Part 5 - Holes and Tapping Depths
In Part 1, I talked about how dimensioning with common stock sizes in mind can reduce costs and save time. In Part 2, I talked about how the shape of the finished part can impact costs. In Part 3, I talked about lowering costs by thinking about inside corner radii and depth during the design process. In Part 4, I talked about the importance of designing to minimize distortion and warping.
Best Practice #8: Pay attention to your hole depths as it relates to the diameter. A depth longer than the flutes on a jobber’s length drill can increase costs.
Best Practice #9: Try to keep tapping depth at 2 x Diameter and drilling depth to be at least 2.5xD.
For example, a ¼-20 hole would be drilled to 0.625” depth and tapped to 0.5” depth. An M6x1 hole would be drilled to 15mm and tapped to 12mm. When additional tapping depth is truly needed, say for a set screw or sensor, consider adding a counterbore above the threaded portion.
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