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Tapping

Tapping

Tapping is used to create internal threads within printed parts, allowing for the integration of screws and other threaded fasteners. It uses a tap tool to cut precise threads into the material, ensuring a secure and reliable connection. Tapping creates strong, durable threads in a variety of 3D printing materials, enhancing part functionality and structural integrity, and providing a cost-effective solution for custom threaded components.

  • Quote group Surface
  • Extra finishing lead time 1 extra day after printing
  • Print processes that support this finish Metal | SLM, Polyamide（Nylon）, TPU & PP
  • When you quote Please specify the sizes and standards in the Remark section.
Quote this finish Upload a CAD file Create a project Hardware Solutions

What Tapping does for 3D printed parts

Tapping is one of the 3D Plus hardware finishing services on AIHFABS. It is applied after printing so the part leaves production closer to a usable product—not only a raw build. Use this page to decide whether Tapping matches your cosmetic, durability, or assembly requirements before you upload a file.

Tapping is used to create internal threads within printed parts, allowing for the integration of screws and other threaded fasteners. It uses a tap tool to cut precise threads into the material, ensuring a secure and reliable connection. Tapping creates strong, durable threads in a variety of 3D printing materials, enhancing part functionality and structural integrity, and providing a cost-effective solution for custom threaded components.

Finishing is quoted with the print. Select Tapping in checkout, review price and lead time, and keep printing plus post-processing in one order instead of coordinating a second shop.

Why teams specify Tapping

Appearance

Tapping can hide layer lines, even out color, or create a more uniform surface for display models, consumer housings, and review samples.

Performance

Depending on the process, Tapping may improve wear, corrosion resistance, grip, or light diffusion so the part survives handling and end use.

Ready-to-assemble parts

When Tapping is combined with printing, you receive parts that are closer to install-ready, reducing secondary work in your own workshop.

How to order this finish

Ordering Tapping follows the same 3D Plus software flow as a standard print. You do not need a separate finishing RFQ for catalog options.

  1. Upload the CAD file

    Use STL, STEP, or another supported format. The quoter checks volume and geometry so finishing can be priced against the actual part.

  2. Choose print process, material, and Tapping

    Pick SLA, SLS, MJF, SLM, FDM, DLP, or CNC where applicable, then add Tapping and any other 3D Plus hardware options the part needs.

  3. Compare price, lead time, and checkout

    Review supplier options, confirm quantity, and place the order. Printing and finishing stay on one timeline and one invoice.

Compatible processes and design notes

Tapping is typically applied to plastics or metals produced with industrial 3D printing. Compatibility depends on material, wall thickness, and whether the surface can be reached by spray, media, chemistry, or tooling. Deep recesses, thin walls, and optical faces may need design review. If the automatic quote cannot apply Tapping to your file, request a manual quotation.

Need Tapping on a batch, a mixed-material assembly, or a part that also requires tapping or painting? Keep those options in the same quote so lead time includes the full stack of operations.

Options in the online quote

These are the 3D Plus rows tied to Tapping. Compare the look, extra days, and which materials each option supports before you upload.

Tapped

Tapped

Tapping/threading creates thread on your product, enabling secure screw or bolt fastening for precise mechanical assemblies.

  • Extra finishing lead time 1 extra day after printing
  • When you quote Please specify the sizes and standards in the Remark section.

Compatible materials

17-4 PH Stainless Steel 18NI300 316L Stainless Steel Aluminum Alloy 6061 Aluminum Alloy AlSi10Mg Titanium Alloy Series Titanium Alloy Ti₆Al₄V Nylon PA 11 Black Nylon PA 11 White Nylon PA 12 Black Nylon PA 12 Glass-filled White Nylon PA 12 Gray Nylon PA 12 White Nylon PA 6 Glass-filled Black PA12 Black | SLS PA12 GF White | SLS PA12 Gray | MJF PA12 White | SLS Polypropylene GF TPU Gray TPU White
Quote this finish

Materials you can pair with Tapping

Only these grades can take this finish in the instant quote. Open a material for specs, or upload a file and the quoter will only show compatible options.

Metal | SLM

17-4 PH Stainless Steel 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Print lead time: 5Days 18NI300 18NI300 Print lead time: 10Days 316L Stainless Steel 316L Stainless Steel Print lead time: 5Days Aluminum Alloy 6061 Aluminum Alloy 6061 Print lead time: 5Days Aluminum Alloy AlSi10Mg Aluminum Alloy AlSi10Mg Print lead time: 5Days Titanium Alloy Series Titanium Alloy Series Print lead time: 7Days Titanium Alloy Ti₆Al₄V Titanium Alloy Ti₆Al₄V Print lead time: 7Days

Polyamide（Nylon）

Nylon PA 11 Black Nylon PA 11 Black Print lead time: 5Days Nylon PA 11 White Nylon PA 11 White Print lead time: 5Days Nylon PA 12 Black Nylon PA 12 Black Print lead time: 72Hours Nylon PA 12 Glass-filled White Nylon PA 12 Glass-filled White Print lead time: 72Hours Nylon PA 12 Gray Nylon PA 12 Gray Print lead time: 96Hours Nylon PA 12 White Nylon PA 12 White Print lead time: 72Hours Nylon PA 6 Glass-filled Black Nylon PA 6 Glass-filled Black Print lead time: 5Days PA12 Black | SLS Print lead time: 72Hours PA12 GF White | SLS Print lead time: 5Days PA12 Gray | MJF Print lead time: 5Days PA12 White | SLS Print lead time: 72Hours

TPU & PP

Polypropylene GF Polypropylene GF Print lead time: 7Days TPU Gray TPU Gray Print lead time: 5Days TPU White TPU White Print lead time: 5Days
Upload a CAD file Create a project Talk to an engineer Browse materials

Tapping questions

Answers that apply to Tapping on AIHFABS 3D Plus hardware — materials, size change, and how to order it with the print.

What is Tapping on a 3D printed part?

Tapping is used to create internal threads within printed parts, allowing for the integration of screws and other threaded fasteners. It uses a tap tool to cut precise threads into the material, ensuring a secure and reliable connection. Tapping creates strong, durable threads in a variety of 3D printing materials, enhancing part functionality and structural integrity, and providing a cost-effective solution for custom threaded components.

Which materials can receive Tapping?

Tapping cuts or forms threads in printed plastic or metal. Wall thickness around the hole must hold the tap or thread. Heat-set inserts are an option when the printed material is too soft for a cut thread.

Does Tapping affect surrounding geometry?

Tapping and threading remove material inside the hole and can raise a slight burr at the entry. Keep the thread length and major diameter in the CAD or the quote notes. Nearby thin walls may need a boss.

Should I print the thread or add Tapping after printing?

Printed threads are coarse. Tapping cuts a cleaner internal or external thread for machine screws. Call out the thread spec (for example M3×0.5) and whether you need a heat-set insert instead.

How do I add Tapping to a quote?

Upload the CAD file, choose a print process and material, then turn on Tapping. Price and lead time update on the same order. If the automatic quote cannot apply it, request a manual quotation and note fits or color codes.



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