What this is
Tapping turns a drilled hole into a threaded fastener point. The difference between a tapped hole and a drilled clearance hole is whether a screw passes through (clearance) or engages thread directly to pull two things together (tapped). For most signage and cabinet mount work you want clearance; for machined fixtures, fabricated frames and trade-grade product runs, you often want tapped.
We tap holes on the CNC in-line with the cut and drill operations. Standard metric thread sizes are the most common request — M3, M4, M5, M6, M8 — though larger and imperial sizes are available on review. For best results, tapping is done in materials with enough density to hold the thread: aluminium plate is the most common; thicker acrylic and MDF take thread too, with the understanding that the thread strength is material-dependent.
For your file, mark tapped holes on a separate layer labelled TAP-MX where X is the metric thread (TAP-M5, TAP-M6, TAP-M8). One point per hole. If a thread is blind (doesn't pass all the way through), note the target depth in your enquiry — blind taps need a thread-relief pocket below the tapped section, which costs a bit more setup time.
For short-run production where thread strength is the constraint, threaded inserts (heat-set, press-fit, or moulded-in) are often a better solution than tapped material. Talk to us about the load case and we'll suggest the right approach.
Provisional · Confirmed on quoteTapping- Material
- —confirmed on quote
- Thickness range
- —confirmed on quote
- Process
- —confirmed on quote
- Tolerance
- —confirmed on quote
- Edge finish
- —confirmed on quote
- Min / max sheet size
- —confirmed on quote
- Typical lead time
- —confirmed on quote
Exact values confirmed when we quote your job.
FAQ
- What thread sizes can you tap?
- Standard metric M3 to M8 is the most common request and runs in-line. Larger metric and imperial sizes by review. Tell us the thread spec on the enquiry and we'll confirm tooling.
- Threaded insert or tapped hole — which should I pick?
- Tapped hole when the material is strong enough to hold the thread (aluminium plate, dense metals). Threaded insert when the material is plastic, low-density, or the joint will be cycled (assembled and disassembled repeatedly). Talk to us about the load case.
- What file types can I send?
- DXF is the cleanest — that's a single-line vector format the cutter reads directly. AI, SVG, PDF, EPS and DWG all work too. If you've only got a JPG or a sketch on paper, send it anyway and we'll tidy it for you (small file-prep charge applies).
- How should I prepare a DXF?
- Outlines only, no fills. One closed path per cut. Different operations (cut, engrave, drill) on different layers so we know what gets which tool. Convert text to outlines before exporting so we don't have to chase the same font. If anything's ambiguous, write it in the file name or add a note in the quote request.
- How quick is a quote?
- Most quote requests come back within 1 business day, Mon-Fri. Simple trade jobs are usually faster during business hours. Complex jobs, supplied-material jobs or anything unusual may take longer — we'll tell you up front if so.