Pipe taps are used for a variety of purposes in the automotive industry to cut new threads and clean out or chase existing threads in a screw mechanism. An essential item kept in the toolbox of all automotive technicians, machinists, and engineers, pipe taps are available in different sizes and specifications, as different natures of mechanical jobs in the auto industry require different types of cutting tools.
For example, a mechanic working in an automobile shop or garage may require cutting tools for various purposes, like high-speed cutting and internal threading. The mechanic may need to create threads for pipe fittings in a vehicle.
A market survey report submitted by DataTel reveals that the demand for pipe taps is growing globally due to urbanization and fast growth in other mechanical sectors. The report says: The global pipe threading machines market size is projected to grow significantly from USD 672 million in 2023 to USD 1.12 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%.
Use of Pipe Taps in Automotive Applications
All vehicles, irrespective of their sizes and uses, require threaded pipes and pipe fittings. For the exact fitting, the mechanics need to taper the pipe with the help of pipe taps.
Since an automobile like a truck, bus, car, tractor, or truck requires several tapering’s in their different pipes and plugs, the pipe taps are an integral part of the automotive industry.
You Can use the following three pipe taps in the automotive industry:
Taper Tap: As an auto mechanic, you use this cutting tool very frequently. For cutting a pipe gradually, you should use this tool. In the auto industry, the pipes used are both metallic and non-metallic. The non-metallic pipes and some metallic pipes may not need aggressive threading and cutting. Here, you require a taper tap.
Plug Tap: This type of tool is also used for non-aggressive cutting and threading. In a plug, you are required to tap gradually. For this mechanical act, there are special plug taps available in the market.
Bottoming Tap: It is generally used to cut threads in the bottom of a blind hole. This tool is used to cut the initial threads. It requires more force to cut the threads than plug taps or taper taps.
Top Three Popular Types of Tapping Methods:
Tapping Directly: The direct tap method is used to tap a pipe while it remains under pressure. This means you are not allowing greater pressure or force. You are tapping directly using minimal disruption to the system.
Tapping Saddle: To ensure a greater and more secure connection, you can use a saddle-shaped fitting by placing it over the pipe and tapping.
Tapping Sleeve: For a reliable connection, you can go for a sleeve-like fitting. This fitting can be inserted into the pipe and tapped.
Key Insights on the Use of Pipe Taps in Automotive Applications
Pipe taps are used in the auto industry in creating vehicle units, modification of pipes and tubing systems, and after-sales repair works.
Here are key insights on the use of pipe taps that you shouldn’t ignore:
Gain Knowledge in Thread Repair: You can perfectly use pipe taps if you have damaged threads in tight spots. You can repair the damaged thread only when you have full knowledge of the damages done to the threads. This requires practical knowledge, which can be gained only through handling such damaged pipes.
Studying Tapping Methodology: Learning methodology is important as there are mainly two types of automotive applications of pipe tapping: hot tapping or pressure tapping and drilling.
Gaining Insight on Tap Selection: In the auto industry, different types of job-specific taps are used. There are hand-application entry-level pipe taps, medium-grade pipe taps for warehouse-type stores, and machine-grade taps for precision jobs.
Knowledge in Pipe Tapping in Automotive Systems: Thorough knowledge of pipe tapping in automotive systems is required, as you have to tap in coolant systems to prevent coolant damage to temperature sensors.
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Conclusion
If you are a machinist or mechanic engaged in an auto garage or auto manufacturing unit, what matters most to you is the selection of the right type of taper tap. Your taper tap must suit the nature of the work, like the thread you want to cut in a hole or clean a hole, and also the material used in the pipe you are tapping.
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