Kennametal 3031908 Spiral Flute Tap 3/8-16 Unc Solid Carbide

Product Description

The KENNAMETAL 3031908 is a spiral flute tap designed for cutting 3/8-16 UNC internal threads in ferrous metals. It features a plug chamfer, 4 left-hand spiral flutes with a 15-degree helix angle, and is manufactured from solid carbide with a multi-layer TiAlN/TiN coating. This combination of substrate and coating delivers extended tool life and thermal resistance when threading alloy steel, carbon steel, and ductile iron. With an overall length of 3.54 inches and a thread length of 0.75 inches, this tap is suited for production threading environments where tight tolerances and consistent 3B class of fit are required.

This tap is intended for use in CNC machining centers and production drilling operations threading steel and ductile iron components. The left-hand spiral flutes pull chips up and out of the hole, making it well suited for blind-hole threading applications in ferrous materials. A shank diameter of 0.375 inches and a shank length of 2.012 inches allow for secure tool holding in standard collet chucks or tapping heads. Typical users include machinist shops and manufacturing facilities performing high-volume threaded hole production in structural and alloy steels.

Key Features

• 3/8-16 UNC thread form with 3B class of fit for tight tolerance threaded holes
• Solid carbide construction for rigidity and wear resistance in ferrous materials
• Multi-layer TiAlN/TiN coating for thermal protection and extended tool life
• 4 left-hand spiral flutes at 15-degree helix angle for efficient chip evacuation in blind holes
• Plug chamfer provides a standard entry lead for general-purpose tapping
• Right-hand thread direction compatible with conventional CNC tapping cycles

Compatibility

Designed for threading alloy steel, carbon steel, and ductile iron workpieces. Suitable for use with standard collet chucks or tapping heads accepting a 0.375-inch shank diameter. No coolant-through capability; external or flood coolant is recommended where applicable.

Installation Notes

This tap should be installed and operated by a qualified machinist familiar with CNC tapping cycles and thread-forming tooling. Secure the shank fully in the tool holder to the recommended engagement depth before running. Verify spindle direction and feed rate are properly programmed for right-hand threading before operation. Do not reverse a broken tap manually; use appropriate tap extraction procedures to avoid workpiece damage.