OSG Tap & Die (OSG) has introduced the EXOTAP A-Tap, an all-purpose tap series designed to simplify tool management and to excel in a variety of materials and applications.

Achieving trouble-free chip evacuation with a spiral tap in blind holes is particularly challenging and is a main cause of headaches for many manufacturers. To resolve this problem and to improve the ejection of chips, OSG's new A-Tap SFT has adopted a variable helix flute design, which encourages stable chip evacuation and reduces cutting forces. The helix angle changes from the chamfer, where chips are formed, to the flutes, where chips are evacuated. This unique geometry enables greater chip control that can help produce tightly compacted chips for easy ejection from the hole.

To accommodate a wide range of cutting conditions, powdered metal HSS and OSG's patented V coating have been employed in this series to achieve excellent wear resistance. In addition, to enable high speed machining, the all new A-Tap series incorporates a unique cutting edge design that emphasizes sharpness. Not only is the A-Tap series compatible with general steel, it also excels in difficult to machine materials such as stainless steel and mild steel.