BLUE RING TwinBox Machine Tap + Twist Drill, DIN 371, HSS-E, M 3 x 0.5

What makes the TwinBox special:

• Perfectly matched: The included 2.5 mm twist drill is the exact matching core hole size for the M3 thread. This guarantees optimal preparation and a perfect thread result.
• Highest material quality: The tap is made of HSS-E, a high-quality cobalt-alloyed high-speed steel. The addition of cobalt (HSS-E) significantly increases the hot hardness and wear resistance of the tool, making it ideal for processing tough and high-alloy materials.
• Specialist for blind holes: With its Form C and special cutting edge, the machine tap is optimally designed for cutting threads in blind holes. The integrated cross-ground tip of the drill ensures better centering and chip removal.

The standards DIN 371 & DIN 13:

• DIN 371: This standard defines the dimensions and tolerances of machine taps. Compliance with this standard ensures that the tool exactly meets industrial standards.
• DIN 13: This standard regulates the basic dimensions and profiles of metric ISO threads. The designation "M 3 x 0.5" refers directly to this standard and defines the exact profile and tolerances of the thread to be cut.

With the TwinBox, you can create a thread in just two steps:

1. Drilling the core hole:
   • Securely clamp the twist drill (2.5 mm) in the drill chuck.
   • Generously cool and lubricate the drill and your workpiece with cutting oil.
   • Drill the core hole to the desired depth with a steady feed. The 2.5 mm drill is perfectly sized for the M3 thread.
2. Cutting the thread:
   • Remove the drill and clamp the machine tap in the drill chuck.
   • Make sure you fix the workpiece cleanly.
   • Guide the tap into the core hole and start at a slow speed. Apply only light pressure, as the machine should control the feed.
   • Make sure you cut the thread to the correct depth. This is especially important for blind holes to avoid damaging the tool.
   • Carefully withdraw the tap and clean the thread of chips and oil.

1. What is the difference between HSS-E and HSS?
HSS-E (High-Speed Steel, alloyed with cobalt) contains an addition of cobalt (Co). The cobalt improves the hot hardness and toughness of the steel, which makes the drill and tap more resistant at high cutting speeds and in tough, difficult-to-machine materials. Simple HSS is cheaper but less wear-resistant.

2. Why is the drill in the TwinBox 2.5 mm?
The size of the drill (the so-called core hole size) is crucial for the thread. For an M3 thread (metric ISO thread with a 3 mm diameter), a core hole of 2.5 mm according to DIN 13 is the standard. A 2.5 mm diameter drill ensures that the thread is cut correctly and achieves full load-bearing capacity.

3. Is the TwinBox suitable for all materials?
The TwinBox is specially designed for machining wear-resistant steels up to 1200 N/mm², high-alloy steels, tough and stainless steels, as well as alloyed tool steels. For unalloyed or easily machinable steels up to approx. 800 N/mm², standard taps and drills are also suitable, but the HSS-E TwinBox offers a significantly longer tool life even here.

4. What does the cross-ground tip mean?
The cross-ground tip on the twist drill is a special geometry at the drill point. It ensures that the drill centers itself and gets a better guide. This means you have to apply less pressure and drilling is more precise.

5. Can I also use the tap for through holes?
Yes, the tap in the TwinBox can also be used for through holes. However, it is specially optimized for blind holes, as its design directs chips out of the hole to the front, which reduces the risk of tool breakage.