Edited by Jedd Cole
Associate Editor, Modern Machine Shop
Related Suppliers
Allied Machine & Engineering (AME) offers a complete range of Alvan expandable precision reamers, ideal for high-volume production when high quality, tight tolerances or superior finish is critical. These reamers provide high precision for such applications as gun barrels, receivers and sight mounts, as well as in aerospace for use on composites and high-temperature alloys. Offered with carbide, cermet, polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and cubic boron nitride (cBN) cutting edges, the reamers come in diameter sizes ranging from 0.228" to 7.898" (5.8 to 200.6 mm) and a variety of lead angles.
Three reamer styles are available: ring, monobloc and replaceable head. The ring style expands to 4 percent of the diameter, while the monobloc and replaceable head styles expand to 1 percent of the diameter. The replaceable head reamer is available in either expanding or fixed diameter options.
In addition to producing close tolerances and dimensional accuracy of machined holes, the ring and monobloc styles are said to provide a lower cost per hole with high penetration rates, making them useful for finishing holes in a production environment. The monobloc styles are designed for smaller-diameter holes.
According to AME, the replaceable head option speeds setup because users do not have to remove the tool from the machine. This option is an especially good choice for use with a fixed-head reamer, in which the diameter comes preset and ready for use.
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