Thread: Tap Magic?
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Unread 16-07-2012, 11:48
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Simplicity by Design...
AKA: Tim Miedzinski
FRC #0836 (The RoboBees)
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Re: Tap Magic?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Camren View Post
I just came across this cutting fluid which I have never seen or heard of before. Its called Tap Magic and I was wondering what are the benefits and how many teams use it?
Tap Magic is used to aid in the process of cutting metals. I have only ever seen it used in tapping applications though. They advertise that it can be used for other machining processes as well.

So some personal experience:
Tap Magic is very good when used correctly. I have used it extensively with different types of steels while working with Baja cars, and ocassionaly some Formula cars. It does make the process 'easier' but you still have to be careful. As far as maintaining tools and creating longer lives from them, I have no clue. My Formula counterparts did find that it is very important to make sure ALL of the fluid is removed prior to welding. They were tapped a member in a closed loop and drained MOST of the fluid. Then through a testing that should not have broken (or even come close to breaking) the member did break. As they looked into the cause, the fluid during the welding process heated up and changed the strength of the metal.

They do have a specific type fo aluminum (which I assume most teams use on robots except special conditions), but I have no experience with that. I have alsways used some other type/generic cutting fluid when tapping aluminum, sometimes even just a cutting wax.
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