The keyway broaching method is usually used to cut into small metal parts in large volumes and measured in millimeters. While keyholes for locks are shaped from keyway broaching, the process is mostly done to produce pulleys, gears, small wheels, gun components and tools like wrenches, fasteners and bushings. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Colonial Tool
Windsor, ON | 866-611-5119We take pride in what we offer to our customers. We have over 80 years of experience in the broaching industry, and we offer many services to customers, like spline cutting, rotary broaching, gear hobbing, and a whole lot more! We ensure our customers are satisfied by offering quality service, communication, and superior prices. You can learn more about what we do when you visit our website today!
Apex Broaching Systems
Warren, MI | 586-758-2626Apex Broaching Systems is a worldwide supplier of standard broaching machines, special purpose broaching machines, fixturing, automation, and cutting tools. We have over 69 years of innovative engineering, skilled craftmanship, quality manufacturing, assembly, and customer satisfaction. All of our products are made here in the USA. Contact us today and tell us how we can meet your demands!
Sturdy Broaching Service
Warren, MI | 586-779-2243With over 70 years of broach building experience, we have become the number one broaching source for leading industrial organizations in Southeast Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Our manufacturing department has complete in-house broach building capability. We take pride in our reputation for speed, quality, and competitive pricing. Contact Sturdy Broaching today to learn more!
American Broach & Machine Company
Ypsilanti, MI | 734-961-0300American Broach and Machine Company has been a leader in the broaching industry since were founded in 1919, supplying quality products to innumerable customers. We have always offered superior services, like internal broaching, at competitive prices. Our dedicated employees are highly knowledgeable and would love to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Orange County Broaching
Placentia, CA | 714-630-2622As a leading broaching company in the world, we do it all. We offer services to customers in every industry. We believe in offering superior service, a commitment to quality, and dedication to customers every day they work with us. Our goal is to ensure you can build a trusting relationship with us throughout your years in business. Learn more when you visit our website today!
Keyway Broaching - Avon Broach and Production CompanyKeyseaters also make blind spots, which are slots that don't extend all the way though the whole work-piece, as well as other straight-sided features. The keyhole shape is round with a square cut out at the top. Like all broaching, keyway broaching generates a large amount of excess metal material, which can usually be re-used to form new metal products.
Keyway Broaching - Avon Broach and Production CompanyThe broaching process is usually done in the same facility that fabricates the product and is used as a post-forming process. If a company does not want to invest the money in keyseater machines, or any other broaching machines, they can always go to a broaching shop to get their products produced in a cost-effective and stress-free manner.
Keyway broached products are generally smaller in size, but there is virtually no limit to the dimensions of the part or product being worked on.
All keyway broaching machines are CNC operated electromechanical machines that are composed of a long, skinny tool that has a series of progressively larger sharp teeth that cut through metal and a ram. The tool, called a broach, moves linearly and uses the series of teeth that are arranged to cut the metal in a specific shape.
Keyway broaching can be done to metals with hardness less than Rockwell 35, but very soft metals like brass, copper and aluminum run into problems as well, including depth drift and a poor finish. The process requires a large amount of lubrication, which is provided by water, oil, a water soluble coolant or tap cutting fluid. In order to cut a keyhole shape, the machinery requires support from a broach horn, which is a fixture that supports the broach in a shared circular hole.
In order to effectively cut a keyhole shape, the keyseater must have a rigid set up, as well as proper alignment of the broach tool, work-piece and ram. The process involves turning the broach so the teeth face the back of the press, let the bushing protrude above the work-piece for support alignment, and centering the broach under the ram at the beginning of the cut.
Keyhole broaching machines also have a guiding system above the work-piece to minimize deflection and increase the cutting tolerances.