Reamer Guide: Basic Technical Information for Reamers

Tech Tip: Hannibal Carbide

Hannibal Carbide has compiled this guide to inform you of some basic technical knowledge regarding reamers. Following these guidelines will reduce overall set-up time, while increasing productivity.

Selecting the right tool, proper stock removal and correct speeds and feeds are all important and covered here in the Hannibal Carbide Reamer Guide.

"Ream it right the first time with Hannibal"

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Flute Styles

Straight Flute
Best suited for non-chip forming materials, i.e. cast iron, bronze and free cutting brass. Preferred hole condition would be a thru hole.

Right Hand Spiral
Designed to pull the chip out of the hole in a blind hole application.Due to aggressive flute geometry, a right hand spiral may cut slightly oversized.Effective in bridging interruptions, such as keyways, cross-holes, etc.Excellent in highly ductile materials.

Left Hand Spiral
Excellent in thru holes, as the flutes tend to push the chips out ahead of the reamer.Effective in bridging interruptions, such as keyways, cross-holes, etc.Good for reaming hard materials.Should provide the very best size and finish.

Expansion Reamers
Designed for high production runs in abrasive materials, when size or finish can be rapidly lost.Expand the diameter by turning the screw clockwise.The tool is now ready to be reground back to its original diameter and resharpened.This process should produce like new tool performance.

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Coolant Options

Center Fed Coolant (axial)
Center fed coolant design is used for blind hole reaming.Combine center fed coolant with right hand spiral for maximum chip clearing ability in highlyductile material.

Flute Fed Coolant (radial)
Flute fed coolant design is used for thru hole reaming.Effective in a cavity large enough for chip clearance.Flute fed coolant will flush the chips ahead of the reamer, providing the best hole size and finish.

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OPTIMUM OPERATING CONDITIONS

While developing optimum conditions will require some investment in time, it will be beneficial by reducing cycle times and getting the best possible tool life. There are several elements to evaluate in this section. These elements are key to maximizing tool efficiency

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