Blind Hole Broaching for Precision Keyways & Splines
At Broaching Technologies, our blind hole broaching services are built around the unique vertical architecture and rigidity of CAMS slotting machines. This allows us to produce blind keyways and blind splines with exceptional accuracy, repeatability, and surface finish even in tight tolerance or challenging material applications.
What Is Blind Hole Broaching?
Blind hole broaching is a specialized internal broaching process used to machine keyways, splines, slots, and other internal profiles inside a bore that does not pass completely through the workpiece. Unlike through keyway broaching, the cutting tool stops at a predetermined depth while maintaining the required geometry and bottom clearance.
This process requires carefully engineered tooling, controlled cutting forces, and precise machine alignment because chips cannot exit the opposite side of the component. Proper chip evacuation, tool clearance, and broach design are essential for producing accurate results without damaging the finished part.
Our precision blind hole keyway broaching services are designed for components where accuracy, high repeatability, and reliability cannot be compromised.
Why Vertical Slotting Machines Make the Difference
We build our blind hole broaching around CAMS vertical slotting machines for one reason: control. Their vertical design handles blind work in ways horizontal systems can’t:
- Steady, controlled tool engagement
- Accurate, repeatable depth stops
- Staged cutting that keeps chips from packing in the bore
- Enough rigidity to hold tight tolerances, even in hard materials
We sell these machines and we run them ourselves. So when we recommend a setup, it comes from real production experience, not a spec sheet.
Specialized in Blind Keyway and Spline Broaching
While blind hole broaching can produce a variety of internal forms broaching, our primary focus is on blind keyways and blind splines, two features critical to torque transmission and alignment in mechanical assemblies.
Blind Keyway Broaching
- Internal keyways that stop short of the part face
- Common in hubs, pulleys, gears, and couplings
- Maintains external part geometry while transmitting torque
Blind Spline Broaching
- Broaching metalworking processes create internal splines with precise tooth forms and accurate depth control.
- Requires exceptional concentricity and profile accuracy
- Used in power transmission, automotive, and industrial machinery
Blind Hole Broaching vs. Through Hole Broaching
Selecting the correct broaching method depends on the component’s design requirements.
Feature | Blind Hole Broaching | Through Hole Broaching |
|---|---|---|
Bore Type | Closed at one end | Open at both ends |
Chip Removal | Controlled internal chip evacuation | Chips exit through the opposite side |
Tool Travel | Stops at specified depth | Passes completely through the part |
Typical Applications | Blind keyways, internal slots, closed bores | Through keyways, splines, gears |
Complexity | Higher | Moderate |
Tool Design | Specialized blind broach geometry | Standard through broaches |
If your component requires a blind bore keyway, closed spline, or internal slot without penetrating the opposite surface, blind hole broaching is typically the preferred solution.
Custom Tooling Built for Blind Work
Tooling makes or breaks a blind job. We design, maintain, and recondition custom broach tools built specifically for blind cuts. We account for:
- Chip relief geometry
- Progressive tooth loading
- Surface finish requirements
- Tool strength vs depth of cut
That’s how we hold dimensional accuracy in features where the broach has nowhere to escape.
Materials We Commonly Broach
Our blind hole broaching services support a variety of materials commonly used in high performance components.
- Carbon and alloy steels
- Stainless steels
- Aluminum alloys
- Bronze and brass
- Inconel and other high strength alloys
We routinely achieve tight tolerances and repeatable surface finishes, even in challenging materials where blind features are traditionally difficult to machine.
Serving Precision Driven Industries
Our blind hole broaching services support manufacturers across multiple industries where precision internal features are critical.
Oil and Gas Equipment
Pump & Fluid Handling
Electric Motors & Power Transmission
Agricultural & Construction Equipment
Aerospace & Defense Components
Medical Device Manufacturing
Why Choose Broaching Technologies for Blind Hole Broaching?
Built for Precision Blind Hole Broaching
- Proven capability in blind internal features where tooling cannot exit the part
- Precise depth control for blind keyways and blind splines
- Specialized tooling designed to manage chip evacuation in blind applications
- Consistent geometry and surface finish in features that require exact stopping points
- Engineering expertise for complex part designs and tight depth tolerances
- Reliable results in materials that are traditionally difficult to blind broach
- Experience supporting both prototype and repeat blind broaching applications
Ready to Solve a Challenging Blind Broaching Application?
If your part requires blind internal keyways or splines, Broaching Technologies delivers a proven, precision manufacturing solution backed by C.A.M.S. vertical slotting technology and decades of hands-on experience. Send us your part drawing and our team will review the geometry, depth, and tolerance requirements to recommend the most effective blind broaching approach.