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Tapping 1/8″ NPT Threads in Stainless Steel Tubing

Watch the video of this application at the bottom of the page.

A customer from Trotwood, Ohio, needed to tap precise and consistent NPT threads in stainless steel tubing. Since precision and accuracy are crucial in their industry, we offered to test the FlexArm on their material. We used the GH-30 tapping arm with the automatic depth stop to ensure the highest quality, allowing us to produce consistently accurate threads on every part.

We understand the importance of maintaining consistent thread depths, especially regarding NPT tapping. NPT threads are a widely-used standard in the United States for joining pipes and fittings, and they have a slight taper to create a tight seal and prevent leaks in pressurized systems. The depth of these threads determines the connection’s strength and the seal’s effectiveness, so it’s crucial to achieve consistent and accurate thread depths.

We recommend using an automatic depth stop with the FlexArm tapping system to achieve this. This combination will help you produce consistent and accurate thread depths every time. 

If you’re facing any tapping challenges and want to see how the FlexArm tapping arm can improve your processes, please call us at 1-800-837-2503 or schedule a tap test today.

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Blog Tapping Arms

Standard Features

  • Hand Pendant
  • 22″ Touch Screen Monitor
  • Omron FlexCNC Controller
  • Mobile Control Panel
  • Through Spindle Coolant 
  • Auto Tool Changer 
  • Flood Coolant
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