Reaming is a type of machining process in which material is removed with a multi-point cutting tool, usually a twist drill. Reaming is used to produce a hole that is very smooth and has accurate diameters.
In basic reaming process, a hole is drilled with a drill bit of slightly smaller diameter than the desired finished hole size. The reamer is then inserted into the drilled hole. It is then slowly rotated and advanced into the hole with a cutting motion. The remaining material is cut away from the hole with the multiple cutting edges on the reamer. Reamers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including straight-fluted and spiral-fluted reamers, and are typically made from high speed steel.
Reaming can be performed on a variety of materials, such as metals, plastics, and composites. The cutting action of the reamer helps to produce a smooth surface finish on the hole. Reaming also improves concentricity and roundness of holes compared to drilling, as the forces created by the cutting action and the multiple cutting edges help to provide a more precise machining process.
Due to the multiple cutting edges on the reamer, frequent sharpening is not required. This can be beneficial in applications where frequent sharpening would be difficult or complicated. Additionally, reaming produces thinner chips. This helps to prevent chips from clogging the work piece, work piece holder, and the machine tool itself.
Due to the high accuracy and smoothness offered by reaming, as well as the low cost of the process, it is commonly used in machining. Applications of reaming can be seen in the production of spindles, gears, and other parts that require precise and accurate holes.
In addition to being used in traditional machining operations, reaming can also be used to reduce the size of a pre-existing hole. This process is referred to as counterboring, or countersinking. Counterboring is used to enlarge a pre-existing hole to a depth and width that can accommodate a fastener, such as a bolt or screw, with a head of a larger diameter.
In addition to being able to produce a high quality hole, reaming is also known for its low cost of operation. The initial setup and operation times are relatively low, meaning that reaming can be a cost effective process if the batch size is large enough. This, combined with the high precision of a hole produced by reaming, makes reaming an ideal choice for machining applications.
