Reaming is one of the many light finishing mechanical operations carried out to perfect a product, in this case a hole.
Thanks to the rotary motion of single- or multi-cutting tools, reaming makes it possible to correct the axis or change the diameter of cylindrical, conical or spherical internal surfaces.
Reaming work can be carried out by hand or by machine, also to eliminate any imperfections left over from previous machining operations.
Given the specific measurements, it is an extremely precise operation that allows for infinitesimal margins of error. Let us see how the boring process works and the characteristics of the two types of machining.
How the reaming process works: the reamer
If a particularly accurate hole finish is required, it is best to finish it using a reamer: a cylindrical-shaped tool used to enlarge holes, with high cutting speed and low feed rate.
The reamer can be used as a precision mechanics tool by hand, or as part of a more complex and precise machine: the boring machine. Generally, the reamer consists of a series of cutting blades distributed along the cylindrical body of the tool, either straight or helical.
The reamer blades must be very hard and strong, usually made of special steels, so that they do not bend or break during the process due to the forces involved.
The reamer can rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise: the latter is preferable, although the effort to be put in is greater, because it tends to grip less quickly than clockwise rotation, with less risk of error.
As mentioned, reaming is a finishing job: the blades do not pierce the material, but only refine the internal surfaces of the existing hole.
Machine reaming: the boring machine
The machine tools used for boring work are the boring machines. The parts that make up the boring machine are an axis, also called a bar or spindle, which supports the tool that will perform the boring operation. The rotary motion is achieved by an electric motor. The spindle is usually very rigid, which allows extremely precise work to be carried out.
To achieve an excellent result, reaming work can also be carried out using computer numerical control machines (CNC), and supported by the expert hands of specialised personnel.
Bonanomi mechanical machining
Bonanomi is one of Italy's leaders in the field of products for precision engineering and mechanical machining for third parties.
Thanks to their expertise in mechanical machining such as boring, milling and a wide range of state-of-the-art CNC machines, Bonanomi’s specialists meet the needs of the world's largest manufacturers.