What Is A Reamer?

A reamer is a multifaceted cutting tool that is used in metalworking to increase the size or generally affect the sizing of a particular hole. Reamers are used to increase the sizes of holes with amazing accuracy and with the neatest finish. Reamers that are not used for precision work will typically be used to provide a basic increase in the size of a hole and deburr it. Reamers should only be used for small adjustments to holes and for the most detailed cut, as too much cutting it can wear out the life of the reamer, where a better tool may be more suited for the job. Reamers need an existing hole within which to be inserted and to cut away at the material, commonly known as chips. The material is held in place with a vice or fixture so that the reamer can be inserted. The reamer will move in a rotational and axial motion into the material, causing the cutting away of the chips. Mican Industrial stocks a wide product range of engineering and cutting tools, including a variety of reamers. Contact their offices today for more information on their range.

Types of Reamers

  The typical reamer that is used as an engineering and cutting tool is designed with a set of helical edges or parallel edges along the length of the cylindrical shape of the reamer. Each edge that is used for cutting is undercut just below the edge and is ground at an angle. The type of reamer to be used is determined by several factors, such as the material to be cut, the speed needed for the cutting, and the feed rate. The speed needed will typically be determined by the type of material being used. The flutes of the reamer can be located at the front of the cylindrical reamer. It is the flute that will cut away at the material and remove the chips as they flow over the flutes.   Consideration must also be had, when choosing a flute, to the fact that its specifications will be dependent on the application it is being used for. Considerations include the flute depth, its length, and diameter, its pilot length and diameter, as well as the number of flutes to be used. There are two categories of flutes that can be found, namely the straight and helix variations. The helical flutes are then further subdivided into slow, fast, as well as right-hand and left-hand flutes. Straight flutes are very versatile and can be used in a wide variety of applications to make enlargements. Where the flute enters the material will be slightly tapered which allows for self-stabilizing of the flute as it penetrates. The rest of the flute will be the same diameter and length as the particular straight flute.   The design of the right-handed spiral reamer will normally cause the coolant and the chips to be pulled out of the hole. It is for this reason that one should not use them with a tapered reamer as it could lead to very serious tool damage and failure. Left-handed spiral reamers do the opposite and cause the chips to be pulled in front of the reamer. It is not advisable to use this type of reamer when cutting into a blind hole as the chips that pull out in front could block up the hole and affect the depth to which the reamer can go. With the right-handed spiral reamer, a tapered reamer would be beneficial to use as it can prevent binding and grabbing.   The shank is the section opposite the flute and its specification for the purpose will also differ. Consideration must be had to the shank’s diameter, harness, and type, as well as whether you require a one-piece or two-piece construction of the shank.   It is possible to get both a hand reamer as well as a machine reamer. Hand reamers are operated by hand with the means of a handle. Because of the difficulty in starting in the hole by hand, it is typically fitted with a longer lead in the front than its machine counterparts. Machine reamers have a shorter lead and use spiral flutes. The cutting of a machine reamer starts right away and does so with absolute precision.

Contact Mican Industrial

Reamers can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with several specialty reamers that have been designed for specific applications. Contact our knowledgeable sales team at Mican Industrial today to find out more information about our engineering and cutting tools, and the reamers that you are looking for.