Keith A Clapp

US Patent:

42433479, Jan 6, 1981

Filed:

Feb 28, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/016278

Inventors:

Keith A. Clapp - Troy MI
Donald A. Stewart - Boxford MA

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Worthington OH

International Classification:

B26D 112

US Classification:

407 15

Abstract:

A broach system comprises a plurality of disposable carbide inserts which are precisely positioned and secured within the slot of a broach holder. An elongated side clamp having a shaped contact surface is located along one side of the slot on a sloping surface of the holder. The side clamp is tightened camming the inserts against the side and bottom locating surfaces of the holder. A front clamp is also mounted to the holder and tightened which forces the inserts against a rear stop on the holder. Several holders may be readily assembled in series to perform a complete broaching operation such as dovetail forms in super high strength materials used in gas turbine engines. The broach system replaces the conventional broach design of brazed construction wherein carbide blanks are permanently fastened to a steel holder and it is an improvement over conventional mechanically held inserts. As advantages, the system reduces down time and set-up time. Also, there is lower risk of insert breakage and a resultant increase in tool life.