Common Questions

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 rotary broached with Slater Rotary 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 rotary broaching. The higher the tensile strength, the more difficult it may be to rotary 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, rotary broaching can be accomplished but tool life may be reduced.

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

Answer: Fluids play a minor role in rotary broaching. Any conventional water or oil based fluid is acceptable. Many customers choose to turn off the coolant during the rotary broaching cycle.

Question: When mounted in a mill, why does my Rotary Broach Tool Holder look like it is wobbling?

Answer: The Rotary Broach Tool Holder is built on a 1 degree angle. This design reduces broaching pressure and causes the holder to look like it is wobbling.

Question: How do I remove the chips from my part after rotary 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 will happen if I do not pre-drill or pre-turn the diameter to the recommended size?

Answer: While it is possible to remove full-form, you will likely see a significant reduction in tool life of the broach. There is also potential for premature bearing wear in your Rotary Broach Tool Holder or excessive pressures that may alarm your machine.

Question: What is the largest size form I can rotary broach?

Answer: We are able to produce internal broaches up to 2.30" and external forms up to 1.80" in diameter. The ability to successfully broach these sizes is application specific and will depend on the type of material you are broaching and the depth of the broached area. If you have questions about an application, it is always best to call or send us a print.

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

Answer: Please provide 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.