Why should I use thread forming taps?
Thread forming taps produce threads by displacing the material rather than cutting and removing the material to form the thread. This essentially cold-forms the thread, producing a strong thread. Another benefit of thread forming taps is that they do not produce chips like a cutting tap would. Forming taps are known to also provide extended tool life due to the fact that there is no cutting action, there are not sharp edges to dull. They also stronger taps by nature because there are no flutes. Larger sizes of forming taps have what are called lube-grooves, to allow some clearance for lubricant and enhance the performance of the taps. These lobes are visibly if you look at the tip of the tap. You will notice that the forming rings on the tap are not perfectly round, but have lobes.
What materials should I use them on?
Any material that produces a stringy chip is a good candidate for thread forming. They are most commonly used on aluminum, brass and other non-ferrous metals, however the can be used on certain grades of steel and stainless steel. Most ductile materials producing stringy chips are great for forming.
How should I use thread forming (roll) taps?
Thread forming taps require different application parameters than standard cutting taps. Here is a link to our recommended speeds, feeds and hole sizes for your thread forming operation.
http://www.kodiakcuttingtools.com/ThreadFormingTaps.html