The conventional user of bandsaws and circular saw machines is familiar with sawing structural steels, tool steels, stainless steels, high-strength nickel-based alloys and titanium. But relatively few have ever machined pure elements.

For Hermsdorf-based HC Starck, sawing elements is daily practice. The company is a specialist in the supply of semi-finished products and components made from refractory metals such as molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum and niobium.

The company recently sought a suitable sawing solution for the task of cutting recycled Mo-ingots or rods made of high-purity tantalum (Ta) and niobium (Nb) with a cross-section of 160 x 60 mm, as well as round material up to 207 mm diameter, which are then cut into thin sheets. Since Behringer had no experience with element sawing applications, cutting tests took place at the company’s technology centre in order to assess various machine and tool combinations, and identify a suitable sawing solution.

“Positive sawing attempts with tantalum, which has a density of around 16.6 g/cm³, were ultimately the main reason for selecting with Behringer,” explains Andreas Mund, project engineer at HC Starck. “The sawing process is very hard; the belt rumbles constantly and you can hear how difficult it is to cut tantalum. In order to achieve reasonable cutting quality, you need a very stable base frame.”

This is where the solid machine base of the HBE321A Dynamic automatic bandsaw scores points, combining a stable frame made of vibration-damping grey cast iron and a precise guide system in a portal design. Control of the saw feed comes courtesy of a precision ball screw and servo motor.

For further information
www.behringer.net

Ficep UK has installed a new automated saw line at Norway-based Contiga AS, helping the business to improve production processing time by up to 40%. The new system consists of a Ficep Orient, a CNC-controlled drilling and combined thermal coping line equipped with rotary single spindle. To prove the time and cost savings of the system and process, Ficep prepared time studies that presented clear indications of the returns achievable from the investment.

Contiga AS designs and develops steel solutions tailored to individual projects, delivering between 7-8000 tons of steel structures to the Norwegian market every year.

Says Mark Jones, Ficep UK managing director: “We overcame several challenges, not least that the machinery was installed during a period of Covid restrictions, but also that the space was limited, and it was important to minimise disruption and reduce operational downtime. There were also added contractual obstacles to overcome due to Contiga now being part of the huge Heidelberg Cement group, with additional levels of communication required across several countries.”

Thor Egil Einarsrud, factory manager at Contiga in Roverud, adds: “We use modern technology and work processes, as well as the best machines, to guarantee that all our steel products offer high quality. To ensure competitiveness, automation is absolutely necessary, and we’re already seeing that in several of our production processes. We save up to 50% in time by using the new automated sawing plant compared with manual operations. The system has transformed our business, allowing better efficiency and precision.”

For further information
www.ficep.co.uk

South of Scotland Enterprise has awarded LS Starrett Company £181,000 towards a £500,000 investment project that will accelerate growth plans at its Jedburgh distribution facility. The company – which is a specialist in bandsaws and saw blades – is aiming to not only grow its current business in the UK but diversify into new sectors. This diversification will aim to create new skills, jobs and opportunities across the Scottish Borders in the coming years.

The announcement is welcome news for both Starrett and Jedburgh, which have a long association since the US firm set up its UK factory in the Scottish Borders town in 1958.

Last year, the business announced a restructure of its global manufacturing operations which resulted in the risk of losing over 100 jobs. Since then however, Starrett’s new management team – supported by 78 staff at its Jedburgh base – has successfully begun to rebuild the business, which has recorded 34% growth over the past 12 months.

Starrett is also supporting the further development of skills and opportunities through the rental of factory space to IndiNature, a sustainable construction materials business.

Says Starrett’s finance director Nicky Richardson: “Thanks to support from SOSE we’re now very excited and energised to accelerate growth into new markets as part of our half million-pound investment in the Jedburgh site.”

Commercial director Robert McKechnie adds: “Diversification into these new markets will be challenging but SOSE’s support allows us to recruit the best talent into our great team and continue driving the business forward.”

For further information
www.starrett.co.uk