Online Tapping services

14 Materials

.059" - .500" Thick

+1-2 days

Production Time

Tapping sizing and options

Part Sizes
1" x 1.5"
Min part size sheet
36 x 46"
Max part size sheet
1" x 1" x 1"
Min part size billet
7" x 7" x 12"
Max part size billet
14 MATERIALS, .059" - .500"
ABS Plastic5052 H32 Aluminum6061 T6 Aluminum6061 T6 Aluminum Billet7075 T6 AluminumMIC-6 AluminumBrassCopperDelrinG90 Galvanized SteelHDPEMild SteelPolycarbonate304 Stainless Steel
Compatible Services
Laser cuttingCNC RoutingCNC MachiningBendingAnodizingPlatingPowder CoatingWelding

Fast turnarounds to keep your projects moving

Add durable, production-ready threads without extra steps. Tapping ensures consistent fit and repeatability across parts.

Consistent, production-ready threads

Threads are applied with controlled tooling to ensure reliable fit and repeatability across every part.

Thread sizing guidance

Reference our detailed sizing chart to ensure proper hole dimensions for every thread.

In-house production

Tapping adds just 1–2 days to standard production times.
Online tapping services available on custom laser cut or CNC machined parts

“The bends came out perfect (1/4” steel). Everything was tapped to perfection, the edges had a nice finish. “

Derek S.

Upload now for instant pricing

Tapping adds 1-2 days to production. For the fastest lead time, order tapped parts separately.

Affordable pricing. Up to 80% off in bulk.

5052 Aluminum .100"

2.5 x 4.75 in

Laser cutting, deburring, tapping

Qty 1:

$12.09/ea

Qty 100:

$4.40/ea

HRP&O Steel .187"

4 x 4"

Laser cutting, tapping

Qty 1:

$23.32/ea

Qty 100:

$5.77/ea

Delrin

2.5 x 3 in

CNC routing, tapping

Qty 1:

$15.16/ea

Qty 100:

$5.66/ea

Design guidelines for tapped parts

Following a few basic design guidelines will help ensure your parts are properly tapped and pass SendCutSend review.
Sheet metal tapping guidelines

Sizing & hole requirements

Sizing limits apply to flat parts  before bending for sheet metal

Sheet metal

Min part size (flat) sheet metal1″ x 1.5″
Max part size (flat) sheet metal36″ x 46″
  • Tapping direction is perpendicular to the main surface only
  • All threads are right-hand
  • Verify min hole sizes for your material in the Material Catalog
  • Keep the center of any tapped hole at least this distance from other cut features:
    (tap hole size ÷ 2) + minimum tap hole-to-edge distance for the material
  • The minimum tap hole-to-edge distance varies by material and thickness. Find it on each material info page.
  • Tapped holes near bends: Place tapped holes at least ½ the full die width away from the bend line. See bending guidelines.

What to expect with tapped parts

  • Parts may have light oil residue
  • Some deburring may be needed
  • Tapped holes near bends may distort and need chasing
  • All threads are right-hand

Choosing a thread type and size

UNC (Unified National Coarse) — Standard for most applications. Easier to tap, stronger in thinner materials, more resistant to stripping in soft metals.

UNF (Unified National Fine) — Better when space is limited or when working with harder materials that can support more threads per inch.

Metric (M) — Based on ISO standards. Choose if your project already uses metric hardware.

Rules of thumb:

  • Larger taps for thicker parts or higher load capacity. Smaller taps for thinner sections or tight spaces.
  • Thread engagement beyond ~1–1.5× the bolt diameter doesn’t significantly increase strength.
  • Keep thread depth ≤ 3× the tap diameter (3XD).

Available tap sizes for sheet metal and plastic

Model your hole at the size listed below for the tap you want. We automatically resize laser cut holes to the correct drill size.

Thread/Tap SizeHole Size (in)Hole Size (mm)
4-400.091″2.32
6-320.116″3.00
8-320.138″3.51
10-320.164″4.17
1/4-200.209″5.31
1/4-280.221″5.62
5/16-180.266″6.76
5/16-240.278″7.07
3/8-160.323″8.21
3/8-240.341″8.67
1/2-130.435″11.05
1/2-200.459″11.66
M2 x 0.40.065″1.66
M2.5 x 0.450.083″2.11
M3 x 0.50.102″2.60
M4 x 0.70.134″3.41
M5 x 0.80.170″4.32
M6 x 1.00.203″5.16
M8 x 1.250.274″6.96
M10 x 1.50.344″8.74

Additional tapping resources

If you’re designing parts for tapping, these resources may help:

Pre-flight checklist for sheet metal and plastic

CNC Machined Billet tapping guidelines

Sizing & hole requirements

Sheet metal

Min part size: billet1″ x 1 x 1″
Max part size: billet7″ x 7″ x 12″
  • Tapping direction is perpendicular to the main surface only
  • Keep thread depth ≤ 3× the tap diameter (3XD). Example: a ¼-20 tap (.25″ diameter) maxes out at .75″ depth.
  • Through-holes will default to through-tapping under a certain ratio. Blind holes will be tapped to modeled depth under a certain ratio. Holes outside these limits need specific instruction or case-by-case review.
  • Keep tapped hole centers at least 1.5× the tap diameter from any part edge or shoulder. Example: a ¼-20 should be ≥ .375″ from hole center to part edge.
  • All tapped holes are reviewed case-by-case since clearance can vary by design.
  • Tool access: Make sure there’s enough clearance for the tap and collet to reach the hole. If nearby geometry blocks access, we may not be able to tap as requested.

What to provide at upload

In the tapping dialog at checkout, specify:

  • Tap size and matching hole diameter
  • Whether all holes of that size should be tapped
  • Through or blind
  • Desired tap depth

What to expect with tapped parts

  • Threads are right-hand
  • We machine from the model you upload. No prints or drawings needed
  • Holes that fall outside our defaults will be reviewed case-by-case

Choosing a thread type and size

UNC (Unified National Coarse) — Standard for most applications. Easier to tap, stronger in thinner materials, more resistant to stripping in soft metals.

UNF (Unified National Fine) — Better when space is limited or when working with harder materials that can support more threads per inch.

Metric (M) — Based on ISO standards. Choose if your project already uses metric hardware.

Rules of thumb:

  • Larger taps for thicker parts or higher load capacity. Smaller taps for thinner sections or tight spaces.
  • Thread engagement beyond ~1–1.5× the bolt diameter doesn’t significantly increase strength.
  • Keep thread depth ≤ 3× the tap diameter (3XD).

Available tap sizes for CNC machined billet

Model your hole at the size listed below for the tap you want. We automatically resize laser cut holes to the correct drill size.

MetricHole SizeSAEHole Size
M2 x 0.402.000mm4-40.1120″
M2.5 x 0.452.500mm6-32.1380″
M3 x 0.503.000mm8-32.1640″
M4 x 0.704.000mm10-24.1900″
M5 x 0.805.000mm10-32.1900″
M6 x 1.006.000mm1/4-20.2500″
M8 x 1.258.000mm1/4-28.2500″
M10 x 1.5010.000mm5/16-18.3125″
M12 x 1.7512.000mm5/16-24.3125″
  3/8-16.3750″
  3/8-24.3750″
  1/2-13.5000″
  1/2-20.5000″

*Hole sizes are specific to our tapping service. If you’ll be tapping the parts yourself, reference the chart from your tap manufacturer.

Additional tapping resources

If you’re designing parts for tapping, these resources may help:

Pre-flight checklist for CNC machined billet

SendCutSend reviews

Customers love getting their sheet metal parts from us

Posted on Google
Jeff S profile picture
Jeff S
September 23, 2026.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Exceptional service and very fast turnaround. Super easy to use website and the results are top quality
Posted on Google
Nathan Raper profile picture
Nathan Raper
September 23, 2026.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I ran into an issue replacing an old sink and needed a stainless steel spacer. SendCutSend was amazing! Awesome AI Tool to help me design exactly what was needed, round the edges to match my sink and get the order placed! Very reasonable pricing and about a week and a half later, I had my spacer! Will definitely use them again!
Posted on Google
MIKE ROB profile picture
MIKE ROB
September 23, 2026.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
What a great company, website is easy as can be, part was machined perfectly, every step of the process was updated VIA text and part was shipped and delivered days ahead of schedule at a price that can't be beat. I work in R&D at a company with 50+ CNC machines and prefer to use these guys because our machines are all running production programs and down time to do one-offs is a hassle. Send Cut Send is a true resource that even well equipped shops can benefit by using them.
Posted on Google
Chris B profile picture
Chris B
September 23, 2026.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Needed some custom panels for my audio build and was running out of ideas so went to their website and used their templates and made the panels i needed to my measurements and a few days later they arrived. They were just how i wanted. Will be using them again in the future.
Posted on Google
Chris M profile picture
Chris M
September 23, 2026.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Laser focused.
Posted on Google
Robert Flaterås profile picture
Robert Flaterås
September 22, 2026.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
First time experience with SCS and they deliver excellence. Sent over dxf file of vintage carburator spacer suited for my 1947 Studebaker M15A. Selected the 1/2" G10 fiberglas isolator and pressed go. Rapid service and dispatch. Got the final product delivered to Norway and same day installed with perfect results. Very happy customer!
Posted on Google
Todd Clark profile picture
Todd Clark
September 17, 2026.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great quality parts, reasonably priced & fast service. Highly recommend!
Posted on Google
David Katz profile picture
David Katz
September 16, 2026.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
SendCutSend made some prototype parts for me. The did a great job and they did it quickly. I highly recommend SendCutSend

Top Quality Store

Please note: Pricing examples on our website are provided as general estimates and may not always reflect current prices. While we strive to keep these examples accurate, uploading your file is the best way to see instant current pricing.

Start your first SendCutSend project today!

Upload your CAD design, or try one of our customizable part templates to get instant pricing on your custom laser cut parts. All delivered to your door in a matter of days.

Get instant pricing for tapping

Before you upload, be sure your file meets our requirements: