Red Seal Tool and Die Maker Practice Exam

What is the function of a broach?

1. To grip and hold workpieces

2. To remove material and create precise profiles

3. To cut threads in materials

4. To weld parts together

The correct answer is: To remove material and create precise profiles

The function of a broach is primarily to remove material and create precise profiles. Broaching is a machining process that employs a broach, which is a cutting tool with a series of teeth arranged to progressively remove material as it is pulled or pushed through the workpiece. This method allows for the machining of complex shapes and internal forms with high accuracy, making it particularly suitable for creating gears, keyways, and other intricate features. The tooling design and the specific shape of the broach's teeth enable it to achieve a smooth finish and high dimensional tolerances, which is essential in tool and die making and other precision engineering tasks. This capability sets broaching apart from other material removal processes, emphasizing its role in gaining precise shapes in various industrial applications.