Broaches are commonly used in a variety of operations. Square broaches, for example, are typically used to produce square holes in a workpiece, and remove a small amount of material in one pass. Square broaches usually have an oversized pilot, which leaves drill marks in the flats and establishes the four corners of a hole. Hexagon broaches, on the other hand, are used to enlarge irregular shapes in a workpiece. They are used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.
Another type of broach is the surface broach. Its shape is defined by the amount of material removed per pass. Surface broaches have teeth that are separated into roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing sections. These teeth are used to perform both internal and external shaping. The most basic form of broaching is slab broaching, which can be used to cut a flat surface for further broaching. Slot broaches cut holes in a variety of depths and widths and are more efficient than milling. Nibbling broaches feature narrow roughing teeth that are at an angle to the centerline. Egress broaches have full width teeth that can make semi-finishing cuts.
The shape of a broach depends on its materials and purpose. Some are solid while others have a hollow interior. Solid broaches are the most common and least expensive. The tool body is made of a single piece of material. Semi-finishing and finishing teeth are usually the same size. Some large broaches are constructed in sections, with some rows removed and others installed. Some are comparatively cheap, but these aren’t the most common.
There are many different types of broaches. Internal and surface broaches, as well as combination broaches. They are typically made of carbon or tungsten and have a high degree of hardness. Unlike carbide, high-speed steel bits are inexpensive. They will hold their sharpness over a long period of time. A high-speed steel broach is also called an “in-line” broach, a tool that is not angled at an angle. Shop broached items from Somma Tool.
A typical broach consists of many rows of teeth for roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing, depending on the shape being cut and the material used for the workpiece. Broaches are an excellent tool for a variety of applications, from small to large, but they are most effective when used on a large number of parts. The following are some types of broaches and their uses:
Surface broaches: These tools are used to remove material from external surfaces. They are usually pulled over the workpiece during a horizontal process. They are used to produce flat or contoured surfaces. Some surface broaches are solid, while most are built-up and assembled with rigid support. A broach holder is a necessary part of a broach machine. It provides rigid alignment and support while the tool is on the part being drilled.
Specialty broaches: Some of the most popular types of specialty broaches are designed to cut very specific shapes. For example, concave broaches are used to make turbine discs, blades, and seat sectors. These specialty broaches are crafted by specialized manufacturers such as Colonial Tools. The versatility of these tools makes them popular in many industries. So, if you’re looking to create an exact hole for a special application, you should consider buying a specialty broach.
Cutting fluids: The type of cutting fluid you choose will greatly affect the quality and life of your workpiece. General recommendations call for a good water-soluble oil, but in more difficult cases, heavy cutting oil may be necessary. Most cutting fluid suppliers offer specially formulated broaching fluids. Ask the manufacturer or tool supplier for the recommended type of coolant for your specific application. These fluids should not be flammable or toxic. They will provide maximum cutting power.
Machines: Broaching machines are not as common in machine shops as other machining processes, but the process is often the most accurate and reliable. In addition to milling and lathe machines, broaching is a valuable process for producing complex, high-precision parts. Broaches are versatile and can be used on a variety of metals. Metals with a Rockwell C hardness rating of 26 to 28 are usually preferred. For a specific application, you may want to consider using a CNC broaching machine.