The machining of straight side keyways sometimes requires an additional off-line production step like milling or EDM machining and the associated costly “side-effects” such as transportation, programming and deadline follow up, the company says.

An economical, flexible and efficient alternative, according to the company, is the machining of these longitudinal grooves on standard CNC machines. The most common grooves can be machined with standard tooling using the available machine axes and their programming. A more efficient way to produce these grooves, especially with larger keyways, is the use of live broaching attachments.

The company supplies standard toolholders and carbide inserts for use both conventionally and in CNC live broaching attachments.