Gearless Multi-Spindle Tapping Machine

August 28, 2021
Gearless Multi-Spindle Tapping Machine Provides Progressive Die Tapping

Zagar Inc. announces its latest technology gearless multi-spindle tapping machine engineered as an in-line solution providing high-production tapping of clip and cage nuts for the fastener industry. The CNC-controlled tapping machine provides the central step – precision tapping – for progressive die tapping that also uses coil feed, piercing and blanking.

The Zagar machine places 128 spindles precisely and very close to center. A unique gearless drive is key to making it happen, not only getting each spindle as close as possible, but ensuring rigid performance to avoid backlash. The result is high-quality threads with no lag or out of tolerance thread forms due to gear train play that can occur using a geared head.

The process is totally automated and takes place while the clip and cage nuts are still on the strip, in fact before any operations have been performed. The material is fed off the coil with a precise amount of lag. Then a punch press pierces the material to begin to form first group. The in-process material is then pulled into the multi spindle tapping machine where all threaded holes are produced in one pass. Then onto a blanking press where finished pieces are punched out. The feed is continuous, with a precise amount of slack between stations, so each time the material is positioned, all three operations are performed simultaneously. The process produces from 2 to 128 fasteners every ten seconds.

Improving American productivity for more than eighty years, Zagar Inc. manufactures and distributes, multi-spindle drill and tap heads and machines, a range of workholding solutions, feed units, robotic end effectors, and offers a range of contract manufacturing services. The company’s expertise is machining both ferrous and non-ferrous materials for industries such as automotive, aerospace, electrical, medical, off-road construction equipment, hydraulic, pneumatic, and high-production drilling and tapping.

Related Glossary Terms

  • backlash

    backlash

    Reaction in dynamic motion systems where potential energy that was created while the object was in motion is released when the object stops. Release of this potential energy or inertia causes the device to quickly snap backward relative to the last direction of motion. Backlash can cause a system’s final resting position to be different from what was intended and from where the control system intended to stop the device.

  • feed

    feed

    Rate of change of position of the tool as a whole, relative to the workpiece while cutting.

  • tap

    tap

    Cylindrical tool that cuts internal threads and has flutes to remove chips and carry tapping fluid to the point of cut. Normally used on a drill press or tapping machine but also may be operated manually. See tapping.

  • tapping

    tapping

    Machining operation in which a tap, with teeth on its periphery, cuts internal threads in a predrilled hole having a smaller diameter than the tap diameter. Threads are formed by a combined rotary and axial-relative motion between tap and workpiece. See tap.

  • tapping machine

    tapping machine

    Production machine used for high-volume tapping. Offers repeatability, high production rates and reduced tap breakage. Comes in a variety of configurations, including indexing units with multiple tapping spindles. Precise stroke-depth settings and automatic features generally make tapping machines cost-effective.

  • tolerance

    tolerance

    Minimum and maximum amount a workpiece dimension is allowed to vary from a set standard and still be acceptable.