METAL DRILLING & TAPPING SERVICES
At MetalPlasmaCutting, we provide precise drilling and tapping services for a wide range of metal components. Whether you're adding bolt holes to brackets or creating threaded sections for assembly, our workshop is equipped to deliver accurate, repeatable results across various metals — including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminium.
Our CNC-guided drilling machines ensure perfectly placed holes every time, while our tapping service creates strong, clean threads to exact specifications. From single components to large production runs, we handle it all in-house to help streamline your manufacturing process and cut down on outsourcing.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
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Bolt Hole Patterns and Fixing Points
We specialise in creating consistent, accurate bolt hole patterns and fixing points for structural components, assemblies, and frames. Using CNC-guided drilling equipment, we ensure every hole is placed exactly where it needs to be — matching your CAD drawings or templates. Whether it’s a standard pattern or a fully custom layout, we guarantee repeatability across single parts or batch runs.
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Tapped Holes for Threaded Fasteners
Need parts ready for assembly? Our tapping service creates clean, strong internal threads for bolts, machine screws, or studs — eliminating the need for secondary operations. We work to exact thread specs (metric or imperial), ensuring compatibility with your fasteners and improving efficiency during final installation or assembly.
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Precision Layouts for Mounting Brackets and Plates
When it comes to mounting brackets, flanges, or interface plates, precision is everything. We drill and tap to tight tolerances to make sure everything lines up perfectly during on-site or in-system installation. Whether you're working with welded structures, control panels, or mechanical housings, our team ensures your holes are where they need to be — every single time.
When it comes to metal drilling and tapping, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. There are several different processes and techniques involved, each suited to specific materials, applications, and design requirements. Whether you need a basic hole, a clean thread, or a specialised recess, choosing the right method is key to ensuring strength, accuracy, and long-term performance.
STANDARD DRILLING
This is the basic process of creating a round hole using a drill bit. It can be done manually or with CNC machines for higher precision and repeatability.
THREAD TAPPING
Tapping is the process of cutting threads inside a hole so a fastener can be screwed in. It can be done with hand taps or machine taps for higher speed and consistency.
CNC DRILLING
Automated drilling controlled by a computer program, ideal for high-precision and high-volume jobs. It allows for consistent hole placement and perfect spacing in bolt hole patterns or layouts.
FORM TAPPING
Instead of cutting material, form tapping displaces the metal to create threads. This is ideal for softer materials and creates stronger threads with no chips or swarf.
COUNTERSINKING
A secondary drilling operation that creates a cone-shaped entry into the hole. This allows flat-head screws to sit flush with the material surface.
INSERTED THREADS
In some cases, holes are prepped for thread inserts like helicoils, which are used in softer materials or for repair purposes to strengthen thread engagement.
COUNTERBORING
This process creates a flat-bottomed recess at the top of a hole, typically to house the head of a bolt or socket-head cap screw.
DEEP HOLE DRILLING
Used when the depth of the hole exceeds three times its diameter. This requires specialised tooling and cooling to maintain accuracy and prevent bit breakage.
FAQs
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Tapping is the process of creating internal threads inside a drilled hole so that bolts or screws can be fastened directly into the material. It’s essential for components that need assembly without nuts or additional fittings.
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We regularly work with mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and other metals. Each material requires the right tooling and feed rates, which our experienced team adjusts for optimal results.
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Drilling creates a clean, round hole in the material. Tapping follows up by cutting internal threads into that hole, allowing for secure attachment of fasteners.
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Yes — we can produce both metric and imperial thread sizes to match your specifications, including common types like M6, M8, UNC, UNF, and more.
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No problem — we offer both countersinking and counterboring services to allow your fasteners to sit flush or recessed into the surface, depending on your design.
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Technical drawings help, but they’re not essential. We can work from sketches, measurements, or assist you with CAD support to create a clear design before machining.
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Yes — we can tap both through holes and blind holes (where the thread doesn’t go all the way through), provided there’s enough material depth to support the thread.
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Threaded holes can often reduce the need for extra hardware and simplify assembly, especially in tight spaces. With proper tapping, the strength is reliable and secure — especially in thicker materials.
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Form tapping creates threads by displacing material instead of cutting it. It’s ideal for softer metals like aluminium, and produces stronger, chip-free threads.
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Using CNC-controlled equipment, we ensure perfect positioning, depth, and thread consistency across every part — ideal for both prototypes and batch production.
PRECISE DRILLING & TAPPING
READY TO GET STARTED?
Email: sales@actuationvalve.com
Phone: 0151 547 1221
Need accurate drilling, clean tapping, or help finalising your design?
We’ve got you covered. Fill out the form below with your project details — whether it’s a one-off job or a production run — and our team will be in touch with a fast, no-obligation quote.