VariTap from WIDIA delivers tapping performance in multiple work materials without sacrificing part quality or tool life, according to WIDIA.
Multi-purpose tools have been one method many shops use to control costs - excellent in certain materials and 'good enough' in others to get the job done.
"Field tests are confirming the WIDIA VariTap delivers the best of both worlds: improved tapping performance in multiple work materials without sacrificing part quality or tool life. Job shops by nature require the broadest possible toolbox to deliver different jobs that come in daily," said Marcelo Campos, Manager Global Product Management for tapping at WIDIA. "VariTap draws on more than 140 years of application experience to provide today's shops the ability to address different applications and materials with one solution. As opposed to having to stock custom or specific taps for aluminums, stainless steels, cast irons, etc., the VariTap design gives them high performance without compromise."
VariTap's design engineering includes a proprietary spiral point geometry that lowers tapping torque, while driving chips forward in through-holes. Optimized spiral flute geometry additionally aids chip evacuation, reducing bird-nesting in blind holes. Significant investment in WIDIA's production process includes state-of-the-art CNC tool-grinders with robot loading system and advanced coating center that, combined with VariTap's high vanadium HSS-E blanks, to improve wear resistance. VariTap also can be used with all styles of tap holders including: tension/compression holders, rigid holders and synchronous tap holders.
Founded in 1966 in Avon, IN, Mears Machine Corporation is a supplier of precision machined components and complex fabrications to a wide range of industries. Achieving a fast, competitive solution for each customer is the company's goal. Each job is unique, according to the company. "Having the best and most advanced equipment is only part of the quality equation - experience is critical. Mears begins the quality equation with trained machinists that have extensive experience with a wide variety of materials: nickel, cobalt, iron, aluminum and titanium-based alloys."
Having the right tools is critical, as well, which is why the company was eager to test the VariTap for itself. "We love them," said Steve Earnest, former Plant Manager and 20-year veteran at Mears Machine. "We had been using regular HSS taps mainly in 347 stainless. They were good quality taps, we just felt we were not getting as much performance as we should. When we agreed to field-test the VariTaps, they lasted at least five times as long as the taps we were using, in a few cases, six."
WIDIA is bringing a broad array of VariTap choices to market, more than 1,600 SKUs. "There is a VariTap for all tapping conditions," said Campos. "There are DIN dimensions for Europe, ANSI for North America (including DIN lengths on ANSI shanks) and JIS for Asia.
For more information contact:
WIDIA Products Group
1600 Technology Way
Latrobe, PA 15650
724-539-5000 / 800-072-4528
www.widia.com