What is it?

A Reamer is a rotary cutting tool that is conical or cylindrical in shape. It is used for enlarging holes to accurate dimensions. Unlike a drill, a reamer cannot be used to make a new hole. It can only be used to enlarge or finish existing holes that have been bored, drilled or cored.

Parts of a Reamer

The two basic elements of a reamer include a shank and blades. The shank allows for manual turning and is mounted on the edge of a wrench. The blades of the reamer are used for cutting the hole.

Working Principle

All reamers have longitudinal grooves or flutes that are either helical or straight. Generally, most reamers have eight longitudinal grooves. The reamer cuts existing holes using the sharp edges of the apex between the slots. Some reamers make use of the chamfered edges on the tips to widen existing holes. The lubricating fluid flows between the flutes and allows for cooling of the sides.

Types of Reamers

The four major types of reamers are:

1. Machine Reamers – Also known as chucking reamers. They are used on machine tools like screw machines, lathes, and drill presses. The shanks of machine reamers are either tapered or straight. The blades of a machine reamer can be adjusted to regulate the size of the hole or bore.
2. Hand Reamers – Hand reamers are used by workers without mounting it on any machine. It has a slightly tapered end to make it easy to fit on the end of a wrench. Hand reamers have straight flutes that are spiraled to prevent the reamer from falling into the bore. Additionally, the slight tapering at one end facilitates ease of entry into the entrance.
3. Expansion Reamers – Expansion reamers are used to enlarge reamed holes slightly. It is split longitudinally, and their diameters are adjustable. Expansion reamers have an end screw that can be turned to expand the width of internal cones.
4. Line Reamers – Line reamers have a couple of cutting edges that ensure accurate alignment of bores.

Other types of reamers include taper reamers, hand hones, and taper broaches. Various reamers are used based on the required application.

Few Factors to Keep in Mind while Using Reamers

Make sure that the holes to be reamed are undersized, to begin with. It makes for the smooth functioning of the reamer. If the material is too less, then it can cause the reamer to shake in operation, leading to a wavy surface.

For effective reaming, the reamer has to be rotated at a slow speed. Ensure that the power applied behind the reamer is uniform and considerable. While operating the reamer, ensure that the direction stays constant.

Finally, never operate a reamer backward.

Lubrication of Reamers

Oil is the most commonly used lubricant for reamers. It’s used when reaming metals like gunmetal, phosphor-bronze, brass, and steel. On the other hand, reaming materials like aluminum and duralumin requires using paraffin as the lubricant. For cast-iron projects, equal parts of graphite and tallow can be used as the lubricant.

Applications and Usage

Reamers are generally used to enlarge a bore or a hole. It is also used on the inside of drilled holes and pipes to remove burrs. Traditionally, reamers are used for producing smooth and accurate surfaces in a bore. It is also used for making bolts and pins to ensure an excellent perfect fit. All metals are pliable with a reamer.

Taper reamers are used for finishing sprockets and small pulleys that are used in bikes. Taper reamers scrape away the metal instead of cutting it.

Order Reamers from Alok Tools

Alok Tools is the leading reamers manufacturer, supplier, and exporter in India. Our reamers are made from high-grade carbon steel and cemented carbides. Reamers are the better choice when compared to drills for achieving precision. It gives a smoother and better finish on materials when compared to lathes.

For the best reamers for all applications, get in touch with our sales team. High-quality, product guarantee, and competitive prices are our trademarks. Click here to become a distribution partner of Alok Tools.

• Carbon taps and dies, B.A/M.E
• Carbon taps UNC/UNF
• Carbon taps and dies, metric sizes
• Carbon dies UNC/UNF

As leading tap and die-cutting tools suppliers in India, we can help you find the right size tap and die sets to meet your specific requirements. If you’re looking for custom sizes, get in touch with our team to fulfill your requirements.

Here, in today’s guide, we take a closer look at this popular cutting tool – what is it, why is it used, how to use it, and more.

First things first,

What are Taps and Dies?

Taps and dies are a pair of tools that are used to create screw threads. The process is also known as threading. While most taps and dies are cutting tools, it can also be used as forming tools. There are two major components of the tool:

• The tap – This is referred to as the male portion of the toolset and is used to form or cut the female portion.
• The die – This is the other portion of the tool and is referred to as the female part of the tool. It is used to cut the male portion.

Before you start using the tap and die set, you must understand the various terms associated with the tool. Here are the common terminologies of this toolset:

Tapping – This is the process of cutting or recutting threads into a nut or hole. If you have worked with heavy machinery, vehicles, or other industrial tools, then you would know that over time, the threads in nut or hole are worn off and have to be re-threaded. The tap and die set is what helps in re-threading.

At Alok Tools, leading tap and die suppliers in India, we stock the full range of various tap types including:

• Bottoming Tap – It’s also known as plug tap. It has a continuous edge at the bottom with almost no taper – between the end threads. It is mostly used to cut threads in holes that have been partially threaded.
• Intermediate Tap – The other name for it is second It has tapered cutting edges, making it ideal for starting taps in an untapped hole. It usually has 3 to 5 tapered threads. It’s the most common type of tap and dies.
• Taper Tap – Though it looks similar to the intermediate tap, it has a more pronounced cutting edge. It has a less aggressive cutting action compared to the intermediate tap. It usually has 8 to 10 tapered threads. It’s mostly used to work with hard materials like alloy steel.
• Power Taps – The taps mentioned above are generally hand taps as it can be manually operated. Power-driven taps, on the other hand, are motor operated. Some of the common power taps are gun tap, spiral point plug tap, spiral flute tap, etc.
• Forming Tap – It’s also known as roll tap or fluteless Unlike the other cutting taps on this list, the forming tap forcefully changes the metal into a thread shape. These taps work only with soft materials like aluminium and mild steel.

How to use a Tap and Die Set?

The “die” part of the tap and die set is used to cut or repair the threads on a bolt. The first step is to determine the TPI – Number of Threads per Inch. The TPI can be fixed on either the nut or bolt. Most tap and die sets come with a gauge that helps you calculate the TPI. The gauge has several blades and looks similar to a Swiss knife.

Once you fix the TPI, the next step is to choose the die that matches it. Tap and die sets from Alok Tools are available in both metric and SAE units. Taps and dies are tapered so that it can fit easily into a nut or bolt and re-carve the threads. Once done, the threads will be closely similar to the original. The dies are fit into a special wrench that makes it easy to hold it and guide it along its cutting path.

Uses of Tap and Die Sets

1. To Fix Threads
2. To Rethread

How to maintain tap and die sets?

We recommend that you use cutting oil to lubricate the die to keep it well-oiled. Most tap and die sets have an open top. Hence, you can lubricate it easily without having to dismantle it. Keeping it well-oiled helps to extend the life of the tap and die set. Also, make sure to clean out any debris from the tool before storing it to keep it in perfect condition for years to come.

Wrapping Up – Alok Tools your Go-To Industrial Tools Supplier in India

Initially, you may find it difficult to use the tap and die set. But, with regular use, you’ll get a feel for the tool quickly. As the leading tools supplier in India, Alok Tools offers a wide range of hand tools, cutting tools, industrial tools, precision tools, OZAR Toku tools, and more. We also have an attractive distributor partnership program and are on the constant lookout for overseas partners for our tools. If interested, fill up this form to become our partner.

Let’s get started.

What is Precision Cutting Tools?

Also known as cutting tool or simply cutter, precision cutting tools are used to remove materials from a workpiece. The cutting is done by a single-point or multi-point tool.

• Single-point cutting tools are used for shaping, planning and turning.
• Multi-point cutting tools are used for milling and drilling.

Features of Precision Cutting Tools

Cutting tools should be made of a material that is tougher and stronger than the workpiece that is going to be cut. Additionally, precision tools must be able to endure the high levels of heat that are generated during the metal cutting process.

Additionally, precision cutting tools must adhere to specific geometric patterns during the design stage. This is essential to ensure that the cutting edge can easily connect with the workpiece and help improve the efficiency of cutting, enabling the easy removal of the material from the workpiece.

The rake angle of the cutting faces, the tool’s clearance angles, number of flutes (teeth), the flute width are some factors that have to be precise in a precision cutting tool so that the tool can efficiently remove material from the workpiece in the desired manner. Furthermore, the speed and feed at which the cutting tool is run also play a crucial factor in determining the output of your precision tool.

By choosing a precision tool that has all these factors in the right proportion, you can easily choose a tool that has a long working life and delivers the best outputs.

Types of Precision Cutting Tools

Precision cutting tools are of several types. The two major classifications are linear and rotary.

• Rotary precision cutting tools include drill bits, milling cutters, reamers, taps and dies amongst others.
• Linear precision cutting tools include single-point cutting tools, broaches amongst others.

Generally, precision cutting tools come with inserts. Here the cutting edge is placed as a separate piece of material that is fixed to the tool.

Common Attributes of Precision Cutting Tools

To produce high-quality parts, precision cutting tools must have the following attributes:

• High-levels of resistance to wear and tear – to ensure that the tool can have a long life.
• High-levels of toughness – to ensure that the tool can withstand plenty of pressure and energy, without breaking, chipping or fracturing.
• High-levels of strength and hardness.

Materials used for the Manufacture of Precision Cutting Tools

High-speed steel and tungsten carbide are the two most common materials used in the manufacture of precision cutting tools. Other less common materials used in the manufacture of precision cutting tools include cemented carbide, cermets, cubic boron nitride, and diamond.

Materials used in the manufacture of precision cutting tools can be divided into two main categories:

• Stable or
• Unstable

A good example of stable material is tungsten carbide. It’s consistently stable and can withstand high levels of heat even during extreme machining conditions. Tungsten carbide doesn’t change its main property during use, making it ideal for tool manufacturing. Additionally, tungsten carbide is naturally hard; thereby it lasts for several years to come and can withstand wear and tear.

On the contrary, unstable materials like steel have low natural hardness. The hardness quotient of these metals can be increased using heat treatment. While heat treatment increases the hardness, it compromises the toughness of the material.

One major drawback of stable materials is that they are fragile. The material is so hard that it can break during bending. Tools made from stable materials generally have a moderately blunt edge. Unstable materials, on the other hand, can bend without breaking, as they are softer.

Applications of Precision Cutting Tools

Precision cutting tools like cutting tools, step drills are used in several industries for a wide range of applications. For example, the manufacturing of airplane blades is done with the help of precision cutting tools.  In the medical industry, cutting precision tools are used for assisting surgeons and doctors in various medical applications like dentistry, surgical procedures and more.

How to Choose the Right Precision Cutting Tool Manufacturer?

Today’s complex digital equipment and high-speed machining require precision tools with high accuracy and expertise. Finding the right precision tool manufacturer plays a crucial role in determining the output of your industrial processes.

While choosing precision tool manufacturers, here are a few factors to look out for:

• Look for suppliers with state-of-the-art manufacturing hubs and highly skilled tool makers
• The manufacturer you choose must offer quality assurance for each tool they make. Precision tools are used for highly critical applications; hence it must be defect free.
• Additionally, choosing manufacturers who can produce tools customized to your specific needs is a big plus.

Alok Tools – Your go-to Tool Manufacturer for High-Quality Precision Cutting Tools

In the highly competitive business world of today, you require tools that can last long, and help you reduce overall production costs. Additionally, choosing precision tools that meet the highest specifications and quality, helps you make the overall machining process error-free and efficient.

Here, at Alok Tools, we offer a wide range of precision cutting tools like center finder, clamps, edge finder, dividers and calipers, Econo sine finders, screw pitch gauge, steel squares, slotted angle plates, rulers and more. With decades of experience in manufacturing customized industrial-quality tools, we can customize tools according to your specific requirements.

If you are looking for custom precision cutting tools, get in touch with our expert tool makers here at Alok Tools. We are happy to discuss your specific requirements and provide you with the right tools that meet your specific needs. At Alok Tools, it’s our motto to ensure that – we supply the right tool with the right materials, for every one of our customers. And, we strive to retain our ranking as the No.1 industrial tool manufacturer in India.

Get in touch with our team to know more.