This article introduces the Yamawa Blue Rings Series of taps for stainless steel. It gives technical advices about the effectiveness of the oxidization treatment (OX) and non-water soluble oil use. Furthermore, this Focus highlights the advantages of larger bored holes before tapping.
Yamawa’s series of taps for stainless steel (Blue Ring Series) is comprised of the following types:
- SP+VA and SL+VA taps. They are designed for medium cutting speeds (~10 m/min for the SP+VA and ~15 m/min for SL+VA, respectively); we suggest the synchro-rigid tapping.
- SP-VA and PO-VA taps. They are designed for lower speed machining on drill machines and machining centers, the recommended speed is ~10 m/min
- SU2-SP taps for hard-to-machine stainless steel such as the AISI 316 – 1.4401 and AISI 317 – 1.4466. One recommends the use of such taps with full-synchronized feed, rigid holder (no axial floating), non-water soluble oil. The recommended tapping speed is 5~15 m/min.
The Blue Ring Series
The following table summarizes the Yamawa tools available for stainless steel tapping, depending on the machining of blind or through holes.
| MATERIAL | PRODUCT | HOLE | AVAILABLE THREADINGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 303 X10CrNiS 18 9 1.4305 | SP+VA SP-VA | BLIND HOLE | M, MF, UNC/UNF, UN8, G(BSP), NPT, NPTF |
| AISI 304 X5CrNi 18 10 1.4301 | SP+VA SP-VA | BLIND HOLE | M, MF, UNC/UNF, UN8, G(BSP), NPT, NPTF |
| AISI 316 X5CrNiMo 17 12 2 1.4401 | SU2-SP | BLIND HOLE | M, MF |
| AISI 317 X5CrNi 18 15 1.4466 | SU2-SP | BLIND HOLE | M, MF |
| AISI 303 X10CrNiS 18 9 1.4305 | SL+VA PO-VA | THROUGH HOLE | M, MF, UNC/UNF, UN8, G(BSP), NPT, NPTF |
| AISI 303 X10CrNiS 18 9 1.4305 | SL+VA PO-VA | THROUGH HOLE | M, MF, UNC/UNF, UN8, G(BSP), NPT, NPTF |
Effectiveness of oxidization (OX) treatment and non-water soluble oil.
Stainless steels are materials prone to get welding and having torn thread problems after tapping. Therefore, Yamawa manufactures taps for stainless steels with oxidization treatment because it enhances the surface porosity. The porous film works as an oil pocket to reduce friction, to avoid welding, and to improve the surface finishing of internal screws.
Read out more about the effectiveness of the OX treatment in the Tech Tip section (click here).
The advantage of a larger bored hole before tapping.
When tapping trouble occurs, the first solution is to enlarge the bored hole size before tapping. The larger bored hole diameter can help to solve the breakage and welding problems and it delivers longer tool life.
To know more about the effectiveness of OX treatment and the advantages of a larger bored hole size see the Tech Tip web section!
Click on the image below and download the brochure to know more about the Blue Ring Series!
