ACME Taps

WESTport manufactures Special ACME Taps in both left-hand and right-hand configurations for customers requiring precision internal ACME threads that cannot be produced with standard off-the-shelf tooling. ACME screw threads are widely used in applications involving rotary-to-linear motion and are commonly found in lead screws, jacks, presses, valves, vises, actuators, and other heavy-duty mechanical systems. Because of their unique geometry and the amount of material removed during threading, ACME taps frequently require specialized engineering and manufacturing to ensure reliable performance and accurate thread production.

The ACME thread form is distinguished by its 29° included thread angle, providing greater load-carrying capacity, improved wear resistance, and smoother power transmission than conventional V-thread forms. WESTport manufactures Special ACME Taps to customer drawings and specifications for applications requiring non-standard diameters, thread pitches, multiple-start threads, extended thread lengths, modified chamfers, or unique shank configurations. Whether you require a single prototype or production quantities, our engineering team develops tooling optimized for your specific machining process.

Every WESTport Special ACME Tap is manufactured from premium High-Speed Steel (HSS), cobalt, powdered metal, or carbide materials selected according to the workpiece material and production requirements. Precision grinding produces highly accurate thread geometry, excellent cutting performance, and outstanding dimensional repeatability. Optional premium coatings further reduce friction, improve wear resistance, and extend tool life when machining carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, cast iron, bronze, brass, aluminum, engineering plastics, and other specialty materials.

ACME threads are typically much coarser than standard Unified threads and are subjected to significantly higher cutting loads during tapping. This makes tool geometry, material selection, and manufacturing quality especially important. WESTport's experience producing custom ACME thread tooling allows us to optimize each tap for the intended application, helping customers improve thread quality, increase productivity, and maximize tool life while reducing costly downtime.

Since 1989, WESTport has supplied precision thread tooling, thread gages, hardness testing products, calibration services, and metrology equipment to manufacturers worldwide. Our commitment to precision manufacturing, responsive customer service, and technical expertise has made WESTport a trusted source for custom threading solutions across numerous industries.

Benefits

• Manufactured to your exact engineering requirements
• Produces accurate, repeatable ACME threads
• Handles heavy cutting loads with confidence
• Improves thread quality and surface finish
• Extends tool life in demanding applications
• Supports prototype through production manufacturing
• Reduces downtime caused by improper tooling
• Optimized for your specific workpiece material

Typical Applications

• Lead screws
• Screw jacks
• Industrial presses
• Machine tools
• Power transmission equipment
• Valves
• Mechanical actuators
• Material handling equipment
• Heavy industrial machinery
• OEM manufacturing

Technical Information

ACME threads utilize a 29° included thread angle and are designed for applications involving rotary and traversing motion under heavy loads. Because ACME thread pitches are generally coarse relative to their diameters, producing accurate internal threads requires specialized tap geometry capable of handling substantial cutting forces. WESTport manufactures Special ACME Taps to customer specifications, including custom diameters, pitches, thread lengths, left- or right-hand configurations, and other specialized design features for demanding industrial applications.

Why Choose WESTport?

For more than 35 years, WESTport has been a trusted supplier of precision thread gages, custom taps, metrology equipment, hardness testing products, and ISO/IEC 17025 calibration services. Our engineering team works directly with customers to develop custom thread cutting solutions that improve productivity, maximize tool life, and consistently produce precision threads. Whether you require a prototype or high-volume production tooling, WESTport delivers the quality, technical expertise, and responsive customer service manufacturers have relied on since 1989.