Broaching

A machining process that creates workpiece features, such as holes, keyways, gears, etc., by removing material with a specially designed multipoint cutting tool called a broach. There are two main types of broaching, linear and rotary. The linear broaching operation involves linear motion of a tool relative to the workpiece. The multiple teeth on the linear broaching tool take off a successive layer of the material on each pass, allowing for the rapid removal workpiece material. The rotary broaching process involves pressing a rotating tool into a rotating workpiece. The entire operation can be completed within seconds and can produce forms to 0.0005-in. (0.0127-mm) accuracy or better. A variety of axis-symmetric shapes, such as a hexagons, squares, and splines, can be machined using a rotary broaching tool.