Taps given extra bite.

With its special combination of substrate, coatings and design features, the application-based range is said to offer high levels of process security and performance across a range of engineering materials. Each tap features a colour ring on the tool shank denoting material suitability, promoting quick and easy tool selection.

The latest additions are to its yellow ring range for structural, carbon and low alloy steels (E412) and its blue ring range for stainless steels (E414). 

Both feature a spiral flute angle of 48°. This facilitates smooth and fast chip evacuation, making them well suited to threading deep blind holes up to 3xD.

A special three radii profile with constant rake angle all along the flute length leads to better control of cutting properties and prevents the nest formation of chips. This, in turn, promotes increased productivity by minimising machine downtime.

Chip evacuation is further facilitated by a back taper which reduces chipping on the last threads of the taps. The company says this feature also reduces torque when the tap reverses, resulting in longer tool life.

Other material types covered by the Shark range include red ring for alloy steels, green ring for aluminum and white ring for cast iron. All are manufactured from a powder metallurgy tool steel.