Tap – Feeds and Speeds
America´s Finest High–Speed Cutting Tools™
How to Tap Effectively and Optimize Tool Life To minimize tapping issues the following rules should be followed:
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• Use a pitch controlled tapping attachment.
• Choose the correct lubricant (Ultra S/P™ Super Premium).
• Use the correct Tapping Drill Size and Type of Tap.
• Choose the correct Speeds and Feeds.
• Keeping taps sharp, check tap for wear.
• Ensure accurate alignment.
• Check hardness of material, especially when changing batches of material.
Tapping Speed can be calculated using: (Use Table below)
RPM = Feed Speed (SFM) / 0.26 x Tap's Outer Dimension
Tapping speeds should be "DECREASED" if
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• Lubricant is Poor, or Flow is Restricted.
• Bottom lead or Spiral flute taps are used.
• Thread depth ( % ) increase.
• Thread pitch is course.
• Cutting taper threads (50% Normal Speed).
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• Thread Depth decreases.
• Thread Pitch is fine.
• Coolant flow and Quality is Good.
• Spiral point taps are used.
Recommended Feeds and Speeds table below suggests a "starting point" for selecting the speed to operate the tap.
| Material | Recommended Starting Point Feeds and Speeds(SFM) |
| Aluminum - Cast Alloys | 60 |
| Aluminum - Diecast Alloys | 70 |
| Aluminum - Wrought Alloys | 80 |
| Brass | 60-100 |
| Bronze | 30-40 |
| Copper | 60-80 |
| Gun Metal | 50-60 |
| Cast Iron - Grey | 30-60 |
| Cast Iron - Ductile | 50 |
| Cast Iron - Alloys | 15-30 |
| Malleable Alloy | 20-40 |
| Magnesium Alloys | 50-70 |
| Nickel Alloys | 10 |
| Nimonic Alloys | 10-12 |
| Mild Steel | 30-50 |
| Steel - Medium Carbon | 35 |
| Tool Steels | 15-25 |
| Cast Steel | 25 |
| Titanium Alloys | 10 |
| Stainless Steel - 300 Series | 10-20 |
| Stainless Steel - 400 Series | 15 |
| Plastic | 50-70 |
| Zinc - Diecasting | 80 |
