Every manufacturer can attest that creating a metal part without threading holes on it is nearly impossible. Most metal parts rely on screws and bolts for assembling, and this is where CNC drilling and tapping come into play. They remove metal from an object, creating a threaded or smooth hole in the object’s surface.
While at first glance, one may think that both techniques are the same, they share some significant differences worth knowing for anyone stepping into the manufacturing world.
Today, Sunrise Metal experts will explain the core details of CNC drilling and tapping – we’ll cover the processes, advantages, industrial applications, and how to achieve the best results while using them to their significant differences. Let’s get started.
A Comprehensive Guide – CNC Drilling and Tapping
What is Drilling in the World of CNC Machining
CNC drilling is a highly demanded manufacturing process that plays a critical role in steel fabrication. The technique involves rotating drill bits on a stationary workpiece to produce round holes to accommodate bolts and screws of specific sizes. Some industries use drilling for aesthetic reasons, mainly to enhance the component’s design. Either way, this technique is hardly unavoidable in the manufacturing industry.
CNC Drilling Process and Overview
The CNC drilling process is more like other CNC machining operations. Let’s take a look at how they work:
● Drawing the Item in the CAD Program
Holes are not made anywhere on the workpiece. Wrong positioning of holes may ruin the quality of the final product. To ensure this doesn’t happen, the item is drawn into the CAD software to create a design suited for drilling.
● Integrating the Design Into Machine Code
After the preferred design is acquired, it is converted into a code in the form of numbers. The program utilizes computer-aided design software to develop code. During this stage, it’s essential for manufacturers to get a qualified programmer for optimal results.
● Inputting the Code to the CNC Machine
Now comes the fun part! The code is inputted into the CNC machine, providing further instructions on how it should move or perform to create the desired shape during the drilling process. This is usually the simplest part since the machine is already programmed to achieve the desired actions.
● Machine Set Up and Execution
This is now the step where you install the drill bit and put the workpiece in place. After that, the operator initiates the machining program.
● Inspection and Correction
After the completion of the drilling procedure, the operator inspects if there are any errors. In case of zero errors, the drilling process is considered complete.
However, if errors are found, they must be duly corrected to avoid machine damage.
Notable Advantages of Using CNC Drilling Process
High Precision and Accuracy Levels
Once you are able to crack the correct computer program, your work is done. Post this, a CNC drilling machine will operate with utmost accuracy. This is why these machines find their role in industries requiring precision and tight tolerances.
You’ll Notice Significant Cost Savings
Experts suggest that the long-term benefits of using a CNC machine outweigh the upfront costs involved.
Wondering how? Well, with a CNC machine in place, you don’t have to worry about human labor, human error, and increased wastage of material. Once you purchase the equipment, simply hire a skilled programmer to get the job done right with the minimum possible hassle.
Minimum Room for Human Errors
When using manual drilling, it’s highly possible to make inaccurate measurements or inconsistent drilling depths, which results in damaging the workpiece.
However, when using a CNC drilling machine, there’s a notable reduction in human errors as machines are in charge of making the holes automatically.
Allows Manufacturers to Create Complex and Versatile Metal Parts
Do you need to drill complex patterns that seem impossible to achieve? Worry not – there is nothing that a CNC drilling machine can’t do.
Being computer-programmed, these tools can quickly drill holes at different angles, depths, and positions, providing ultimate design flexibility. In addition to this, the machine can accommodate multiple drill bits, thus increasing both efficiency and speed.
Provides Production Surge and Notable Scalability
If you are a bulk manufacturer, you can easily program the machine to produce components of any size, shape, texture, and quantity. The machine is deemed perfect for high-volume production and scalability needs.
Common Industrial Applications of Drilling
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Drilling is mainly utilized by automotive, aerospace, and construction industries to create holes in engines or dashboards. Milling and lathing are some of the secondary processes that follow for quality results.
Computer Parts
Most computer parts need to be assembled, which is where drilling comes in handy. Small holes are created, allowing manufacturers to assemble parts using bolts and screws.
Wood Manufacturing
Wood manufacturers leverage CNC drilling for aesthetic reasons, Accuracy, precision, and high tolerance.
Important Tips to Achieve High Precision With CNC Drilling
- Opt for high-quality drill bits made from titanium, vanadium, and cobalt.
- Use lubrication during rotation to reduce friction.
- Maintain a slow and steady speed to prevent errors and inaccuracies.
- Ensure you use the right type of drill bit designed specifically for your project needs.
What is Tapping in the World of CNC Machining
Tapping is one of the most significant techniques used for cutting threads inside the walls of a drilled hole.
The process utilizes a tool called a tap, which is typically a rotary tool gripped in a unique floating tool holder. The tap inserted in a drilled hole rotates and cuts threads into the hole’s surface at a specific feed rate. The aim of tapping is to ensure that there is a good connection between bolts and screws.
CNC Tapping Process
Tapping is only done when there is the presence of a hole. This means that the drilling operation needs to be done before tapping. After drilling smooth holes with no rough edges or imperfections, follow these simple steps.
● Choose the Right Tap
There are many types of taps, including nose taps and gun taps. All taps perform different functions; thus, you need to choose one suitable for your project needs. Consider factors such as screw size, diameter, material, fit, and lastly, thread per inch. If you are still confused about the type of tap to use, it is essential to seek advice from an expert. A wrong tapping tool can result in costly damages, which you are not ready for.
● Begin the Tapping Process
Once you have chosen the right tapping tool, it’s time to get it into use.
As the technician, it’s your job to ensure that the machine is positioned at the center, the appropriate speed is set, and the tapping tool is set at the desired depth. Once all of this is well-checked and set, the tapping process can begin.
After the initiation of the process, the turning center is expected to rotate the parts with a reasonably slow spindle speed. A speed range of 40-60 rpm is known to be ideal. The computer will cater to the following process and will notify you when the tapping process is complete.
● Finishing
Chamfering is the secondary process that follows after the threads are cut. It is used to get rid of the rough edges and smoothing the cuts.
Advantages of CNC Tapping
Increased Efficiency and Productivity
Unlike hand tapping, CNC drilling and tapping allows for much faster threading speeds. Thus, most holes can be threaded within a short period.
Reduced Rework
As is aforesaid, the CNC tapping machine relies on computer software. This means, there are low chances of tapping issues, and thus less reworking is involved.
Consistency and Readability
Manufacturers don’t have to worry about creating holes over and over again. After successful installation of CNC tapping programs, the same tapping process can be reused for producing multiple parts needing identical threads & specifications.
Common Industrial Applications of CNC Tapping
Automotive Parts Manufacturing
Automotive industries utilize CNC tapping to cut threads on holes drilled in engine blocks, cylinder heads, transmission housing, and other automotive components that call for high Accuracy and precision.
Medical Equipment Manufacturing
All medical equipment, like surgical instruments with bolts and screws, uses tapping to produce precise threads.
Mold and Die Components
CNC tapping is used to thread core bolts, ejector pins, and many more fitted die components
How to Attain Quality Results With CNC Tapping
- Aim to find a tap designed for the thread size, hole features, and workpiece material.
- Ensure the workpiece is held securely. This will help you reduce unexpected movement during the tapping process.
- Calculate proper spindle speed. It must be high enough to tap the holes efficiently, but not so high that it weakens and overheats the tap.
- Provide lubrication and cooling. This will prevent friction, overheating issues, and chances of rusting.
- The feed rate must be slow enough to ensure chip evacuation.
Drilling Vs Tapping – Which Process is Suitable For Your Project
CNC drilling and tapping are both significant techniques in metalwork. The only difference they share is that tapping only uses a metal drill bit, unlike drilling. But all in all, manufacturers need both techniques to manufacture quality parts that can be assembled.
Here is why: once you have drilled holes in your workpiece, the process is incomplete until threads are cut. The threads ensure good connectivity of the bolts and screws. It’s fair to say that both techniques operate on a mutual relationship, and every manufacturer must have all.
Now that you have fully understood CNC drilling and tapping, ensure that you invest in high-quality tools for long-run benefits.
Sunrise Metal is a leading aluminum casting manufacturer in China and has the experience to design high-quality CNC drilling and tapping machines that will last you for several years.
Contact us today and experience the benefits of investing in a reputable company.