Tapped Holes vs Threaded Holes - Differences and Comparison

A tapped hole is a hole drilled before a machine screw is inserted. A tapped hole has threads cut into the hole’s inside exterior through the tapping process. A tapped hole is used in engineering with metals where a nut and bolt cannot be used. They hold threaded components with their internal threads, typically fasteners. 

Compared to threaded holes, they are made differently. Tapped and threaded holes are similar but made by two different machining processes. The difference between threading and tapping is the tool used and the surface on which the processes happen. The threading process creates threads outside of a hole with a die tool. The tapping process makes threads inside a drilled hole with a tapping tool.

An advantage of tapping compared to threading is speed. High-speed tapping centers with a rigid tap can thread holes in far less time than it would take to thread mill the same spots. Additionally, tapping can thread deeper holes in more rigid materials such as steel.

One disadvantage of a tapped hole compared to threading is that a different size tap is needed for each size hole being threaded, consuming many valuable but limited positions in the tool magazine. Plus, having to switch tapping tools for each different-sized holes increases the cycle time.

The other disadvantage is that tapping doesn’t let the thread fit be adjusted. Once the hole is tapped, the thread’s size and position are final. Also, rigid taps are used only for the internal thread of holes.

Threaded holes are holes with threads that are created with a threading process using a die tool. They are similar to tapped holes but are made differently. In engineering, threaded holes are integral aspects of mechanically fastened parts. They are easy to add with CNC machines. Threads are usually added last after most other elements of the part have been machined. 

The internal thread in a threaded hole can be either cut using a cutting tool (a cutting tap or single lip cutting tool) or formed using a forming tap.

The callout symbol for threaded holes is the ‘Ø’ diameter symbol, unless they are metic, in which case the diameter symbol is replaced with an ‘M’. Tapped and threaded holes are similar but made by two different machining processes. They are used for nuts, screws, and bolts. 

The difference between threading and tapping is the tool used and the surface on which the processes happen. The threading process creates threads outside of a hole with a die tool. The tapping process makes threads inside a drilled hole with a tapping tool.

One main advantage of a threaded hole compared to a tap is controlling the fit. A threaded hole is milled at a high RPM. The drill tool helixes into an already made hole. So, the machine operator can adjust thread size using a strategy similar to an end mill rather than a drill bit.

Another advantage is that a single tool can be used in thread milling to make a wide range of hole sizes. This reduces tooling costs and time. In addition, a thread mill can create interior and exterior threads, right-hand and left-hand threads, and huge threaded holes. With large holes, using a single tool means engineers don’t have to invest in a large rigid tap.

One disadvantage of a threaded hole compared to a tapped hole is that it requires a high-speed spindle. Threading also takes a long time, as the machine controller also spends much time ensuring precision.

Threaded holes have a smaller lead cost. Because a single tool can be used in thread milling to make a wide range of hole sizes, this reduces tooling costs and time.

Tapping is faster than threading when it comes to a speed comparison. High-speed tapping centers with a rigid tap can thread holes in far less time than it would take to thread mill the same spots. A tapped hole is faster to machine. 

Threading works better for high-volume production where different size holes or threads are required, as a single tool can be used for different sizes, so time doesn’t have to be wasted changing tools. In addition, various taps are available to match almost any screw-type, including metric and standard measurements.

A tapped hole works better with harder materials than threading, and is better for steel. However, both processes are used for hard materials where fasteners cannot cut their own thread. 

A screw clearance hole can be used as an alternative to a tapped or threaded hole, when a screw or bolt is needed. A tapped hole is also similar to a pilot hole, the difference being the threads.

The similarities between tapped holes and threaded holes are that they both contain internal threads for a fastener to fit into. They can also both be blind or through holes. A blind tap hole is when a tapped hole does not go completely through the workpiece. The thread part of the way through.

The thread sizes can vary with both types depending on the desired use. The two types are used when working with metal and machine screws, which cannot cut their own threads when driven into the workpiece.

Because metal is a stronger material, the screws thread cannot cut into it, so they must be inserted into a tapped or threaded hole. They both give extra grip to ensure that the screw stays in place.

Both processes are used for a bolt, screw, or nut. 

This article provided a comparison between tapped and threaded holes and presented the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

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