GH-60 Hydraulic Tapping Arm

November 13, 2018
GH-60 Hydraulic Tapping Arm

FlexArm Inc. introduces the GH-60 hydraulic tapping arm with capacity to 2 inches, even in laser cut holes. This versatile, robust design has a reach from 20 to 85” and operates at 55 or 275 rpm to deliver torque up to 811 ft./lbs.

Full 360-degree movement allows operators to easily position taps with guaranteed perpendicularity. Operates from 480 V power source to provide tapping capacities from ½ to 2-inches. Five quick-change tap holders, and semi-tap lubrication are included with each tapping arm purchase. With fast setup times and significantly reduced tap breakage, FlexArm GH-60 tapping arms are an ideal alternative to tapping large diameter holes manually, or via CNC, even laser cut holes – with no reaming or preparation required.

Optional digital depth control allows operators to control depth and maintain consistency, simplifying quality control. An optional multiple-position head allows operators to quickly change from vertical to horizontal tapping.

FlexArm provides a more efficient way to tap holes. They allow machining centers to do what they do best – milling, drilling and boring.  When operators load a machining center and start its cycle, they can use that cycle time to tap previously machined parts with the FlexArm – yielding more productivity per shift. 

Tap breakage rates are significantly reduced with the FlexArm due to its purpose-centered approach. With a tap breakage rate of one per 3,000 holes, versus one per 300 holes on a CNC, FlexArm tapping arms can significantly reduce setup time, cost and scrap rates.

In addition to the GH-60 model detailed above, other hydraulic and pneumatic versions of the FlexArm are available to suit varied tapping requirements. Engineers are available to discuss unique project parameters and offer solutions based on decades of experience. A 30-day free trial period allows FlexArm products to be proven in-plant under actual production conditions.

Related Glossary Terms

  • boring

    boring

    Enlarging a hole that already has been drilled or cored. Generally, it is an operation of truing the previously drilled hole with a single-point, lathe-type tool. Boring is essentially internal turning, in that usually a single-point cutting tool forms the internal shape. Some tools are available with two cutting edges to balance cutting forces.

  • centers

    centers

    Cone-shaped pins that support a workpiece by one or two ends during machining. The centers fit into holes drilled in the workpiece ends. Centers that turn with the workpiece are called “live” centers; those that do not are called “dead” centers.

  • computer numerical control ( CNC)

    computer numerical control ( CNC)

    Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.

  • gang cutting ( milling)

    gang cutting ( milling)

    Machining with several cutters mounted on a single arbor, generally for simultaneous cutting.

  • machining center

    machining center

    CNC machine tool capable of drilling, reaming, tapping, milling and boring. Normally comes with an automatic toolchanger. See automatic toolchanger.

  • milling

    milling

    Machining operation in which metal or other material is removed by applying power to a rotating cutter. In vertical milling, the cutting tool is mounted vertically on the spindle. In horizontal milling, the cutting tool is mounted horizontally, either directly on the spindle or on an arbor. Horizontal milling is further broken down into conventional milling, where the cutter rotates opposite the direction of feed, or “up” into the workpiece; and climb milling, where the cutter rotates in the direction of feed, or “down” into the workpiece. Milling operations include plane or surface milling, endmilling, facemilling, angle milling, form milling and profiling.

  • quality assurance ( quality control)

    quality assurance ( quality control)

    Terms denoting a formal program for monitoring product quality. The denotations are the same, but QC typically connotes a more traditional postmachining inspection system, while QA implies a more comprehensive approach, with emphasis on “total quality,” broad quality principles, statistical process control and other statistical methods.

  • 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.