An end user recently approached Flex facing a common challenge: tapping plasma cut holes in A36 Steel. This particular end user is a general fabrication shop that handles a wide variety of projects but is well known for its expertise in fabricating truck beds. As a result, they frequently need to tap holes that come
When it comes to choosing the right tapping arm, the decision depends on several factors, including the specific application requirements, production volume, and budget. Here are some key considerations to help you choose the right tapping arm for your needs. Pneumatic Tapping Arm Pneumatic tapping arms are powered by compressed air and are the most
Laser, plasma, and waterjet machines, often found in fab shops, are great for creating holes, but what about when those holes require threads? A secondary operation is necessary to achieve this, and the tools are often not ideal. Operators frequently use radial drills, handheld drills, hand tapping, or a CNC machine to tap the fabricated holes. These solutions are much less efficient and often less accurate than the FlexArm. The FlexArm tapping machine presents a solution that allows the operators to tap fabricated holes without refixturing their parts, breaking taps, or running costly CNC machines
Active Alloys is a full-service steel fabrication shop in Chicago, Illinois. They specialize in designing and fabricating architectural elements, machines, furniture, and vehicles. William Tellmann and Collin Smith opened their shop 14 years ago; since then, they have found that they specialize in pursuing the most complex, unusual, and demanding projects. Due to the nature
Graphite is a very soft and brittle material that can be challenging to tap. The FlexArm tapping machine is versatile enough to handle soft materials, hard materials, and everything in between
Shops all across the country are continuously looking for ways to improve their tapping processes. See how the FlexArm makes Acme tapping a walk in the park.
See how the FlexArm makes the difficult process of threading rebar fast and easy.
See how Adam Booth (Abom79) uses the FlexArm to make quick work out of Production Tapping 180 tire rods.
See how we can increase speed and accuracy installing threaded inserts.
See how the FlexArm could improve the process of tapping holes into a 3/8” thick structural steel plate.
See how to optimize cycle time by tapping offline with a FlexArm.
See how one user hopes to eliminate tap breakage and reduce tooling costs by switching to a FlexArm.
See how one shop improved their tapping proocess by switching to a FlexArm.
See how the FlexArm makes tapping easy, and is the best tool when it comes to small hole tapping.
Watch us for a Blind Hole Tapping Live Stream. Watch the tapping demo and learn about the ROI of tapping parts off the CNC, Plasma, Waterjet, and Laser.
Tapping can be difficult and frustrating. From broken taps to damaged threads, the process of tapping can slow down productivity and become very costly in the long run.
Launcher, a startup company out of New York, is developing the world’s most efficient rocket to deliver small satellites to orbit and FlexArm is partnering with them to make this happen.
Join us for a Live high-speed milling demo on the FlexCNC! We will be milling with Kyocera tooling and they will also be joining the live stream to discuss the various milling applications.
See how easy it can be to tap fabricated holes with the FlexArm. Watch as we tap plasma, laser, and waterjet holes with the GH-45 Hydraulic Arm and the A-32 Pneumatic Arm.
Watch us demo a wide range of NPT taps on the FlexArm. The OSG “tap expert” discusses the differences between the different NPT Pipe Taps used in the demo.
Watch Eddie showcase the A-32 Pneumatic Arm and the GH-45 Hydraulic Arm.
Lindsay Machine Works, Inc. has owned a FlexArm for 15 years. They recently purchased a hydraulic arm to handle larger tap capacities. See how many holes they can tap with the FlexArm in the same time it takes to hand tap one hole.
See how easy it is to set up your A-32 Pneumatic Tapping Arm to tap in horizontal positions.
Solid Design Enterprises is a company that manufactures aerospace components. See how they were able to speed up their processes by tapping offline with the FlexArm while the Haas CNC machines other parts. If you’re looking to speed up your tapping operations contact us or click here for more information
See how one manufacturer will increase productivity by using a FlexArm instead of their CNC to tap aluminum extrusions in a matter of seconds.
See how one manufacturer will stop breaking taps by using a FlexArm to horizontally and vertically tap hard cast iron parts.
See how a hydraulic tapping arm compares to a pnuematic tapping arm when tapping 1/2" and 3/4" holes into 2" thick aluminum.
Looking to tap NPT threads in stainless steel tubing? So we set up the GH-30 tapping arm to tap the ⅛” NPT threads.
See why this facade contractor will be using a FlexArm instead of a drill press to tap their aluminum extrusions quicker and more efficiently.
Watch a GHM-60 Hydraulic FlexArm easily tap 1 1/4" holes in heat-treated alloy steel both vertically and horizontally with the multi-position head.
HP |
Max RPM |
FT/LBS |
Series |
|---|---|---|---|
|
18 |
4000 |
92 |
C-20-02 / C-10-02 |
|
18 |
6000 |
61 |
C-20-02 / C-10-02 |
|
33 |
12000 |
61 |
CM-20-02 |
Auto Stand-Off – This is currently defined to be surface stand-off and not to be confused with vector stand-off in 5-axis mode. The current auto stand-off is based on a changing surface and will adjust vertically based on the angle of the “A” Axis, so there is five (5) axis taken into account during the calculations, but this is not the same as the tool vector stand-off. There is the ability to do the vector stand-off change while the machine is running manually with buttons on the screen.
Z-Reader Probe – The Z-Reader is a device for mapping the location of the surface. It can be controlled manually & programmatically. The option is NOT active while cutting & is retracted out of harm’s way. It can be triggered to verify the surface at every pierce before the cutting process starts, or it could be used to drive surface mapping of the whole part before cutting starts. It begins with initialization or zeroing of the device to the surface at the beginning of a program and then accumulates or tracks the difference from that zeroing effort.
Automatic Edge Finder – The edge finder is or can be utilized manually (Jogging Method & Screen Buttons), programmatically (M & G codes), or fully automatic routine (dedicated program). This option sets offsets & program rotation to match the orientation & location on the cutting table.
AC Unit Installed on Electrical Cabinet – The unit is mounted on the cabinet’s High Power (480v) side. It is close to the location where the drives are mounted. This option keeps the cabinet temperature stable and allows heat dissipation faster. The servo drives for all axes are the most significant contributors to heat inside the electrical cabinet.
5-Axis Renishaw Calibration – The calibration unit is a Renishaw model APCA45 with a modified spherical stylus. The device has a retractable cover and air purge to clear debris & dust during the activation process. It mounts to a swing arm controlled by a pneumatic rotary, so it is out of the way during regular operation and swings into the calibration position for calibration only.
HP |
Max RPM |
FT/LBS |
Series |
|---|---|---|---|
|
18 |
4000 |
92 |
G-20-06 / G-10-06 |
|
18 |
6000 |
61 |
G-20-06 / -10-06 |
|
40 |
4000 |
217 |
GM-20-06 / G-20-06 / G-10-06 |
|
40 |
6000 |
145 |
G-20-06 / G-20-06 / G-10-06 |
