? how to tap holes?

[eloid]

I often wondered how to automate taping on a cnc...I would like some of the cnc gurus to explain the best methods / gcode software to tap larger array or quanity of hole that require taping ie in aluminum ie 1/4 to 1/2 plate
not sure if mach or some other application is better suit to run or generat g code?

[Geof]

Can you provide more details? Are the holes at specific coordinates or are they just on an evenly spaced grid pattern? How many holes are you tapping?

G84 is the canned cycle for tapping on most machines. The G84 command normally includes the hole location, the depth, the pitch/feedrate and the clearance plane:

G84 X Y Z F R

Most machines do not need the entire line for additional holes so you just need to program the X Y location.

Some machines let you change the Z so you program X Y Z for holes at a different depth at a different location.

[eloid]

Originally Posted by Geof Can you provide more details? Are the holes at specific coordinates or are they just on an evenly spaced grid pattern? How many holes are you tapping? G84 is the canned cycle for tapping on most machines. The G84 command normally includes the hole location, the depth, the pitch/feedrate and the clearance plane: G84 X Y Z F R Most machines do not need the entire line for additional holes so you just need to program the X Y location. Some machines let you change the Z so you program X Y Z for holes at a different depth at a different location.

there a few projects in the works, onejust some specific locations with holes
was sure of the functionality of g84 command and the depth, the pitch/feedrate....

can someone explain the clearance plane to me not sure of the meaning of it.

the project would have set array of holes on a grid spacing may be all the same...

question if i have the gcode for drilling the holes
would require manual writting of the gcode to add g84 lines

can someone please explain the process, I would be using acad to design 3d model use someones cam to generate the gcode to machine the part....
is there a program to generat the g code of tapping? please explain?

[Al_The_Man]

Also for tapping etc you usually require a Z axis that is capable of being sync'd to the Spindle.
There is also a device called a floating tap holder that can be used where sync does not exist.
But for this spindle rpm has to be held fairly constant.
Al.

[Geof]

Originally Posted by eloid ....can someone explain the clearance plane to me not sure of the meaning of it.....

When you move X and Y into position you may want the tap to be well clear in Z. The clearance plane is the distance above the surface that the machine starts tapping: For instance if you move into position at Z1.0 above the part you might program a clearance plane (R) of 0.1 so the machine rapids to 0.1 above the part does the tapping and retracts back to the 0.1 then rapids to Z1.0 before moving to the next location.

[ger21]

You can't tap with G84 with Mach3. It can't do rigid tapping.