Total indicator reading. Absolute sum of all dimensional variance.
Tack Weld
Usually refers to a temporary weld used to hold parts in place while more extensive, final welds are made. In some sheet metal applications, tack welds may provide sufficient strength to eliminate the need for an all-around fillet weld.
Tap Drill Size
See Core Hole.
Tape
A flexible plastic wound strip coated with magnetic oxide and used for storing electronic data.
Tape Adhesion Test
Conducted by cross hatching the painted surface with a sharp knife in a 1/8 in. grid pattern, applying tape, allowing to sit for a specified period, and then removing with a quick pull perpendicular to the surface of the part.
Tapping
Operation to create internal threads by either cutting or forming.
Temper Designation
Identifying systems to denote the hardness of a particular material.
Tempering
Reheating quenched steel to a temperature below the critical range, followed by any desired rate of cooling. Tempering is done to relieve quenching stresses, or to develop desired strength characteristics.
Tensile Strength
Breaking strength of a material when subjected to a stretching force.
Test File
A CAD system file used to test the compatibility of supplier and customer CAD systems.
Text Files
A file containing words, but no pictures.
Texture
Structure of a surface as it affects appearance or feel.
Thickness
Gauge or depth of material.
Thread Rolling Tap
Tool to generate internal threads by displacing and flowing metal into a thread shape.
Ties
See Micro Ties.
TIG Weld Tungsten Inert Gas
Process using a nonconsumable tungsten electrode and a shielding gas, with filler material optional.
Tolerance
Permissible variation from a specification for any characteristic of the product.
Tool mandrel, chuck
The mold from which the part is made.
Tooling Holes
Openings provided in parts for location purposes during production.
Torque
Turning force.
Transfer
Exchanging electronic data from one medium to another.
Transfer Die
Variation of a progressive die where the part is transferred from station to station by a mechanical system. Mainly used where the part has to be free from the strip to allow operations to be performed in a free state.
Transfer Mechanism
Apparatus used to move a part between die stations.
Transfer Protocol
The mutually agreed upon setting used by two computers in data transmission.
Tungsten Electrode
Current carrier made from the metal tungsten for its high heat resistance.
Turret
Rotary tool holding device in CNC punch presses.
Turret Press
Automatic punch press indexing the material and selecting the intended tool out of the rotary tool holding device turret totally by computer control for piercing, blanking and forming workpieces as programmed.
Twist
The rotation of two opposing edges of material in opposite directions.