How to Choose Between HSS-M2 and HSS-M35 Taps in the Machinery Manufacturing Industry?
2024-08-18
In the machinery manufacturing industry, the choice of taps greatly influences both efficiency and tool life. HSS-M2 and HSS-M35 are two widely used materials for taps, each with distinct advantages suited for different applications.
Firstly, HSS-M2 taps are general-purpose tools with a good balance of toughness and hardness. They are suitable for tapping carbon steel, alloy steel, cast iron, and some non-ferrous metals. For medium- to low-hardness materials, M2 taps offer a cost-effective solution with reliable performance, making them a standard choice in many workshops.
On the other hand, HSS-M35 taps contain about 5% cobalt, which significantly improves red hardness and wear resistance. They are especially effective for difficult-to-machine materials such as stainless steel, heat-resistant alloys, and hardened steels. M35 taps maintain sharp cutting edges under high temperatures, reducing the risk of tap breakage. Although more expensive than M2, they deliver superior performance in demanding applications.
Therefore, the selection guidelines are:
For standard steels, cast iron, and aluminum → choose HSS-M2 taps (cost-effective).
For stainless steel, high-strength alloys, and heat-resistant steels → choose HSS-M35 taps (durable and efficient).
For mass production or high-precision threads → M35 taps are preferred to minimize downtime and tool replacement.
In conclusion, manufacturers should base their choice on the workpiece material, production scale, and cost considerations to achieve the right balance between thread accuracy and machining efficiency.