Broaching is a manufacturing process used to create holes , slots , cut out and other complex internal surface features. Broaching may also used to create external features. Internal broaching is employed to manufacture symmetrical features , such as holes and slots in parts where due to the size , shape and length of the feature traditional machining is not possible or practical. Broaching is classically used to cut keyways square or rectangular feature of sizes, hexagonal , and creating internal splined features. Broaching manufacturing utilizes a ribbed or fluted tool of some length. The tool in installed into a broaching machine which provides for a reciprocating motion. The broaching tool is positioned as required on the work piece and the tool is extended and retracted in a reciprocating motion with the flutes coming in contact with a surface region to be cut on the workpiece.     Types > Surface broaches Flat Serrated Concave Cam-Shaped Convex Internal Broaches > Straight Hole Serration Rotor cut style Round D-shape Double D-shape Key way Double keyway Oval Square Rectangle Bearing pocket Hexagon Octagon Bore Rifling Pot Spline multiple involute profile Involute Spline Polygon profile Straight helical profile External Broaching tools > Surface tools with or without profile Keyway Pot