Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? We’ve got an answer.

Q: Striker cap on tool stays down

A: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIX. The tapping unit must be sent back to the factory. Internal tool damage has occurred. Up to 2,500 pounds of pressure may be compressed within the tapping tool. DO NOT TAMPER, SHAKE, HAMMER, OR DISASSEMBLE THE TAPPING UNIT! This may cause injury to the operator and/or equipment. Send the tool back to MD Technology. The return address is 6516 Amber Sky Way Eastvale, CA 92880 USA. In case of warranty issues, a sample piece must be sent in with the hole that the tool broke on as well as the next hole that was to be tapped.

Q: The tapping tool is cycling but there is no tapping

A: The overload protection bolt could be broken. Return to MD Technology for replacement. See figure #27

Q: Distorted threads

A: Threads are distorted and the go gauge will not go into the tapped hole. Check to see if any portion of the nosepiece is hitting the top of the threads on subsequent holes. If obstruction is present, alter your program for the turret press. Also, check for the strippers of other tools hitting the threads. See figure #17. Custom nosepieces are available from MD Technology. See figure #18.

Q: Tap breaks on every hit

A: Make sure the hole is the correct size for a metal forming tap. Do not use a cutting tap pre-hole size; it will be too small and will result in tap breakage and/or severe tool damage.

Q: Tap breaks after one to five hits

A: Tap height may not be adjusted correctly. Verify that the tap is recessed 0.050 inside the nosepiece. See figure #12. Improper tap height often results in the tap catching on the material as the material moves.

Q: Tap breaks prematurely or is burning out

A: Check for lubrication at the threaded hole. A discolored or black tap indicates improper lubrication. Verify the type and amount of lubricant being used is correct. The oil nozzle could be bent, preventing oil flow from getting to the proper point of the tap. If the nozzle is bent it will more than likely need to be replaced. See our videos for proper placement of oil nozzle.

Q: Burr on top of extrusion

A: Tap height is too long. Adjust pitch insert deeper into stripper plate. See figure #12.

Q: Burr on bottom of threads

A: After hole is tapped there is a burr on the bottom of the threads. To correct this, use more die clearance – 10% more or sharpen die and punch. See figure #17.

Q: Threads are not completely through the hole

A: Tap is adjusted too far in nosepiece. Increase the tap to 1.810 (46.0mm) until the threads go through. If the tap breaks, the tap is protruding too far out of the stripper. Note: The tap can extend out of the nosepiece about 0.05 or (1.25mm). If the no hole spring is not strong enough in the pitch insert, a stronger spring will be required. See page 40 – 41 and figure #20 for spring details. MD Technology TT2”-Amada Instruction Manual Version 2018

Q: Threads are defective after part goes through the line grainer

A: The sanding belt is worn out thus pushing the burr back into the threaded hole. Replacement of the sanding belt is needed.

Q: Threaded hole is too small after part is plated

A: The (H) factor for American (Imperial) thread or (D) factor for metric threads is too small. An oversize tap will be needed. An oversize tap will compensate for the plating built up on threads. Please refer to page 31 for information on oversized taps.

Q: Threaded holes are too large

A: The (H) factor for American threads or the (D) factor for metric threads is too large. A smaller H/D factor will be needed. Please refer to page 31 for undersized taps. Note: Thread gauge is based on 3 threads in material.

Q: Tapping fluid will not come out of tool

A: Remove oil nozzle on tool and blow it out with pressurized air. Also, check to make sure the female and male coupler function together correctly. Check that the tool has not lost prime. To prevent clogged oil lines always use the funnel filter provided when adding tapping fluid to your system. Clean filter screen in pump assembly. See figure #22

Q: Oil housing runs out of fluid in 1000 hits

A: The on/off valve may be opened too far. Decrease the amount of fluid by moving the indicator pin closer towards the minimum line. See figure #8.

Q: Stripper is denting the material

A: A custom stripper can be used, (optional). The custom stripper has a larger surface area to hold the material down; this will put less pressure on the part. See figure #18. Note: MD Technology can machine a custom stripper for special applications for a nominal fee.

MD Technology offers the latest technology for automating your tapping applications.

MD Technology BBB Business Review