Broaches are pieces of steel that have chisel point layered on its surface. These are metalworking tools that are used to enlarge holes using a saw-like action. Depending on the chisel specification they may remove anywhere from .05 mm to .10 mm of metal per shave. Broaches are very useful in the metalworking industry, especially in the production of pulleys, gears, and driveshafts.
Hand-worked broaches can be used in the case of small metal items, but in the case of industrial-scale work, broaching machines should be used. These heavy duty machines can do the work of many manual broachers faster and more accurately.
Broaching machines produce a fast, efficient, and accurate means to carve through metals. These machines prepare broaches with multiple teeth goes in and out of designated holes in the metal to be worked on. The advantage of such machines is that they allow a large number of items to be worked on while maintaining a great amount of accuracy. This is because many errors while broaching metals is caused by the great amount of heat there produced. Since broaching machines do not generate that sort of heat, errors due to heat are avoided.
Broaching machines come in two flavors: the vertical and the horizontal. Horizontal models allow the operator to access any part of the machine. This is especially true when the operator needs to access the workstation. These machines are easily adjustable so that it can reach varying broach lengths. The vertical model, on the other hand, may be more convenient to place on the floor since it takes such little space on the floor. Vertical broaching machines usually are limited to short broach lengths. With that in mind, it also lasts longer than horizontal broaching machines because the broach and the work piece are in a cutting fluid the whole time.
There are four categories of broaching machines: the pull broacher, the surface broaching, the continuous broaching, and broaching presses.
When choosing a broaching machine, you have to keep in mind that broaching machines are popular for this reason: they do their job, fast, accurately, and beautifully. A broaching machine will only need a few seconds to go through a work piece. The disadvantage here is that these machines typically exert a huge amount of force. There is a chance that the work piece cannot withstand the force these broaching machines exert.
Another disadvantage is that these machines are generally constructed for a specific job. They are not versatile enough to accommodate different kinds of broaching jobs. Because of this, tools for broaching machines such as this are pretty pricey.
You will have to consider the price per work piece created when wanting to make a profit. If you are contemplating doing various types of jobs with various work pieces, you will want to consider other machines or a different approach to the problem.
Broaching machine can make your life a whole deal easier as long as you understand their fundamental characteristics. Choosing a proper one for your business is another aspect that should be thoroughly investigated. But if you do your homework and study your needs, the available machines and how you can put both together to work to your advantage, you will be able to maximize profits and the benefits you can get out of broaching machines.
James Monahan is the owner and senior editor of BroachesMall.com [http://www.broachesmall.com]
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