Tap process for hard workpieces
A process and apparatus for producing screw threads in hard material workpieces with a series of taps. The present invention employs a threaded bore formed in a bracket assembly to align and position multiple taps on a rotary machine. The taps are used in sequence to cut threads progressively deeper into a substrate. The present invention provides a method of aligning and orienting each progressive tap to begin its cut at the same initial starting point.
1. An alignment assembly for positioning a tap inside a chuck, the assembly comprising:
a support block having a central longitudinal axis, and said support block adapted to receive said chuck;
a fastener fastened to said support block;
an upwardly extending support arm having opposite ends wherein the support arm is connected at one of said opposite ends to the fastener;
a cantilever arm, and the support arm is connected at other of said opposite ends to the cantilever arm;
said cantilever arm containing a threaded bore adapted to receive the tap; and
wherein the threaded bore presents a configuration having a bottom with a geometry that substantially conforms to the geometry of the bottom of the tap.
2. An alignment assembly for positioning a tap inside a chuck, the assembly comprising:
a support block having a central longitudinal axis, and said support block adapted to receive said chuck;
a fastener fastened to said support block;
an upwardly extending support arm having opposite ends wherein the support arm is connected at one of said opposite ends to the fastener;
a cantilever arm, and the support arm is connected at other of said opposite ends to the cantilever arm;
said cantilever arm containing a threaded bore adapted to receive the tap; and
wherein the threaded bore presents a threads having a pitch and geometry substantially similar to an internal thread desired to be formed by the tap.
3. An alignment assembly for positioning a tap inside a chuck, the assembly comprising:
a support block having a central longitudinal axis, and said support block adapted to receive said chuck;
a cantilever arm operatively connected to said support block, and said cantilever arm containing a threaded bore adapted to receive the tap; and
wherein the threaded bore presents a configuration having a bottom with a geometry that substantially conforms to the geometry of the bottom of the tap.
4. An alignment assembly for positioning a tap inside a chuck, the assembly comprising:
a support block having a central longitudinal axis, and said support block adapted to receive said chuck;
a cantilever arm operatively connected to said support block, and said cantilever arm containing a threaded bore adapted to receive the tan; and
wherein the threaded bore presents a threads having a pitch and geometry substantially similar to an internal thread desired to be formed by the tap.