Micro Tapping Torque Machine

The Microtap measures the torque required to tap a pre drilled hole. The test consists of a platform where a plate of pre drilled holes is placed and a chuck in which a tapping tool is secured. 

Why do we use it? 

Tapping torque relates to lubrication efficiency, which can be measured in terms of reduced energy when performing the tapping operation, in the lifetime of the tool and in the quality of the internal tap. 

Used in the metalworking industry to monitor the lubrication performance of in-use lubricating oils and emulsions, the Microtap is also a good screening test for comparing the performance of different cutting fluids and in the development of new base oils and additives.

Watch the Micro Tap in action:

The test can be run using either a forming or cutting tap and the plate, shown in the image to the left, can be made from a wide range of metals or alloys. The cutting fluid, which can be either neat oil or water extendable fluid, is placed on the tool and in the hole to be tapped. 

The tap, shown in the image to the left, is lowered and the machine attempts to form the thread at a specified tool speed and depth. If successful the torque profile is sent to the computer and a graph is produced showing torque against the depth of the tap. 

If the torque reaches an upper limit of the machine it will not be recorded and the test is considered a fail. The test is repeated five times and the averaged maximum torque value is recorded.