Here’s an English comparison guide on how to choose between spiral flute taps, straight flute taps, and forming (roll) taps:
Feature | Spiral Flute Taps | Straight Flute Taps | Forming (Roll) Taps |
---|---|---|---|
Chip Handling | Excellent for chip evacuation in blind holes | Moderate; chips collect in the hole | No chips produced (cold forming process) |
Best For | Blind holes, soft & ductile materials | Through holes, cast iron, short blind holes | Ductile materials like aluminum, brass, copper |
Hole Type | Blind holes | Through holes & shallow blind holes | Mostly blind holes |
Thread Forming | Cutting type | Cutting type | Cold forming—material displaced, not cut |
Lubrication Need | Medium to high | Medium | High—critical to prevent tap breakage |
Surface Finish | Good | Average | Excellent—smooth, work-hardened threads |
Tap Strength | Moderate | High | Very High (no cutting edges) |
Material Suitability | Steel, aluminum, stainless steel | Cast iron, steel, brass | Soft to medium ductile materials only |
Tolerance Control | Standard | Standard | High precision, less variation |