Method for profiling a flat reversible key, and flat reversible key, based on a flat reversible key profile, which is produced according to the method

A method for profiling broad sides of a flat reversible key, comprising the steps of:

• clamping a key blank so that a first broad side of the key blank is exposed;
• milling complementary grooves and ribs using a milling cutter that has cutter teeth on its peripheral surface and rotates about a cutter shaft, by advancing in a longitudinal direction of the key with respect to a longitudinal section profile of the cutter teeth;
• clamping the key blank in a position which is turned by 180° about the longitudinal center axis of the key so that a second broad side of the key blank is exposed;
• milling complementary grooves and ribs into the second broad side, using the same milling cutter, by advancing in the longitudinal direction of the key with respect to the longitudinal section profile of the cutter teeth, the ribs including a guide rib;
• and arranging the axis of the cutter shaft at an angle (φ) relative to a longitudinal center plane of the key, and at least one cutter tooth rib of the cutter teeth producing an undercut guide wall, the two broad sides forming the grooves and ribs which extend symmetrically, in cross-section, about a single point, relative to a longitudinal central axis of the key, wherein groove flanks of each respective groove converge in a direction of a groove base, the flank of at least one groove forming an undercut flank of the guide rib which is situated opposite from a variation zone of the key having a cross-section that extends on an arc-shaped variation base line, in the variation zone variation grooves or variation ribs start from the variation base line in order to vary the key profile, wherein the angle of inclination (φ) is between 5° and 50°.