Car Key Cutter Machines
The art of cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It's a skill that provides safety, functionality and convenience for car owners.
Standard keys are cut with a key duplicator machine, which places the original on one side and matched with a specialized cutting tool to serve as an example. A key guide keeps both keys on the same level with one other when duplicating.
Machines
The machines that are used to cut keys help shape the blanks. The process is more than just shaping a piece of metal, but it also involves tracing the contours of the key blank before cutting it in a precise manner to match the original key. A car key cutter is an essential piece of equipment for anyone who provides locksmith services.
keys cut uses a special clamp to hold the original key, and a special cutting blade to create a duplicate key. The original key is used as an example, and the cutter is guided by a software program that calculates the cuts needed to produce the proper shape. This ensures that the new key will be a perfect fit in the lock, and function as intended. There are several different types of car key cutters available on the market that include semi-automatic, manual and automatic. The majority are constructed of robust materials and include a lever that starts the cutting process.
Edge style keys are most frequently used for car keys. They are used to open locks, doors mailboxes, autos, and locks. Keys of this kind aren't as secure as transponder keys, however they provide adequate security and can be easily cut.
If you're in the market for a car key cutting machine, you should consider purchasing one that can handle both laser and edge cuts. These machines are more expensive, but offer more flexibility and efficiency. Some of them have a removable chip tray, which can be used to eliminate debris after each job. Some models have a USB connector that allows users to update their software and import code tables without having to take off the tablet.
In addition being able to support various types of key cuts a high-quality machine should include an integrated database that allows you to search by vehicle model and keyway. This feature allows you to save time and effort because you do not have to search for codes manually. This feature can also increase your efficiency by avoiding mistakes that could result in the key being incorrectly aligned.
Key Blanks
Key blanks are shaped from metal with notches, grooves and other features that align with the various pins and wards found inside a lock. They can be cut using disk-type key cutting machines, pins or warding machines, or even by hand using a file, the final result is that they are able to fit into the lock's keyway. Key blanks can be stamped with different imprints to deter duplicate keys, like key rings and 'Do Not duplicate' marks.
Locksmiths must identify the kind of key blank that works with the lock before they can create a new key. This can be accomplished by comparing the key blank with the existing key or by decoding cuts of the existing car key and comparing it to the proper biting in the key cutting machine. Then the key blank will be cut according to the exact specifications of the original car key.
The part number of the key blank contains a code that identifies the manufacturer of the lock and allows locksmiths to find other key blanks that are suitable for duplicate. The identification codes could also contain information about the transponder chip used in some modern vehicles. For instance, a key blank with an GM (B111PT) or Honda (HD106PT) code will have a transponder that is encrypted, whereas one with a Texas Instruments Fixed Code programmable transponder is a clonable transponder.
Certain key blanks aren't compatible with all locks, which is why most locksmiths stock multiple types of keys. For instance the locksmith that specialises in car keys will need two key blanks: a basic one and an automotive transponder key blank for all makes and models of vehicle.
For a lot of vehicles, a replacement key is as easy as bringing your current working key to an AutoZone store. Then, an associate will pick the correct key blank for the year, year of manufacture and model of the vehicle and trace it on the precise key cutting machine that is located in the store. The entire process usually takes a few minutes, and it can be used for ignition and door key replacements. The only exception is when the key has an transponder chip that needs to be programmed.
Key Stock Pre-Cut
A key stock is a steel wedge or block that is placed between the shaft and hub of a gear, pulley or sprocket as well as any other rotating power device. It assists in providing driving torque and stops movement between the components. One part of the key fits into a slot inside the shaft, referred to as the key seat. The other part slides into a groove in the hub called a keyway.
Key blanks are typically made on a key cutting machine using an ordinary milling cutter which cuts a keyway slot all the way to the axial diameter of the piece. The keyway can be cut in different lengths, based on the application. Some key blanks are designed with specific characteristics, like the shape of a radius or tapered to reduce friction.
Transponder chips are included in the majority of modern car keys. These chips need to be programmed to correspond with the vehicle. Keys that are programmed for specific vehicles are also referred to as laser or "laser-cut" keys. Laser-cut keys are much harder to duplicate than traditional keys and have an advanced design that improves their durability.
Laser cut keys are created with a different blade shape than standard keys. They also have more than seven distinct cutting styles. These advanced features make keys more durable and less likely for them to break inside lock cylinders. They also reduce theft of cars by more than 20 percent.
If you're planning to purchase a spare key online it's important to know where your new key is coming from. If it is not a genuine Laser Key, it can damage the lock on your car and result in failure of the system. Additionally, a low-quality blade will wear out faster and could get stuck in the keyway cylinder faster than a top-quality blade.
Another kind of key is a sidewinder that requires a high-tech laser cutting device to produce. These machines are expensive and require specialized skills to operate, and are not readily available for general use. This makes keys for sidewinders more difficult to duplicate and safe from theft. It is not easy to purchase an online replacement sidewinder, because there are a lot of websites selling these keys. If you purchase from a reputable source you can be confident that your spare key will be a genuine laser-cut key with a high-quality blade.
Keyway Milling
Keyways are found in many components. All pulleys, gears and couplings require keyways to connect and form a strong bond. Milling machines provide the most accurate results. Other kinds of machining equipment can also be used to make keyways, such as EDM machines, shaping machines and key seating machines.
Keyway milling is usually done on a specialized milling cutter that is of the proper cutter width and cutting diameter for the keyway. This milling cutter also needs to be capable of handling the extreme precision required to process the keyway. It is true that keyway milling is more complex than traditional milling but it is also a reliable way to machine.
The CLIMAX 3000 is a portable key mill that is able to cut round and square-ended keyways from shafts of different dimensions. This machine can cut keys to full depth in just 4 minutes. The clamping system lets you place your workpiece into the milling vise quickly. This machine is perfect for keyway cutting on large-scale industrial machinery including shipbuilding, power generation and other applications.
Shaping is a different method of keyway cutting however, it isn't perfect in precision and accuracy. This process requires a skilled worker to get consistent and repeatable results. Additionally shaping can lead to rougher surface finishes than other methods.
In the end, keyeating can be an efficient method of cutting keys. It can be more expensive than other methods. Keyeating is a continuous cutting action and therefore is more efficient than shaping and wire EDM. In addition, keyeating is a great option for machining tough or difficult-to-machine parts.
The car key cutter is a versatile tool that can cut all kinds of keys. Some of these machines have multiple jaws to fit different types of keys. This makes it easy to cut the various kinds of keys for cars available. The right tool can increase your efficiency and productivity.