A specialized device used by locksmiths and automotive professionals automates the process of creating duplicate keys for vehicles. These devices precisely mill or cut metal key blanks to match the intricate cuts of an original key, or decode the vehicles lock information to generate a new key from scratch. Different types exist, including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic versions, each offering varying levels of precision and speed.
This technology offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency and accuracy, reducing the time and skill required for key duplication compared to traditional methods. Historically, key cutting relied heavily on manual filing and shaping, a process that was both time-consuming and prone to error. The advent of these automated devices has streamlined the process, allowing for quick and precise key creation even for complex modern vehicle key systems which often incorporate transponder chips and other security features. This evolution has been crucial in meeting the demands of increasingly sophisticated automotive security.