International solid-carbide and steel rotary cutting tools manufacturer Dormer Tools last month launched a new range of multi-application taps which are designed to support a high level of performance in a range of hard- to-machine materials.
The material, coating and geometry of the new taps have been designed specifically to facilitate a continuous production process in tough materials, particularly stainless steel.
The range, which was unveiled at the fifth yearly Southern Manufacturing and Electronics Exhibition and Seminar in Farnborough, in the UK, coincides with Dormer Tools’ centenary celebration as well as Harry Brearley’s invention of stainless steel.
“Stainless steel has been a part of Dormer’s history from the beginning. It seems fitting that the launch of these taps comes in a year that marks not only the one hundredth anniversary of stainless steel, but also of our hundred-year landmark,” says Dormer Tools marketing coordinator Simon Winstanley.
Manufactured from premium grade, high-speed cobalt steel with a choice of surface finishes, the taps offer improved wear resistance and low material adhesion.
The range includes spiral-point and spiral-flute geometries in a variety of thread forms, with steam tempered or Super-B coating, which comprises coatings manufacturer Phygen Coatings’ TiAIN wear-resistance coating and an additional edge treatment.
The flute geometry allows adequate space for rapid and smooth chip evacuation, offering negligible swarf congestion and, therefore, increased productivity, notes Winstanley.
“The spiral-flute taps feature a short thread length that generates less torque and improves chip evacuation capabilities, allowing them to support higher cutting conditions than compar- able competitor products,” concludes Winstanley.