What is reaming, what characteristics does it have, when is it used

In the field of engineering and manufacturing, there are several techniques used to achieve high-precision machining results. One of these techniques is reaming, a fundamental process to obtain holes of accurate shape, size and finish. In this article, we will explore what reaming is, its distinctive technical characteristics, the situations in which it is commonly used and the fields of application in which it is indispensable.

What is reaming

Reaming is a mechanical machining technique that consists of beautifying and finishing the inner surface of a pre-existing hole, improving its shape, size and finish. This technique is done using a tool called a reamer spindle, which consists of a series of sharp blades, mounted on a rotating head. During the reaming process, the reaming spindle is rotated and moved back and forth within the hole to be machined.

Technical characteristics of reaming

Reaming offers several technical characteristics that make it a high-level processing technique:

• Dimensional precision: the reaming allows to obtain holes with extremely precise dimensions, guaranteeing a tight tolerance with respect to the required specifications. This is especially important when it is necessary to fit bearing housings, couplings, or other components within the bore.
• Surface finish: reaming improves the surface finish of the hole, eliminating any imperfections and irregularities left by previous drilling processes. This result is achieved thanks to the sharp blades of the reamer tool, which smooth the inner surface of the hole.
• Roundness control: reaming allows perfectly round holes to be obtained, minimising ovalization or other deformations that may occur during the drilling process.
• Axis control: thanks to the precision and stability of the reamer spindle, it is possible to obtain holes with a perfect alignment with respect to the desired axis. This is crucial when high-precision joints are needed or when holes need to be aligned with other parts or components.

When reaming is used

Reaming is used in a number of situations where extreme precision is required in hole machining. Here are some common examples:

• Automotive industry: in the automotive industry, reaming is used for machining engine cylinders, camshafts, drive shafts, and other critical components that require careful hole finishing.
• Aerospace: in the aerospace industry, reaming is widely employed for the machining of components such as aircraft engines, wing structures and control systems. The dimensional precision and surface finish obtained through reaming are essential to ensure the safety and reliability of the parts in high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
• Oil industry: in the oil extraction and production sector, reaming is used for the processing of drill pipes and control valves. This allows to ensure a perfect coupling of the components and to avoid fluid leaks or structural failures.
• Mechanical engineering: in general, reaming is used in many areas of mechanical engineering, such as in the production of roller bearings, drive shafts, gears and special tools. Its ability to provide precise holes and high-quality finishes makes it indispensable to ensure the efficiency and durability of mechanical components.
• Medical industry: as part of the production of medical devices and surgical instruments, reaming is used for the machining of components such as prostheses, dental implants and precision surgical instruments. This ensures perfect adaptability and functionality of the devices inside the human body.

Conclusions

Reaming is a mechanical machining technique that offers dimensional precision, accurate surface finishing, and hole shape control. Thanks to its distinctive technical characteristics, reaming is used in different industrial sectors that require high quality processing results. From the automotive sector to the aerospace industry, from mechanical engineering to medicine, reaming plays a crucial role in obtaining precision holes to ensure the functionality, efficiency and safety of components and instruments.