Precision Tapping
Threaded holes, done before the parts leave us. Ready to assemble. No extra step at your end.
Tapping made easy
Tapping sounds like a small thing. But if it goes wrong, it becomes a larger problem quickly.
We tap parts before dispatch. Electrically powered, microprocessor-controlled, with a self-centering head that keeps threads square to the face and central to the hole. M3 to M16. Mild steel and stainless.
If your parts need threaded holes, tell us when you order. We'll quote for the tapping alongside the cutting and bending. One delivery, everything done.
Tapping Capability
Thread sizes
We tap from M3 up to M16 as standard, covering the vast majority of thread sizes used in engineering and fabrication. Both coarse (standard) and fine thread pitches are available.
Coarse vs fine thread
Coarse thread (the standard pitch for each diameter) is the most commonly specified. It's used where maximum clamping force between parts is needed. Fine thread pitch is used where precise adjustment between parts is required, or where the material is too thin for a full coarse thread.
The machine
We use an electrically powered tapping head with microprocessor-controlled feeds and speeds. This matters because the correct cutting conditions for each tap size are preset by the machine. Every hole is tapped under the same conditions. The result is consistent across part one and part five hundred.
Articulated reach
The machine is table-mounted with a 2-metre articulated arm. That reach means we can tap holes in positions and on parts that a fixed machine couldn't access, including larger panels, offset holes, and parts with features that would otherwise obstruct access.
Why SJS Laser
for Tapping
Tapping in-house means buying and maintaining tapping equipment, managing consumables, and absorbing the risk of broken taps or mis-tapped holes in your own facility. If a tap breaks in a laser-cut hole, that part may be scrap. When we tap it before dispatch, that risk sits with us, not you.
Because feeds and speeds are microprocessor-controlled, every tapped hole is produced under the same conditions. On a high-volume run, that consistency is difficult to match with manual tapping. On a one-off prototype, it means you're not relying on an operator's feel for the job.
There's a misconception in some quarters that laser-cut holes are difficult to tap. In modern fibre laser cutting with correct parameters, that's no longer the case. Our laser-cut holes are clean and consistent, and they tap well on our equipment. M3 to M16, reliably.
Every person at SJS Laser has a stake in the business. That changes the dynamic on the shop floor. Parts get checked properly. Problems get flagged rather than shipped. It matters more when the outcome matters to you personally.
Common Questions
-
Can you tap parts you haven't cut?
Yes. Our tapping services aren’t limited to parts we’ve laser cut. If you have flat blanks or pre-cut parts that need threaded holes, simply send them to us. We’ll provide a quote for the tapping services on a free-issue basis.
-
What thread standards do your tapping services cover?
We work to ISO metric thread standards (M series) as standard, covering M3 to M16. If you need a different thread standard, our team can advise and accommodate your requirements.
-
What's the minimum material thickness for tapping?
As a general rule, you want at least 1.5 to 2 times the thread pitch in material thickness for a reliable thread. For thin material, we can advise on whether a standard tapped thread is suitable or whether a different fastening method would work better. It's better to raise this at the enquiry stage than to discover a problem after cutting.
-
Can you tap stainless steel?
Yes. Stainless steel is included in our standard tapping services alongside mild steel. Our CNC tapping equipment is adjusted for stainless’s specific properties, ensuring every tapped hole is accurate and consistent.
-
Do you offer credit accounts?
Yes. Once we've established a short trading relationship, we're normally happy to offer a credit facility.
-
How fast can you turn tapped parts around?
Tapping is integrated into our production flow. If your parts require cutting, bending, and tapping, all three services are completed in sequence. Fast turnaround is standard across our tapping services, not an extra-cost option.
Add Tapping to Your Order
When you send us your enquiry, tell us which holes need tapping and to what thread size. We'll include it in the quote. If you have parts that just need tapping, send them across, and we'll sort it.