Thread making linetaps up high performance

Launched at the recent EMO exhibition in Hanover by Widia and available in the UK through ITC, the new VariTap incorporates an optimised geometry to deliver exceptional performance levels on a vast selection of ductile materials. The new tool is a multi-purpose tapping line that is ideal for end users and general machine shops with a wide variety of materials that require threading. Capable of working on carbon and alloy steels, stainless steels, ductile iron and cast aluminium, the VariTap drastically cuts inventory requirements and costs with its versatility. Diverse in nature, these high-vanadium HSS-E taps provide optimal threading performance on various material types with claimed exceptional wear resistance that extends tool life. Like other offerings from the Vari stable of Widia products, the VariTap incorporates a unique geometry design. In the case of the VariTap, this geometry is an optimised spiral point that provides a low tapping torque that rapidly pushing chips ahead of the tap in through hole applications. With regard to blind holes, the VariTap series offers geometries that demonstrate rapid swarf evacuation through the polished flutes. This spiral flute geometry reduces the 'nesting' requirement with continuous chip flow that further reduces stress on the tap to deliver improved thread finish and extended tool life. The extended tool life is also a result of the propriety PVD coating that is applied in-house. This PVD coating supports the reduction of tapping torque and improves wear resistance.