broachmachines

Broach machines are machine tools used to perform broaching, a cutting operation in which a broach with a series of teeth is drawn or pushed through a workpiece to remove material and create a precise shape. The teeth progressively remove material, enabling high-precision profiles such as holes with square, polygonal, or other internal shapes, as well as external features like keyways, slots, and splines. Broaching can produce complex geometries in a single pass, making it common for production runs requiring tight tolerances.

Most broach machines are horizontal or vertical. In a vertical setup, the workpiece is clamped and the broach is driven through it, while in a horizontal arrangement the workpiece moves past a stationary broach or a drawbar pulls the broach through. Drives are hydraulic, mechanical, or electric, and broaches are often designed for a specific profile; in high-volume work, progressive broaches with multiple teeth operate in sequence to increase efficiency.

Advantages of broach machines include high dimensional accuracy, good surface finish, and the ability to produce complex internal shapes quickly in a single operation. Limitations involve high tooling costs, reduced flexibility for changing shapes, and a focus on long production runs with consistent geometry. Setup requires precise fixturing and alignment, and tooling must be maintained to avoid wear that degrades tolerances.

Applications span automotive, aerospace, hydraulics, and general manufacturing, including internal keyways, splines, gear segments, and valve or manifold features. Maintenance emphasizes lubrication, alignment of guides and bushings, and monitoring broach wear, while safety practices address guarding, chip control, and careful handling of long tooling.