Choosing the best saw blade depends on compatibility. Users need to match the blade itself, its size and tooth design to the material that requires cutting. Here, Saws UK outlines a number of principles that can help simplify selection.

Carbon steel bandsaws blades are reliable in general purpose applications. These blades are available in many tooth sizes and densities, providing an excellent match for many different materials, including steel, stainless steel, mild steel and non-ferrous metals such as zinc, brass and bronze.

Bi-metal bandsaw blades offer superior strength and resilience. During manufacture, the blade of spring steel incorporates a hardened edging of high-speed cobalt steel that provides an effective, long-term cutting performance when processing all types of structural metal.

For the sawing of high-volume batches, the strong and resilient ground-tooth bandsaw blade is an effective choice. This blade type can withstand the intense heat produced when sawing continuously at high speed in materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminium and copper.

If needing a versatile bandsaw blade that can cut a wide range of diverse materials, the carbide grit edge bandsaw blade is a good pick. This blade is highly reliable, producing a fine cut finish with minimal resistance even when sawing abrasive materials that include hardened steel, cast iron, titanium and nickel-based alloys.

HSS-DMo5 circular saw blades are manufactured from a high-speed steel alloy incorporating tungsten, molybdenum and vanadium. Of particular note, these blade are steam-treated to ensure they have an extra fine surface that significantly reduces friction when cutting mild steel, stainless steel and structural steel.

TCT circular saw blades are exceptionally long-lasting. They can also withstand the extreme heat produced while operating at high speed in materials that include titanium, zirconium, nickel and cobalt.
For further information www.sawsuk.com

One of the questions that Selmach Machinery often hears is: “what machines do I need for a fabrication workshop?” Clearly, the machinery needs of customers can vary greatly, so it is difficult to choose a one-size-fits-all set-up. However, Selmach has put together a guide of the key pieces of equipment worthy of consideration. These include welding machines, pillar drills, steelworkers, roller tracks and bandsaws.

According to Selmach, a bandsaw can achieve a lot of cutting requirements. The company can offer bandsaws in a large variety of specifications, with choices varying depending on the level of automation and maximum cutting capacity required.

For those starting out on a budget, Selmach offer its Sterling Swift range of bandsaws. The Sterling 210 is the most economical saw in the company’s entire range, but still delivers industrial-grade cutting. With 190 x 150 mm for the widest cut, Selmach says it is suitable as a first saw. Featuring a gravity-downfeed, users can set the saw to cut and carry on with other tasks.

Alternatively, for a bit more future-proofing, the company recommends its Bianco ranges. The Bianco 280 MS and 420MS are heavy-duty Italian-made bandsaws. The series features many more options, including larger capacities and increased automation.

For companies doing something more specialist, such as setting up in the structural steel market, Selmach’s Sterling DGSA range may prove better. These heavy-duty, pivot-action, saws are suitable for cutting large steel beams, with features such as hydraulic vices and double mitring.
For further information www.selmach.com

Vollmer recently launched its next-generation saw blade sharpening and servicing machines, the CS860 and CSF860. Here, the company explains the new CSF860 technology for the side grinding of circular saw blades in more detail.

With a new foundation, construction, frame, software and hardware, the new CSF860 is an entirely different machine from its predecessor, the CHF270. As with all machines in the Vollmer portfolio, the foundation blocks of all product developments are flexibility, productivity, reliability and quality.

As a baseline statistic, the CSF860 is 2-4% more productive than the previous CHF270, which is a result of the machine’s kinematics and design. Users can also add up to 20% cycle time savings derived from new software updates that precisely calculate the grinding area and eliminate ‘air cutting’.

In addition, there is a new saw carrier and R2 axis for the flange management system that eliminates 10-15 minute changeover times between different blade types. It is possible to eliminate the manual measuring of 2 to 3 minutes per saw blade with the new measurement and calibration system, which also eradicates the 25+ seconds of non-productive grinding wheel calibrating and checking.

While these statistics typify just a few of the cycle time and automation benefits, energy consumption has been reduced by more than 10%, while the new construction introduces ergonomic features for the operator, such as a ‘deep cut’ door that opens further than before. This gives the operator greater access to the work envelope, and for heavy blades that may need lifting via an overhead gantry, the new door design also opens at the top for overhead access.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com