Reaming
Reaming is a mechanical process that creates precision holes, typically after drilling, by rotating a precision cutting tool into a hole sized slightly under the diameter of the reaming tool.
The main advantage of reaming is the high tolerance of the resulting hole and smooth internal surfaces. Reaming is applied to cylindrical holes. Example applications of reaming include press fit holes, slip fits, holes where minimal play is required, etc. Reaming can be applied to most hard materials.
The tooling involved in reaming are typically stock items although custom reamers are often required for larger holes.
Cost reduction options for reaming are primarily to minimize hole depth and to avoid large diameters due to the expense of large diameter reamers.
Reaming Design Considerations
- Specify the diameter tolerance of the final hole.
- Specify the interior surface finish if needed.
- Take into account that the very bottom of a blind hole will not be effected by reaming due to the chamfer on the reaming tool.
