store the tapping machine in a cool, dry place away from fire hazards so it is safe until the next time it is used. The automatic taping machine should be kept out of the elements and away from water or moisture.
Scenarios
The automatic tapping machine is useful for various industries that need precision and high-volume production. Here are some key industries that use these machines and how they benefit from them.
- Manufacturing: Automatic tapping machines are a critical tool in manufacturing, as they help produce various items, including electronic gadgets, vehicles, household products, and more. These machines ensure consistent product quality, helping to meet international standards and customer expectations.
- Automotive Industry: Multispindle tapping machines are extensively used in the automotive industry for threading holes in various automobile parts. These parts include cylinder heads, gearboxes, and chassis components, to name a few. Tapping machines help the automotive industry achieve high levels of accuracy and productivity when making parts.
- Construction: Automatic tapping machines create and treat threaded holes for heavy-duty pipes, structural steel, and other construction materials. They are important for the longevity and stability of construction works.
- Woodworking: Woodworking industries use automatic tapping machines to make holes in furniture and doors. The machines help craftsmen add threads to tap oversized holes for fasteners, increasing product quality and strength.
- Plumbing: Tapping machines help the plumbing industry create threaded holes in pipes and fittings. They also help make plumbing installations easy and secure. Using automatic tapping machines in plumbing saves time and increases the quality and reliability of plumbing systems.
- Aerospace: Aerospace Industries have precise holes to make in lightweight composite materials and aerospace alloys. Using a fully automatic tapping machine with added features for adjusting the tapping speed and torque is important to avoid damaging the expensive alloys.
- Electrical and Electronics: Automatic tapping machines make holes in electrical fixtures, connectors, and circuits. Machines help thread fine holes and improve the quality of electric and electronic products.
- Mold and Die Industries: Molds and die precision need very accurate holes, often in large numbers. This industry uses multispindle and automatic tapping machines for consistent production and rapid turnaround.
- Jewelry Making: Jewelry-making industries use small automatic tapping machines for threading gems, rings, and bracelets. They ensure the machines can tap even the most intricate designs. Tapping jewelry pieces manually is tedious, and automation substantially carries up production.
- Repair Services: Repair service centers for automobiles and electronic gadgets also use automatic tapping machines. The machines tap holes in defective components to thread for screws and bolts. With automatic tapping machines, repair services improve processing accuracy and reduce turnaround time for customers.
How to Choose Automatic Tapping Machine India
Before investing in an automatic tapping machine for metal, it is important to conduct thorough research and understand the needs of the business. There are various models and specifications available. Most optional features can increase productivity and efficiency at the factory floor.
Choosing the right automatic tapping machine for supply chain and customer needs can make all the difference in production costs, generated revenue, and customer satisfaction. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Investigate the material compatibility of the tapping machine. Make sure it can work with the dominant metal used for manufacturing products. An incompatible material will result in low tapping quality or no quality at all.
- Consider the power source of the tapping machine. It's essential to work with a reliable supplier so that the power source can be easily replaced if it needs to be. Battery-operated tapping machines provide the most tapping freedom, while pneumatic ones are generally faster.
- Examine the optional features offered by the tapping machine. Automatic feeding is one popular feature that helps streamline production efficiency. Others like self-centring chucks, adjustable tapping depth, multi-directional tapping, and clutch mechanisms can also expedite the tapping process while ensuring tapped holes' accuracy and quality.
- Consider the control system of the tapping machine. Digitally controlled machines are more commonly used in modern factories. They are easier to operate and provide more tapping precision.
- Check out the safety features integrated into the tapping machine. Emergency stop buttons are usually standard in all tapping machines. But other safety features like overload protection, grounding, and guarding, should also be explored.
- Consider the size and weight of the automatic tapping machine. Compact and lightweight machines are easier to handle and offer more flexibility of use.
Q&A
Q1: Who invented the tapping machine?
A1: Thomas Blanchard invented the first tapping machine in 1820.
Q2: Which type of tapping machine is commonly used in workshops?
A2: The pneumatic tapping machine is the most commonly used tapping machine in workshops.
Q3: What is the advantage of an automatic tapping machine?
A3: The advantage of an automatic tapping machine is that it can thread holes quickly without the need for manual operation.
