Industrial Tooling Corporation Ltd (ITC), Tamworth (www.itc-ltd.co.uk), has extended its range of thread-making products with the VariTap. Launched at the recent EMO exhibition in Hanover by Widia and available in the UK through ITC, the new VariTap incorporates an optimised geometry that allows it to be used on a wide variety of ductile materials — carbon and alloy steels, stainless steels, ductile iron and cast aluminium — thereby minimising tooling inventory.

The VariTap features an optimised spiral point that provides a low tapping torque; it also ‘pushes’ chips ahead of the tap in ‘through-hole’ applications. With regard to blind holes, the VariTap features polished spiral flutes that ensure continuous chip flow, reduced stress on the tap, an improved thread finish and extended tool life; the last of these is also a result of the PVD coating.

The VariTap is available in a variety of dimensions and geometries, including semi-bottoming chamfers, Form B plug chamfer, Form C semi-bottoming chamfers and spiral-point plug chamfers.