Machine Tap JIS B-4430 Form C 35° Spiral Flute HSSE - NPF 3/4 x 14

The VÖLKEL Machine Tap is a specialized cutting tool engineered to produce precise pipe threads in a single operation. Its uniqueness lies in the combination of specific standards and material properties that distinguish it for demanding applications.

Key Features at a Glance:

• Specialized for Pipe Threads (NPF): It is precisely tailored to the requirements of American tapered pipe threads, which are crucial for pressure-tight connections.
• Versatile Application: Optimal for both manual and machine use, offering you maximum flexibility in your workshop.
• For Through and Blind Holes: Its optimized geometry allows for reliable thread creation in both types of bores.
• HSSE Material: The high-performance material ensures extended tool life and reliability, even in more demanding applications.

This tap is ideal for you if you are:

• Plant Builders and Installers: Who need to create gas and liquid-tight pipe connections.
• Machine Manufacturing Companies: Requiring precise threads for components with pipe connections.
• Locksmiths and Metalworkers: For versatile applications in the workshop.
• Maintenance and Repair Experts: Where damaged pipe threads need to be precisely renewed.

Your Challenges – Our Solutions:

• Problem: The need for pressure-tight pipe connections: Standard taps are often not designed for the demands of tapered pipe threads, which are essential for pressure-tight applications.

  Solution: This tap is specifically designed for NPF threads (National Pipe Taper Fuel & Oil), which have a tapered form, thus allowing for a self-sealing connection.

• Problem: Difficulty in threading common materials: Many taps are only suitable for narrowly defined materials.

  Solution: It is optimized for general use in easily machinable materials up to 900 N/mm² as well as unalloyed and low-alloy steels, enabling a wide range of applications.

• Problem: Wear and tear during intensive use: Inferior taps wear out quickly under load.

  Solution: The high-quality HSSE material and precise manufacturing according to JIS standards ensure extended tool life and reliability, even with frequent use.

This machine tap offers a combination of specific standards and material properties that make it a first-class choice:

1. NPF – American Tapered Pipe Thread:

   The abbreviation NPF stands for "National Pipe Taper Fuel & Oil." This is an American standard for tapered pipe threads, specifically developed for pressure-tight connections in systems transporting liquids or gases.

   • Tapered Form: Unlike cylindrical threads, the NPF thread tapers slightly, allowing it to self-seal upon tightening, thus creating a tight connection with no or minimal additional sealant.
   • Application: Indispensable in the oil and gas industry, hydraulics, pneumatics, and other areas where leak-tightness is critical.

2. JIS B-4430 – The Japanese Industrial Standard for Taps:

   JIS B-4430 is the Japanese Industrial Standard for taps. It defines precise specifications for the geometry, dimensions, and tolerances of taps.

   • International Compatibility: Adherence to this standard ensures that the tap is precisely manufactured and works optimally with other components made to JIS standards.
   • Quality Assurance: Standards like JIS signify high manufacturing quality and reliability of the tool.

3. Form C – The Versatile Lead for HSSE Taps with 35° SP:

   Form C describes a specific lead form of the tap, characterized by a longer lead of approx. 2-3 threads.

   • Versatility: It is an excellent compromise for universal use in through and blind holes, as it offers stable starting and good chip evacuation.
   • 35° Spiral Point (SP): The 35° spiral flute ensures efficient chip evacuation forwards (in the cutting direction), which is particularly advantageous for blind holes as it pushes chips out of the hole, preventing clogging or tap breakage.

4. HSSE – High Performance for Demanding Materials:

   HSSE is an advancement of High-Speed Steel (HSS) with an increased cobalt content.

   • Increased Hot Hardness: The cobalt content improves hot hardness resistance, making the tap more resistant to high temperatures generated during cutting. This is particularly beneficial when machining tough or abrasive materials and significantly extends tool life.
   • Wear Resistance: HSSE tools offer higher wear resistance than conventional HSS taps.

5. Medium Tolerance – The Right Fit for NPF Threads:

   The designation "Tolerance: medium" for NPF taps is specific to tapered pipe threads. It ensures that the cut threads have the necessary fit for the connection's sealing integrity. For NPF threads, the primary concern is the self-sealing effect of the tapered form, not an exact clearance fit as with metric threads.

• Thread Type: NPF (American Tapered Pipe Thread)
• Standard: JIS B-4430
• Form: C (Lead 2-3 threads with 35° Spiral Point)
• Material: HSSE (High-Speed Steel with Cobalt)
• Tolerance: medium
• Nominal Size: NPF 3/4 x 14
• Overall Length (L1): 85 mm
• Thread Length (L2): 35 mm
• Pilot Hole Diameter (D1): 24.5 mm
• Shank Diameter (D2): 23.0 mm
• Drive Square: 17.0 mm (Standard square drive for machine taps)
• EAN: 4022835997801
• Article Number: 99780

1: What exactly is an NPF thread and what is it used for?

NPF stands for "National Pipe Taper Fuel & Oil." It is an American standard for tapered pipe threads. The taper of the thread ensures that the thread flanks wedge together as they are screwed in, forming a pressure-tight connection. NPF threads are primarily used in applications where a reliable seal of liquids or gases under pressure is required, such as in the oil and gas industry, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.

2: Can I use this tap manually as well as with a machine?

Yes, this VÖLKEL tap is designed for both manual and machine use. The robust HSSE quality and precise manufacturing enable high performance in both application areas. For manual use, you will need a suitable tap wrench with the correct 17.0 mm square drive.

3: Why is HSSE material important for a tap?

HSSE (High Speed Steel with Cobalt) is an alloyed high-speed steel that exhibits higher hot hardness and wear resistance compared to conventional HSS. This is particularly important in threading, as high friction and heat can be generated. HSSE taps offer a longer tool life and better performance, especially when machining tougher or more abrasive materials or during intensive use.

4: What do the specifications "Form C 35° SP" mean?

"Form C" describes the lead form of the tap, which has a chamfer of about 2-3 threads. "35° SP" stands for a 35-degree spiral point. This angle ensures good chip evacuation, especially in blind holes, as the chips are efficiently pushed forward out of the bore, preventing clogging.

5: Do I need to drill a special pilot hole for NPF threads?

Yes, for NPF threads, the pilot hole diameter is crucial for the quality and tightness of the thread. The specified Pilot Hole Diameter (D1): 24.5 mm is the recommended size for this. It is important to maintain this diameter precisely to achieve optimal results and ensure the tapered self-sealing action.