Broaches

A broach tool, also known as a broach, is a cutting tool used for precision machining and shaping of various materials, particularly metals. It is designed to produce precise and accurate cuts, typically in the form of splines, keyways, or other complex shapes.

The broach tool consists of a series of sequentially sized cutting teeth or edges, arranged in a progressive pattern. Each tooth removes a small amount of material as the tool is passed through the workpiece. The teeth are mounted on a common axis or arbor, which allows the broach tool to be guided and driven through the workpiece using a broaching machine or other suitable equipment.

Broach tools are commonly used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and precision engineering. They are employed for applications where high accuracy and surface finish are required, such as creating internal keyways in gears, producing grooves in shafts, or shaping the internal surfaces of cylinders or holes.

There are different types of broach tools available, including internal broaches and external broaches. Internal broaches are used to cut internal features, such as keyways inside a bore, while external broaches are utilized for cutting external shapes, like splines on the outer surface of a part.

Broaching is often a highly efficient and cost-effective method for producing complex shapes in mass production settings, as it allows for rapid material removal and high repeatability. However, it requires specialized machinery and expertise to ensure proper setup and operation of the broach tool.