Car Key Cutter Machines
The art of cutting keys for cars is more than just bent metal. It's an art form that provides security, convenience and functionality for car owners.
Standard keys are cut with the key duplicator machine which places the original on one side and aligned with a specialized cutting tool to act as a template. A key guide helps keep both keys even with each other during the duplication process.
Machines
The machines used to cut keys assist in helping shape the blanks. It is more than simply creating a shape for a piece of metal by tracing contours and cutting the blank to match the key's original. Anyone who offers locksmith services should have a car key cutter machine.
A car key cutter makes use of the original key clamp and cutting blades that are specifically designed to make duplicates. The original key acts as template, and the cutter is guided by software that determines the cuts needed to produce the right shape. This ensures that the new key will function properly and fit perfectly into the lock. There are several different types of car key cutters on the market that include semi-automatic, manual and automated. They are typically made of durable materials and feature an opening lever that initiates the cutting process.
Edge type keys are often used for car keys. They are used to open locks, doors as well as mailboxes and autos. They aren't as secure as transponder keys, but they still provide good security and can be easily cut.
You should consider buying a machine that can perform both edge and laser cuts If you're looking for a cutting machine with a major function. These machines are more expensive than other models, but they are more flexible and superior performance. For example, some of have a removable chip tray which can be used to clear the debris after each use. Others have a USB port that allows users to import code tables and update the machine's software without having to take off the tablet.
In addition to being able to accommodate different types of key cuts, an efficient machine must include a database that lets you search by vehicle model and keyway. This feature allows you to save time and energy since you don't have to search for codes manually. It also helps to increase your efficiency by avoiding mistakes that may result in an incorrectly aligned key.
Key Blanks
Key blanks are metal shapes with notches, grooves and other features that are compatible with the various pins and wards inside a lock. If they are cut by disk-type key cutting machines, pinning or warding machines or even by hand using a file, the final result is that they fit into the keyway of a lock. To stop key duplicates, key blanks can have various imprints pre-stamped on them. Key rings are a good example and a 'Do No Duplicate mark.
When creating a brand new car key, locksmiths first determine the type of key blank that will fit the particular lock. This can be accomplished by comparing the key blank to the key that is already in use or by decoding the cuts of the existing car key and matching it to the appropriate bitting in the key cutting machine. The key blank is cut to the exact specifications of the original key.
The part number of the key blank is a number that identifies the lock's manufacturer and allows the locksmith to locate other key blanks suitable for duplicate. The identification codes could also include information about the transponder chip of the key that is used to operate certain modern vehicles. Key blanks with GM code (B111PT) will have a transponder encrypted, whereas a key blank with a Texas Instruments Fixed Code programmable Transponder is clonable.
Certain key blanks may not be compatible with all locks. This is why locksmiths have multiple types of keys in stock. A locksmith that specializes in car keys will require a transponder for automotive keys and a basic blank key for each make and model of vehicle.
For many vehicles, a replacement key is as easy as bringing the current working key to an AutoZone store. Then, an associate will pick the correct key blank for the year, make and model of the vehicle and trace it on an exact key cutting machine on site. This procedure is fast and can be used to replace both the ignition and door keys. The only exception is when the key has transponder chips that need to be programmed.
Pre-cut Key Stock
A key stock is an angled metal wedge or block that fits between the shaft of a pulley or hub of a sprocket, gear or other rotating device. It creates driving torque and prevents any movement between the parts. The key is divided into two parts. One is inserted into the slot that has been cut on the shaft, called the key seat, while the other slides into the groove of the hub, referred to as the keyway.
Typically key blanks are made with a milling tool to cut a keyway slot through the entire axial dimension of the component. Keyways can come in different lengths depending on its use. Some kinds of key blanks come with particular features, such as a radius edge or a tapered shape that helps to reduce friction.
The majority of modern car keys are equipped with transponder chips that have to be programmed for a particular vehicle. Keys that are laser-cut can be referred to as "laser-cut keys" or "laser keys". Laser-cut metal keys are more durable and difficult to duplicate.
Laser cut keys feature a different shape blade than standard keys. They also come in more than seven unique cutting styles. These advanced features make keys more robust and less likely for them to break into lock cylinders. They also reduce theft of cars by over 20%.
If you're planning to purchase an extra key online, it's important to know the source of your new key coming from. If it's not a genuine Laser Key, it could damage the lock on your car and cause malfunction of the system. A knife that isn't of the highest quality will wear out more quickly and can get stuck in the cylinder of the keyway more quickly than a top quality blade.
Another kind of key is a sidewinder that requires a high-tech laser cutting device to create. These machines are costly, require specialized knowledge to operate, and are not readily available for general use. This makes the sidewinder key difficult to copy and safe from theft. Buying a new key for a sidewinder on the internet can be difficult as there are many websites that claim to sell keys. If you're buying from a reputable source, you can rest assured that your spare key will be a genuine laser cut key with a top-quality blade.
Keyway Milling
Keyways are a common feature of a variety of components. All gears, pulleys and couplings require keyways in order 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, like EDM machines, shaping and key seating machines.
The milling of keyways is typically done using a specialized milling machine that has the right cutter's diameter and width for the keyway. This milling cutter has to be able to handle the extreme precision required for processing the keyway. The keyway milling process can be more complex than traditional milling, but it is a highly reliable method for cutting.
The CLIMAX KM3000 is a portable key mill that is able to cut round or square-ended keyways on shafts of varying sizes. This machine lets you cut the full-depth keyway within less than four minutes. The clamping system lets you place your workpiece in the milling vise easily. This machine is ideal for cutting keyways on large industrial machinery, shipbuilding, and power generation applications.
Shaping is automotive key cutting to keyway cutting that is more precise and precise However, its precision and accuracy aren't as great. To ensure consistently reliable results, this process requires a skilled user. Shaped surfaces can be rougher than the ones created by other methods.
Keyeating is a great method to cut keys. However, it is more costly than other methods. Keyeating is a continuous cutting process which makes it more efficient than shaping and wire EDM. Additionally, it is an excellent choice for machining hard or difficult-to-machine materials.
Car key cutters are flexible tools for cutting all kinds of keys in different sizes and shapes. Some of these tools have multiple jaws that can accommodate different types of keys. This makes it simple to cut the various types of keys for automobiles available. The right tool can increase your efficiency and productivity.