Common Questions - Punch Broaching | Slater Tools, Your Source for Rotary Broaching and Screw Machine Tools

Common Questions - Punch Broaching

If you have a question that you don't see answered below please call us at (586) 465-5000, or send us an e-mail at direct@slatertools.com.

Question: I do not see the size broach I am looking for listed. Can Slater make the broach I need?

Answer: Yes. We can produce any size hex or square in as little as one day. All other custom broaches take only 5-10 days to manufacture.

Question: What materials can I broach?

Answer: A wide variety of materials commonly cut during machining operations can also be punch broached with Slater Punch Broaching Tools. Common materials include aluminum, brass, alloy metals, stainless steel, plastics and titanium. Tensile strength plays a large role in how the material will respond to punch broaching. The higher the tensile strength, the more difficult it may be to punch broach. Although we may not recommend broaching certain materials, this does not mean they can not be broached. By opening up your pre-drill hole diameter or by broaching a shallow depth, punch broaching can be accomplished but tool life may be reduced.

Question: When should I use punch broaching instead of rotary broaching?

Answer: Punch broaching and single point broaching is most beneficial for applications requiring no witness (pre-drill) marks, little room for chips, tougher materials, excessive material removal, or where timing the form to a feature on the part is required.

Question: Do you offer different materials to increase tool life?

Answer: Yes! We offer PM M4 HSS, which is a molybdenum - tungsten high speed steel produced with a very consistent and refined structure. This structure gives PM M4 broaches several enhanced properties including improved toughness and better wear resistance. This material is good for stainless steel and titanium applications for decreased wear. We also offer T15 HSS, which is a high - carbon tungsten - cobalt - vanadium high speed steel, composed of very fine grain structures. T15 has excellent red hardness and abrasion resistance. Like the PM M4, the structure of PM T15 broaches improves toughness and is a good choice for improving overall broach tool life.

Question: What type of fluid should I use during the broaching process?

Answer: Any conventional water or oil based fluid is acceptable, as well as cutting oil to increase lubricity and reduce the heat generated during the broaching process.

Question: How do I remove the chips from my part after broaching?

Answer: There are several options. You can add an undercut or recess to your part prior to broaching to allow the chips to break cleanly. You can also rebore or flat bottom drill after internal broaching, or turn the chips off after external broaching.

Question: What information do I need to provide to see if my application is good for punch broaching?

Answer: We will need to know the shape, major diameter, minor diameter, material, and broaching depth. We recommend sending us a portion of your print showing the area to be broached.