When faced with production tapping, having the right tool for the job can save both time and money. Here is one situation where the FlexArm clearly outshines all other tapping methods.
Adam Booth, from the Abom79 YouTube channel and Booth Machine Shop, was contacted by a company looking to correct a batch of 180 tire rods. These tire rods became warped during the fabrication process resulting in threaded bushings that no longer screwed in.
The company was looking for a solution that was faster and more efficient than manually threading each hole. Adam was confident the FlexArm could handle it, so he had them send over parts to test using the GHM-60 FlexArm and a 1 ¾”-12 tap to chase the threads. (Watch the Test Here)
The test went as expected; the FlexArm was the perfect tool for the operation. Adam accepted the job, and with a few minor tweaks to fixturing, he created a setup that would maximize output and shorten the cycle time. After running the tap through each hole, he checked the parts for signs of cross-threading. Adam tapped all 180 tire rods in a fraction of the time it would take for other methods, and he did this without cross-threading a single hole. Check out his process below.
If you are having issues with production tapping, or just looking for a quick and easy tapping solution contact us today or give us a call at 1-800-837-2503.
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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.