Profile Broaches – Precise Profiling Tools for Slotting, Punching, and Planing

 

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What is Slotting, Punching, and Planing?

The terms profiling, punching, and tumbling are often used interchangeably, but they describe different techniques. Profiling is the overarching term.

Slotting: In this technique, a profile stamp or reaming mandrel is clamped into a tumbling holder (a special reaming tool holder) with a matching internal hexagon (Torx®, Torx®-Plus®), internal hexagon, or four-corner shape. This setup is rigidly mounted, for example, on a lathe. The workpiece, such as a medical screw, rotates. When the profile stamp is driven against the workpiece in the reaming tool holder, the stamp rotates with it, while the holder remains fixed. The stamp is tilted by about 1–2°, so that only one edge engages the workpiece at a time. This produces key surfaces with minimal force and high precision. This technique is gentle on both the stamp and the workpiece and is ideal for series production of large quantities. In vertical machining centers, tumbling holders and profile stamps are also used. Here, the workpiece remains stationary, the holder rotates, and the stamp moves vertically with the tumbling motion.

Punching is the simplest method. After pre-drilling, the stamp and workpiece are pressed together with sufficient force. The stamp’s cutting edge removes material from the workpiece, forming the key surface. The load on both the stamp and the workpiece is high, which can easily lead to deformations.

Dieterle reaming tools and profile stamps in the standard range are designed as tumbling tools. Using them as punching tools is possible but not optimal. If you want to punch with Dieterle quality (precise and durable), we recommend requesting a special designs.

Single-tooth broaching: In this method, a profile stamp is installed into a driven punching device. The workpiece is rotated in the appropriate cycle while the stamp forms the key surface in multiple strokes. This technique is more flexible. Different sizes can be reamed with the same tool. Single-tooth punching is especially suitable when complex profiles or multiple sizes are produced in one operation.n.

 

Advantages of our profile stamps and special tools

For decades, the name Dieterle has stood for innovation and quality in cutting technology. Our profile stamps and reaming mandrels are characterized by the highest precision, durable materials, and careful craftsmanship. Thanks to modern finishing techniques, we offer tools with outstanding service life and reliability.

Do you need advice on selecting the right profile stamp or special tool? Our experienced team is happy to assist you in finding the optimal solution for your application.