Reaming is an operation that involves finishing a hole that has already been roughly drilled. This is an operation from which one expects to obtain a certain level of dimensional and geometric quality, as well as a smooth surface condition. This is why the emphasis is placed less on productivity, as is the case for other operations, and more on quality, process reliability and result repeatability.

Numerous tools can be used for this type of operation, but only two types of tool have been chosen as examples:

• the machine reamer, which is usually a low-productivity tool, but which under certain lubrication conditions (carbide, ceramic or diamond tools with pressurised lubrication through the centre of the tool) allows greater performance to be attained. The reamer follows the rough hole.
• the use of milling cutters to carry out reaming by interpolation on a machining centre.