Rotary Broaching
Rotary broaching is a process that involves spinning a broach on an automatic lathe. Rotary broaching requires less force than punching. It is also time efficient, as it only take a few seconds to complete each part. Rotary broaches are used to make medical fasteners, splines, and keyways.
During rotary broaching, the broach and the part being cut remain stationary while the broach holder spins. As the broach and the part come into contact, the broach wobbles; for this reason, rotary broaching is also called wobble broaching. As the broach spins and wobbles, the teeth cut the same pre-drilled hole as the broach rotates in and out of the groove.
A broaching machine is a metal mechanism used for cutting and surface finishing metal, plastic, or wood. Broaches, or cutting tools with rows of successively larger teeth, are used to cut gears, keyways, and splines.
The rotary broaching process eliminates the need for a secondary procedure, as the component can be fashioned in only one step. This aspect saves man-hours and money. The reduced stress used in rotary broaching increases the life of the broach tool and lowers maintenance costs over time.