Emuge Corp., West Boylston, Mass., a manufacturer of taps, thread mills, toolholders, clamping devices and other rotary cutting tools, today announced the expansion of its patented Softsynchro^® tap holder line, adding two new holder sizes.

The new Softsynchro tap holders, which come standard with coolant-through capability, can handle tap ranges from #0 – 1" and from M2 – M30. The new Softsynchro 0 size is for tap ranges #2-10 and M2-M8, while the new Softsynchro 4 size is for tap ranges ⁷/₆"-1" and M12-M30.

Constructed from precision-ground body and shank sections, Softsynchro's patented design is said to significantly increase tool life and performance. The proprietary design reduces axial force to just a fraction of the force typical in tapping applications, improves thread quality and substantially extends tool life by up to 300 percent, according to a company news release.

Softsynchro's technology features patented elastomer springs that separate the spindle from the tap, absorbing excessive axial forces and compensating for small errors in the machining process. Torque from the spindle is transferred seamlessly to the tap via ball bearings riding in precision ground grooves. These ball grooves are said to minimize rolling friction on the torque transmission balls to guarantee precision micro-correction of lead errors in a rigid tapping cycle, even under the most demanding machining conditions.

In addition, the Softsynchro modular system reportedly eliminates the need to purchase different holders for each application.