Removing 3D-printed parts from base plates

The MEBA3D 335 is said to be a fast and cost-effective solution for the removal of 3D-printed parts from their base plates. Well before 3D sawing became a trend, MEBA had developed a concept for separating 3D-printed parts from the base plate that offers fast process times and good cutting results, with low operating and cost expenditure. The MEBA3D 335 concept is based on the straight cut saws of the MEBAeco product family, which are designed to offer high efficiency and optimum cutting results.

This metal-cutting bandsaw is equipped with a special clamping device for mounting plates that can be precisely aligned in order to release the 3D printed workpieces exactly on the customer’s own mounting plate. MEBA’s saw can be fitted with a housing in the working area of the saw that protects against dust, and with an additional suction device, if required.
Compared with conventional production processes such as wire EDM, MEBA says that its 3D saw concept is extremely uncomplicated, with just a few operating steps: simply clamp and saw. Acquisition and maintenance costs are also said to be significantly lower, while the long service life of the saw blade is another factor that helps keep costs low.
Utilisation and amortisation of the saw are further enhanced by the fact that MEBA3D 335 saws can also be used for standard sawing operations with a minimum of changeover effort.
An additional advantage of the MEBA 3D system is that, in many cases, existing MEBA saws are compatible and can be upgraded easily and economically. The system was successfully demonstrated to visitors at the Formnext exhibition in Frankfurt during November.
For further information www.meba-saw.com

Top reasons for a bandsaw upgrade

The benefits of upgrading an old bandsaw machine are numerous, considering the advances in the design and functions of modern bandsaw machines, reports Saws UK in a new guide that highlights the top five advantages of newer models.

First up is higher bed height. Most horizontal bandsaws today have a higher bed height so users do not stoop to operate them – much better for health as this reduces the likelihood of a back injury.
Second is swivel bows: many newer machines have swivel bows for mitring as standard, while some of the more premium models include both a left and right mitre facility. For those who do not perform much mitring, and the material is not too big, it is even possible to flip the material upside down to do the opposite mitre on one-way machines.
Blade speeds are a further consideration. Most newer bandsaws include variable blade speeds, unlike many older bandsaws which only have two – the lower to cut stainless steel and tool steels, and the higher to cut mild steel, aluminium and soft alloys. This factor means modern bandsaws can cut more materials more easily, often via a frequency inverter. As a result, users can finely tune the speed of sawing to give the best cut and economic blade life on all materials.
Increasingly, micro-blade lubrication systems are being used by those who do not want coolant on the floor, points out Saws UK. These systems can be retrofitted at any time.
The final point on the list is automation: newer machines offer advanced automation solutions, meaning users can program them to batch-saw easily and efficiently, and even leave machines running overnight, massively increasing productivity and saving costs over time, even if the upfront outlay is greater.
For further information www.sawsuk.com

Planning permission granted for NMIS

Planning permission has been granted for the development of the state-of-the-art National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) facility.

Renfrewshire Council’s planning authority gave the green light to plans for the brand new carbon neutral building, which comes complete with a distinctive heather coloured façade. At around 1.5 times the size of Hampden football pitch, the site will include a skills academy, a fully digitalised factory of the future and a collaboration hub. The facility will help support manufacturing firms of all sizes and from all sectors across the country, and internationally, to innovate and grow.
For further information www.NMIS.scot

Benefits of Sterling SRA DGSA bandsaw

Selmach Machinery has released a guide to the benefits associated with the Sterling SRA DGSA bandsaw, which is suitable for cutting structural beam and box section.

The semi-automatic machines that make up this series bring with them a range of features. Build quality and strength are the obvious benefits of these high-capacity machines with their heavy-duty bow structure and design. Importantly though, Selmach says that the Sterling SRA DGSA eliminates issues found in other, similar capacity machines with similar length bows, wherein speeds can increase during the cutting process, affecting both the life of the blade and the quality of cut. This is thanks to the twin ram (push and pull) system; the balancing ram on the rear of the machine ensures accurate cutting consistency throughout the cutting cycle.
Another quality that elevates the Sterling range is the mobile detached control panel, which is not fixed on one side as found on other bandsaws. The ergonomic control panel is wheel mounted for easy access at all times and to protect the controls from damage when loading or removing large, heavy materials such as beams. For mitred cuts, users can also bring the panel in close, allowing the operator to see marker lines and cuts much more easily, along with the ability to control all of the bandsaw’s functions.
The heavy-duty, full-stroke hydraulic vice follows the same ethos as the rest of the Sterling bandsaw, making squaring beams easy with the ability to slide from left to right. Also featured is a sacrificial plate which can be conveniently replaced, solving the problem of unavoidable wear and tear on the machine’s bed after years of throughput.
For further information https://selmach.com/

Basco sharpens up with Vollmer

Based in Faridabad, near New Delhi, Basco Tool Industries manufactures carbide-tipped circular saw blades, and has relied on sharpening technology from Vollmer for more than 15 years. To date, Vollmer has supplied seven machines to the company, including models from the CP and CHP model series.

Vikas Tiwari, CEO of Basco Tool, says: “We currently manufacture around 3000 carbide-tipped circular saw blades a month for companies across the metalworking and woodworking industries. Our vision is to not only increase the quality of our products and services, but achieve further growth. We want to be producing at least 10,000 saw blades per month within a few years.”
With around 20 people, Basco Tool produces over 25 variants of carbide-tipped circular saw blades for Indian manufacturers.
Vollmer machines on site include a CHP 840 and two CP 200 sharpening machines. With the former, carbide-tipped circular saws can be sharpened in a single set-up. The CHP 840’s four CNC-controlled axes allow the complete machining of all common tooth geometries, even when sawing with an axial angle and group toothing.
CP 200 machines are equipped with multiprocessor technology and integrated software programs. As a result, whether it is tooth faces or tooth tops, grinding speed can be freely selected and there is no need to set tooth pitch or blade thickness.
Basco Tool customers are primarily based in the north and east of India. However, the aim is to establish additional regional distribution and service centres and, ultimately, become the leading manufacturer of carbide-tipped circular saws in India.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com