Bandsaws and blades galore from Starrett

LS Starrett used the recent EMO exhibition in Hanover to showcase its bandsaw range, which extends from the portable S1005, a 4 kg, battery-operated machine with a blade speed of 170 m/min, up to the S4230, a 475 kg semi-automatic, horizontal bandsaw with a dynamometric saw-tension indicator and blade speed from 20 to 85 m/min.

Starrett also demonstrated its range of bandsaw blades and advised visitors about how to select the best one for their needs. By way of example, the company’s bi-metal blades, such as PrimAlloy, have a special high-speed edge with exclusive tooth geometry. In addition, the range has extended life treatment (EXT) functionality to ensure longevity, making it suitable for use on high-speed steel, stainless steel and titanium alloy workpieces. Alternatively, there is the Starrett carbide range, which includes the Advanz MC5 AND MC7 featuring carbide-tipped teeth for delivering precise cuts with high surface finish when cutting ferrous metals.
“We have a bandsaw that is suited for pretty much any metal-cutting application you can think of,” says John Cove, marketing manager at Starrett. “It’s easy to view all bandsaws as being alike, but it’s a dangerous trap to fall into. Having a machine that isn’t suited to your needs can impact efficiency, accuracy and even increase your energy bills. Similarly, having the right machine but the wrong blade
can be just as detrimental to your operation.”
For further information www.starrett.co.uk

Bi-metal saw blades introduced

Engineered to cut structural steel, tubing and bundles, large metal beams and heavy walled tubes, Lenox has introduced the HRX bi-metal bandsaw blade, an entirely new product in the company’s portfolio.

Engineered in response to increasing customer demand for cutting large structural components for commercial construction and infrastructure projects, the new Lenox HRX features a long-life blade with Lenox Power Blast technology, which is said to strengthen the blade to minimise breaks, with durable teeth for cutting large structural beams.
A further advantage is the capability to perform straight cuts through wide cross-sections. The Lenox HRX is designed to improve chip flow and reduce blade deflection for cutting efficiency, while the blade’s tooth geometry is designed to minimise edge chipping and crooked cuts. Finally, a wide kerf limits pinching in larger beams; the HRX utilises alternating set teeth, which widen the cutting channel to limit blade pinching.
“Our focus on blade durability and performance has allowed us to enhance our product offering in the bi-metal bandsaw blade market – providing greater cutting performance for our customers in these very demanding applications,” says Patrick Cowhard, senior product manager for Lenox.
The new HRX leverages the success of the Lenox Rx+ bi-metal bandsaw blade, and is designed to deliver clean cuts, efficiency and durability in large structural cutting applications. High-speed steel tooth tips combine with flexible alloy steel backing material for cost-effective performance. The HRX comes in widths from 34 to 67 mm, with extra-heavy set options available to avoid blade pinching on large material.
For further information www.lenoxtools.com

Walter buys Comara

With the acquisition of its long-standing software partner Comara GmbH, tooling expert Walter is reinforcing its decision to strive for further growth in the digital sector.

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As Walter AG president Mirko Merlo, states: “This is a key strategic step towards expanding our digital portfolio and further developing our company towards Industry 4.0.” Acquiring Comara constitutes the next logical step
in Walter’s development from product to process partner, he adds, and now to digital process partner. Comara will remain an autonomous operation with separate products and its own retail arm.
For further information www.walter-tools.com

EWF and CECIMO join efforts

The EWF and CECIMO have joined efforts to accelerate the adoption and utilisation of leading-edge additive manufacturing (AM) technologies.

This partnership will focus on the development of areas of mutual interest and close collaboration on all relevant EU projects
CECIMO and EWF will henceforth work together to support Europe’s industry through this change by finding mutually relevant opportunities and exchanging information on activities such as qualification and advocacy in AM or on AM-specific EU project proposals. The organisations will also focus on creating joint working groups that will develop relevant activities on areas of mutual interest.
For further information www.cecimo.eu

Minister sees smart factory up close

What opportunities are hiding behind Industry 4.0? Where do the current challenges lie in the international marketplace? What significance do medium sized companies have?

The Minister for Economic Affairs for Baden-Württemberg, Dr Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, shed some light on these questions among others during a seminar at gripping systems and clamping technology specialist Schunk’s premises in Lauffen, Germany. After the seminar, the minister was invited to witness the capabilities of high-tech components from Schunk at close quarters – from fully automated production up to direct collaboration between humans and robots.
For further information www.schunk.com