The Shark Line range of taps from Chesterfield-based Dormer Pramet (www.dormerpramet.com) has been expanded with tools for threading high-strength steels and titanium alloys.

Available in spiral-point (E334) and spiral-flute (E335) geometries for through holes and blind holes respectively, the new taps have been configured to provide high levels of performance and process security in hardened and tempered materials below 45 HRC.

Readily identifiable by a black ring on their shank, the new taps incorporate a ‘robust geometry’ that significantly increases the strength of the cutting edge and ensures ‘problem-free high-quality thread production’.

Furthermore, both types feature a TiAlN coating and are manufactured from a ‘powder metallurgy’ tool steel that ensures toughness, longer tool life and increased machining performance at higher operating temperatures.

Johan Bodin, product manager for threading at Dormer Pramet, says: “The E334 spiral-point tap provides through-hole threading up to 2.5¥D and features a low rake angle for good chip control and edge strength.

"With a balanced higher relief on the chamfer and lower relief on the guidance threads, the E335 spiral flute tap supports blind hole threading up to 1.5xD.”

Each tap within Dormer Pramet’s Shark Line range features a colour ring denoting material suitability.

Other material types covered in the range include: alloy steels (red ring); structural, carbon and low-alloy steels (yellow ring); stainless steels (blue ring); aluminium (green ring); and cast iron (white ring).