When the term “broaching” is used in the manufacturing industry, most think of conventional step broaching which involves pushing or pulling a toothed bar through a part on a press. It is a method that has been around since the beginning of (manufacturing) time. The problem with conventional broaching is that it has application limitations and cost/efficiency drawbacks. For example, conventional broaches can only be used in through-hole applications and must be performed as a secondary operation on a press. Also, costs and manufacturing lead times for conventional step broaches can be exorbitant. A newer manufacturing method called “rotary broaching” addresses these problems and can outperform conventional broaching.
Operating Principle
Rotary broaching is a rapid machining method that cuts shapes into or onto a work piece. It involves using a broach, which is ground to the finished desired form, and a rotary broaching tool holder on a lathe, mill or other CNC machine. The rotary broaching tool holder has a free-rotating spindle on the front end, which holds the broach at a 1-degree angle. The broach is driven by the work piece so no live tooling is needed. In a lathe, upon contact with the work piece, the broach and tool holder spindle will begin to rotate 1:1 with the work piece while the body of the tool holder is held stationary.
Features
Applications
