Drilling and Tapping
Drilling and tapping is an essential machining process used to create a thread. The process of drilling and tapping first involves drilling a hole with a twist drill that is the same diameter as the desired hole for the interconnecting thread. Once the hole is completed, the thread is then cut into the beginning of the hole with a tap. This cuts a thread into the material. The advantage of drilling and tapping is that it adds a considerable amount of strength to the piece while also allowing two components to securely fasten together with a thread.
Drilling and tapping is used in many applications including aerospace, automotive, medical, and other industries. It is commonly used when two components need to be securely fastened together such as connecting an engine to a car body or a bracket to a wall. It is also used where threaded holes are needed to accept screws and bolts.
When drilling and tapping a hole, it is important to select the proper drill bit, tap, and coolant. The drill bit must be the correct diameter for the hole being drilled. The tap must also be the proper size for the hole and for the type of thread. Selecting the proper coolant is important to ensure long tool life and good cut quality. Coolant will help reduce friction, drag, and heat.
One important step before drilling and tapping is to combine several passes with increasing drill bit sizes to ensure the hole is the correct size. This allows the hole to be the correct size with a good surface finish and with the least amount of effort. It is also important to properly clamp the workpiece down before beginning the machining process, to ensure the holes are not off center or that there are any misalignments.
Once the hole is drilled and tapped, it is also important to check the thread fit and thread quality. Visual and feel inspections can be used to check the thread quality. Checking the thread fit requires using a thread gage to measure the thread depth and using a go/no-go drill to check the thread size.
Drilling and tapping is a machining process used in many industries to create a secure connection between two components. With the proper tools and techniques, drilling and tapping can produce highly accurate holes for threaded fasteners. Adhering to these procedures will ensure a strong and secure connection.
