How to choose an iron-cutting machine

Iron-cutting machines are indispensable machinery in sectors such as the mechanical and metalworking sectors, where precise and rapid cutting of ferrous materials is essential. Sthemma, owner of the Thomas range of bandsaws, sets out the different types of iron-cutting machines, the advantages of professional versions, and provides guidance on how to choose the best model.

Manual iron cutters are among the simplest solutions, used mostly for small jobs or occasional operations. Although powered by hand, these machines guarantee good precision and are suitable for cutting thin thicknesses.

Toothed disc cutters for iron are the preferred choice for those seeking high performance and precise cuts on hard materials. The toothed disc is designed to withstand intensive cuts and ensures a long tool life. These models are particularly suitable for precision work on thick and hard materials, such as iron pipes and bars. They also offer a higher cutting speed.

Bandsaws for iron are best suited to continuous, repetitive cuts. Unlike disc saws, they use a band blade that provides greater flexibility and precision, especially on long, irregularly shaped materials. The band blade also provides burr-free cuts.

Professional iron-cutting machines stand out for a series of advantages that make them indispensable in the metalworking sector. In addition to power and precision, Sthemma says that a professional mitre saw guarantees maximum safety and reliability. They also offer speed and efficiency without compromising quality of cut.

Factors for selecting the best mitre saw for iron include engine power, blade or disc type, cutting capacity, and maintenance requirements.

In conclusion, professional cutting machines offer significant advantages in terms of precision, speed and versatility, making them an indispensable tool in the metalworking sector.

More information www.sthemma.com

DoAll releases S-153 micro-benchtop saw

When it comes to precise cutting in tight spaces, mobility and high performance, DoAll says that its new S-153 micro-benchtop saw is the best option for small workshops and those on-the-go. Available from March 2025, the new saw is designed to meet the needs of small-to mid-sized shops and contractors seeking a compact yet powerful tool.

With Do-All providing a sneak peek at the IMTS show in Chicago last September, visitors could see for themselves the portability, space-saving design and precision. Key features of the DoAll S-153 micro-benchtop saw include mitre capabilities (adjustable up to 60° for versatile cutting angles). Users simply rotate the base to the desired angle, as indicated on the angle scale attached to the saw’s base, and secure it in place. With a cutting capacity up to 150 mm in diameter, variable band speeds ranging from 35 to 85 m/min for different cutting requirements.

These features, combined with portability and a compact design, make the S-153 a good solution for customers who need a reliable saw that fits in tight spaces or is easy to move between job sites. Potential users span from machine shops and fabricators to construction contractors, educational institutions and DIY enthusiasts.

Steve Yulga, director of sales and marketing at DoAll Sawing Products, shares his thoughts on the S-153 micro-benchtop saw: “The S-153 represents a shift in how we approach cutting tools for smaller operations. It’s powerful, compact and versatile – everything a modern workshop or contractor needs in one tool. We’re excited to offer this to our customers who demand high performance without the need for a large, stationary saw.”

More information www.doallsaws.com

New approach shapes future of steel processing

Schwarzwald Eisen has successfully responded to the increasing demands of the steel market by installing a saw-drill combination machine, a shot-blasting system and an automated transport system. Working closely with machine provider Kaltenbach ensured quick and efficient project was implementation. Permanent support from the service helpdesk keeps the system up and running, and demonstrates the reliability of Kaltenbach solutions, which steel supplier Schwarzwald Eisen has been relying on for over 20 years.

The old system was dismantled and the new one installed in a very short time. To integrate the machines into the production hall in the optimal way, special attention was paid to a space-saving and effective arrangement of the saw-drill combination (KDP 736 and KBP 701), blasting (GIETART ECO Blaster 1504) and transport systems (roller conveyors with cross transports).

As a whole, the system saws, drills, mills, blasts and cleans a variety of different profiles required in steel processing. Processing quality is assured for both small and large dimensions. The Kaltenbach transport system connects the individual work steps with each other to achieve a continuous and efficient material flow. On top of this, Kaltenbach offers support from qualified service technicians at any time via the helpdesk. The remote diagnosis option in particular allows the company to react quickly in the event of a fault and ensure operational readiness.

“Since the commissioning of our first Kaltenbach sawing system over 20 years ago in Lahr, we’ve always trusted in the quality and reliability of the machines,” says Alexander Hatt
CEO of Schwarzwald Eisen. “Installing further systems in Freiburg and the consistently positive experience with the service and help desk have confirmed our decision to rely on Kaltenbach.”

More information www.kaltenbach.com

Netzsch relies on automatic sawing centre

As a global specialist for pumping complex media, Netzsch Pumpen & Systeme GmbH, headquartered in Waldkraiburg, specialises in the development, production and sale of positive displacement pumps. For the manufacture of its pumps, semi-finished products in various grades with diameters of up to 540 mm are cut from whole bars and tubes. These saw cuts are then fed to subsequent turning/milling production processes.

The old sawing centre at Netzsch consisted of two stand-alone automatic bandsaws from Behringer and many individual cantilever-arm storage systems, which took up an entire production hall. The overhead crane was used to unload the raw material from the lorry, store the bars in the manual long-goods store and feed the saw. In addition, the materials were not catalogued.

“The manual labour required was enormous – our employees invested a lot of time searching for the required material on the shelf, transporting it to the saw and measuring it by hand,” says Markus Hanslmaier, project manager for production planning at Netzsch.

Today, Netzsch takes advantage of two Behringer automatic bandsaws. The HBE411A Dynamic and HBM540A are characterised by precise saw cuts and reliability in unmanned operation. This is ensured by the basic design of the two bandsaws in portal construction, the use of vibration-damping cast components, their saw feed system with servo motor and the reliable chip disposal system.

As a result, costs can be reduced during the sawing of semi-finished products by minimising processing allowances. Particularly with regard to the range of materials, which often includes expensive heat-treatable steels and duplex steels through to titanium and nickel-based alloys, there is a high savings potential. Moreover, the manual labour required by operators has been drastically reduced.

More information www.behringer.net

High-speed disc saws for forged material

The world of forging is highly intricate, involving numerous applications and constant evolution. Ficep says its caters to this sector with a range of machinery designed to meet all production needs: including an array of high-speed disc saws. These machines are suitable for many applications, particularly those requiring the cutting of bars, tubes, ingots or blooms. 

The ‘S’ series sawing machines include various models: horizontal, inclined and vertical saws, with cutting capabilities from below or above. All these machines can cut round and square solid bars, while vertical ones can also cut rectangular/flat bars.

Vincenzo Rubat Baleuri, sales manager of the forging division at Ficep, says: “Our machines guarantee repeatability, cutting precision, squareness and regularity of the sawn surface. This high standard is a real strength, achieved through careful design, optimal blade guidance and robust motor power.”

The ‘SP’ series stands out for its high-speed cutting of pipes.

“This range has been designed with special attention to sizing the crucial components to minimize blade vibrations,” he adds. “Special care has been given to fine-tuning the software managing the cutting parameters during the work cycle. This involves dynamically adjusting the blade rotation speed and the head feed during the pipe’s inlet-outlet phase, where the metal section engaged by the blade is greater compared with the central part [where thickness is minimal]. This also reduces cutting time. Our lines overcome the limitations of traditional disc or band saws, increasing productivity through their speed, precision, cut quality and reduction of production waste.”

Ficep can also combine its range of bar loaders with both automatic magazines and AGV shuttles for laser-guided transfer of bar bundles from steel stock to the machine roller-way.

More information https://ficepgroup.com