Looking for a Metal Cutting Bandsaw?

Here are the basics of what to look for.

It’s accepted that within the General Manufacturing industry there will come a point when you will need some sort of metal cutting machinery whether that be a circular saw, vertical band saw or horizontal band saw.

The variety of saws available on the market today are vast and finding the exact one that meets your needs can be difficult, so we’ve put together this article on band saws to help you in your selection. A guide on circular saws will follow at a later date.

Why do you need a Bandsaw

Well, if you are cutting high quantities or large stock size of metal, then both speed and accuracy is paramount, and these two reasons alone are well worth the investment. Of course, it goes without saying that if you work within a fabrication environment then investing in a reliable industrial saw is crucial to the profit of your business going forward.

Horizontal or Vertical band saws?

Horizontal band saw machines are invaluable for accuracy, ease and speed when cutting stock material but can take up a much larger footprint than a vertical band saw. It all depends on what you are wanting the machine to do. For curved or intricate work then a vertical option should be your choice whereas a horizontal saw is ideal for cutting large amounts of stock material.

Prices vary greatly between band saws depending on specification and what you are expecting the machine to achieve for you. It might be wise to consider asking yourself why you need a band saw and listing the pro’s and cons of the options available, making note of the following:

·         Volume of Work – this will determine the need for a band saw. If you are intending to cut small amounts, is there a need to dig deep and buy one? If, on the other hand volumes are high or material is difficult to cut then the next questions to consider is. ‘what brand, which model and what capacity?

·         Budget – will determine specification, i.e. how large and powerful a machine you will be able to purchase and whether it will be second hand or brand new. It’s always good to factor in consumable costs such as blades, lubricant and servicing/repair costs and possible downtime.

·         Workshop Space – always a significant factor to consider – where am I going to put it and will it fit in the space? It might be an idea to consider purchasing the largest machine you can to fit within the space as there might be a time when you will need to cut something bigger.

·         Size of the Job – Anticipate the biggest size of job and then add some more capacity. You never know if there will come a time when the extra capacity will come in handy.

·         Type of Work – will determine your need for either a horizontal or vertical. Horizontal if you are cutting stock material straight, horizontal mitre saws can cut at angles and vertical band saws are used for curved or intricate work generally.

·         Ease of Use – Manual machines tend to require the operator to be on hand at all times to oversee operations, whereas automatic machines with hydraulic down feeds and cut-off switches enable the operator to get on with other tasks before coming back to the band saw. Then you have industry 4.0 enabled machinery – controllable from internet connected devices.

Key Features to Look For

Depending on what you want the machine to achieve for you and what size and spec you’re after will determine some of the features you need to look out for:

·         Rigid Construction – Solid steel and cast-iron construction are very important factors in which type of machine you choose. Why? Because how heavy and rigid the machine determines how accurate it will be when cutting. Weight and size give the machine vibration dampening qualities that aid in the accuracy of the cut.

·         Variable Speed – variable speed options are always preferable over belt driven 3-4 speed types and will give you a greater flexibility when cutting various materials. In addition you will have the overall benefit of your blades lasting much longer.

·         Mitre / Dual Mitre Cutting – This feature is what makes band saws stand out from your powered hacksaws. Within the fabrication industry there can be times when extensive angle cutting is needed so having a band saw that can mitre cut is essential. Having a Dual Mitre option on your band saw is even more advantageous as cuts on non-symmetrical materials can easily be made.

Desirable But Not Essential Features to Consider

·         Swivel Head or Swivel Vice – If you are looking for accuracy in your cuts then choosing a machine with a swivel head is a much better option than one with a swivel vice

·         Coolant System – It’s always best to consider a machine with this option as it does prove to be vital in prolonging the life of your blade. However if you have a smaller machine it’s always advisable to have coolant to spray on the job every so often.

·         Hydraulic Down feed – A consistent blade pressure is maintained during the automatic functioning of the machine when this feature is included – greatly preferred over the basic spring systems found on smaller machines.

Blades & Consumables

Blades - Making the right decision as to what band saw machine to purchase is important but so too is your choice of blades – a factor that sometimes is overlooked. Most stock metal cutting blades will come with a standard tooth count (6, 10, 14 tpi) These blades will perform adequately but it’s best to purchase variable pitch teeth blades (6-10tpi / 10-14tpi) which allow the blade to cut through almost any material reducing the heat build-up whilst doing so

Roller Tables – When cutting stock material, a roller table provides a stable structure that supports the weight of the material whilst it’s being fed into the machine.

Coolant – If your machine doesn’t have a coolant system fitted its always advisable to ensure that you spray coolant onto the material to aid in the cutting process and avoid heat build-up allowing for a more accurate cut and to preserve the life of your blade.

Conclusion 

Many things need to be considered when making a band saw purchase but once you have considered all the options available to you, you will end up with a machine that will perform accurately time and time again (with the correct maintenance).

Brands To Consider

Here at Addison Saws we have a large selection of world renowned band saws both vertical and horizontal covering a huge range of applications including IMET, KESMAK, ADDISON JUBILEE and EVERISING. Whatever your application we have a band saw to fit.

Blades & Consumables

In addition we have a large selection of blades and lubricants that will ensure your band saw will perform at its best.

https://addisonsaws.co.uk/sawblades-and-lubricants

Advice & Support

We have dedicated sales and support staff ready to advise on which machine is right for you, so please contact us on 01384 264 950 with your questions.

To view the full range of machinery we have to offer, visit www.addisonsaws.co.uk.

The long awaited Addison corporate brochure is now available for online viewing on issuu! Also available are both the Dynashape corporate brochure for re-sharpening and blade optimisation, as well as the Addison consumables brochure ideal for both end users and our extensive dealer network.

As useful as the internet is, when you have a vast product range to offer, websites can sometimes be a little overwhelming. Physical brochures are coming back into focus due to the fact that they are easy to use and can be kept for reference. The Addison brochure is a condensed overview of our extensive product range, where you can find products of interest on our website - almost a map if you will for when potential customers are interested in adding to their production or workshop facilities. Covering a whole host of metal sawing machinery from steel cutting band saws, industrial saws, multi-axis CNC machining centres for aluminium and PVC applications right through to CSM tube bending machinery from our recent merge with Tubefab Ltd

If you're interested in switching your blade sharpening service provider, we recommend taking a peek at the Dynashape brochure where you will find information on metal, plastic and wood cutting saw blades as well as the technology and processes we use to produce as-new results on blunt blades. We also cover the tooling options we provide, new, bespoke and tool repair.

Finally, we roll out the Dynashape continuous supply cycle service; designed to streamline production processes from both a tooling point and blade supply view, ensuring you always have the optimum blades and tools for your job, when you need them - a continuous flow of new and re-manufactured blades saving you money year on year

Find the online versions here:

Addison Saws Corporate Brochure: http://bit.ly/Addisonbrochure

Dynashape Re-Sharpening Brochure: http://bit.ly/DynashapeBrochure

Addison Blades and Consumables Brochure: http://bit.ly/blades_consumables

We know that the brochures *sometimes* end up as emergency mouse/lunch/writing mats until of further use, and we're ok with that. If you would like one then drop us an email here.

www.addisonsaws.co.uk
www.Dyanshape.co.uk

Tube Bending Machinery - MANDREL vs NON-MANDREL. Which is best for your business?

MANDREL OR NON-MANDREL BENDING MACHINERY - WHAT DO YOU NEED?

We pride ourselves on the metal fabrication knowledge held here at Addison Saws. It's the result of over 60 successful years in the metal cutting industry. With this in mind, we would like to explore the basics when it comes to the two main types of tube bending machines available. In particular, we'll be looking at the differences between mandrel and non-mandrel machines. 

DIFFERENCES

· Mandrel / Non-Mandrel

· Size & manoeuvrability

· Bend Capacity & Capabilities

· Cost Implications

Mandrel / Non-Mandrel:

Mandrel – the first obvious difference between the two is the mandrel element. A mandrel consists of 2 parts, the mandrel rod and the mandrel attachment with both fitting together to create a supportive device. This rod supports the material and the attachment protects the tube from the inside. For tight bend radii or thinner materials, such as in 1D bending, this support is a must. Without the mandrel element, the stress of the bend would cause the tube wall to collapse or deform. Mandrel machine use results in a visually pleasing finish, by eliminating deformations, a crucial element to some industries.

CSM 38 TMRE

Non-Mandrel – Machines without the supporting rod. They are compact and more versatile in smaller workshop spaces. 

This doesn’t mean that they are inferior to the mandrel machinery, they can be as equally efficient. It does all depend on what applications you are using the machine for. For example, where bends aren’t tight or complex a non-mandrel machine can produce an equal result. It's important to note evidence of some brands giving results incredibly close to a mandrel machine. 

Mackma BM76

Size & Manoeuvrability:

Size is always important when thinking about workshop or factory space. Mandrel machines can be large pieces of equipment, the largest machine in our showroom, the CSM 80 TSR-RBH CNC, measures 18ft. Such models need equipment like cranes to move them around the factory when required.

Non-mandrel machinery can be very compact and versatile when space is an issue. The lack of a mandrel rod calls for robust bases and tooling, often much smaller in size. These bases can be easily positioned with the help of a simple pump truck or forklift. Smaller models can even be table mounted.

In conclusion, consider the floor space needed if you are bending long lengths, including the space for loading systems if bending in bulk.If you are short on space but bending smaller pieces of material, non-mandrel machinery is better suited. It all depends on what you are bending, the material you are using, the finish you need, and the space you have available.

Bend Capacity & Capabilities:

Each machine model will have different capacities and capabilities. The diameter of tube each bender deals with is usually included within the machine model. i.e. BM-34 (indicating this machine has a capacity of up to 34mm) use this as a guide for selecting your machine based on material. 

Mandrel machines were designed to achieve complex or tight diameter bends that need a high quality finish. They're generally CNC programmable, and can work through material stock automatically if there's a loading system. Without the automatic system, loading is a manual process.

Non-mandrel machines are either manual or semi-automatic and used for small batch runs. Recent developments have resulted in certain brands, such as MACKMA, replicating finish quality of mandrel machinery. As the loading process is manual on non-mandrel machines a trained operator needs to be present for moving material between bends.

Pick your manufacturer wisely. Some might tell you that tooling isn’t interchangeable between brands, tying you into a particular brand. Look for companies who have adapted their machines to use other tooling brands – this way you can source the most cost-effective tooling from a number of companies.

Cost Implications:

If you’ve read through the points above, you’ll have a good idea of what comes next. Mandrel machines are the more expensive of the two options. The build involves more components, and they are technologically sound as well as having extensive software packages. 

undoubtedly offer superior results together with high volume output. They also cost more in terms of maintenance.

The non-mandrel machines and tooling aspect do come in at a much lower price. and require much less space so if you have a smaller workshop these would definitely be the best choice for you.

Of course we do supply both mandrel and non-mandrel machinery here at Addison Saws together with PBT bending machines, which have added functionality in that they can work with aluminium extrusions, and the manufacturer specialise in difficult applications. 

Our manufacturers – CSM (mandrel) and MACKMA (non-mandrel) are both globally renowned and have been proven in production in terms of quality and reliability time and time again. We generally have all three brands available here at our showroom in Lye, Stourbridge so if you require a demonstration, please do get in touch.

Alternatively we do have technical service personnel out and about all over the UK, if you would like to arrange a visit from them to discuss the machinery and the benefits to your production in more detail, again please get in touch. 01384 264950

ADDISON EXPAND THEIR OFFERING WITH 2 NEW BRANDS

The first half of 2017 saw Addisons increase their offering to include dedicated workshop machinery, bringing on board brands such as Kingsland and Mackma, and machines to cover drilling, bending, punching, pressing and cutting.

Now that the second half of the year is well under way, Addison’s primary focus is to expand their core product range covering steel  / aluminium and PVC cutting machinery and after looking at various options and analysing quality and cost options, Addison is very pleased to be able to welcome two new brands to the fold.

Kesmak

From their state of the art factory based in Turkey, Kesmak have been manufacturing bandsaw machines since 1995 and their range is able to easily deal with various applications. Their ethos of bringing superb precision and accuracy to the build quality of their machines has resulted in an excellent reputation that has extended far into Europe. Quality and value for money lie at the heart of everything they do and because of this Addison is proud to be able to offer this range to their customer base.

OZ Machinery

After visiting their 16,000m2 manufacturing plant in Istanbul it soon became obvious to both the MD and Sales Director of Addison that OZ Machinery was a company completely dedicated to offering only the very best quality led machines at very cost-effective prices and short lead times – well placed it seems to contend with the major players in the industry.

Bringing over 37 years of industry knowledge and experience to the market, OZ is now a leading manufacturer offering over 60 machines to the processing of aluminium and PVC profiles as well as additional ranges suitable for iron and steel profiles.

The company is a fully integrated, technology led facility, manufacturing all components in-house and well able to offer custom solutions quickly and efficiently.

"Our partnership with this brand will only develop and expand, says Gary Knight, MD, as we are committed to only offering products to our clients that we ourselves have vetted and approved of. We are excited to be able to offer bespoke solutions to an ever growing market place and look forward to a long and continued relationship"

COMING SOON - EVERISING EP-330S

The Everising EP330 is a premium automatic band saw with some of the best specs on the market in relation to similar machines with the same capacity. This high end band saw is ideal for anyone involved in cutting tough, exotic alloy metals up to 330mm, therefore the machine would be an excellent addition for steel stock holders, some fabricators and any other organisation involved in this sort of practice.

One of the characteristics of the EP330 that makes it such a desirable machine is its ability to provide an excellent level of output relative to its size, making it the go- to machine for those who require high quality output but have limited floor space. The band saw is also one of the most powerful 330mm capacity machines on the market today with a blade motor strength of 15kw and a saw head feed of 3.5kw underlining its position at the top end of the band saw market. The strong motor allows the EP330 the widest range of blade speeds, going from 15m/min to 275m/min, giving the users more versatility when coming up with operational solutions. Despite being a top of the range machine, the EP330 provides many economic advantages over the long term too, such as a shorter blade length design to reduce tooling costs and a self-adjusting coolant supply unit that cools blades for high performance cutting over short cycle times.

But can you trust the brand? At Addison’s we pride ourselves on supplying machines that are proven in production and Everising have over 30 years of experience in providing just that. The brand itself has been awarded a number of recognised certifications such as a “Certificate of CE conformity” and “ISO 9001 Quality Assurance System” awards. It doesn’t end there either with Everising because even as recently as 2015, both the P-230 circular saw and E-530 band saw were awarded the Taiwan excellence award and the Taiwan Machine Tools Industry Award respectively.

Enquire today on 01384 264 950 for more information on how this machine or any others from our product range can improve your company’s efficiency and our experienced sales engineers can help you find your perfect machinery fit. Alternatively, please visit our contact us page for other ways to get in touch at http://www.addisonsaws.co.uk/contact

Brand Focus Week 2

Tronzadoras MG

 Welcome to week 2 of our brand focus series! 

This week we are looking at the Spanish Aluminium saw manufacturer Tronzadoras MG, a company that has been in saw manufacturing since 1972 and now operate out of a 10,500m² factory.

Addison Saws Ltd have been exclusive UK agents of their products for 10 years now, supplying hundreds of their strong and reliable machines to manufacturers within a vast range of industries, including many with unusual or ground-breaking applications.

Tronzadoras have recently reported sales of over 180,000 units worldwide, mainly through their network of distributors. The popularity of their machinery can, in large, be attributed to their understanding of the industries the machines go into. Another leading factor in their popularity is the customer lead innovation found within their product portfolio. The most notable example in recent years is the Autopos system, which allows users to download their cutting data sheet(s) in Excel csv format onto a usb drive for direct input to the machine. See the autopos system here.

USB Autopos system

Another recent release adds the TR-12 drilling and tapping unit to a selection of their CNC rising blade saws, which allows for two extra functions which would otherwise be completed on a separate machine, saving time and the expense of additional machinery and operators. Innovations like the TR-12 unit are what have contributed to this company achieving global supplier status.


Addison Saws stock the aluminium cutting range of Tronzadoras machinery as we believe that they are some of the best available in the UK within the aluminium saw sector.

You can check out Tronzadoras MG for yourself here.

Thank you for reading week 2! If you would like to know more about any of the manufacturers mentioned in our blog series, please feel free to contact us on 01384 264 950 or through our website, www.addisonsaws.co.uk/contact-us

Week 1 - Everising

Welcome to week one of our brand focus series. We will be exploring each of our manufacturers in the coming weeks, who they are, why we chose to become dealers of their products and more importantly, why we think their machines can help companies within our industry become more efficient and productive than ever before.

Background

A Taiwanese company, Everising machine co started producing bandsaws and circular sawing machinery in 1982 and after seeing the potential within their machinery and seeing their focus on customer driven development, Addison Saws and Everising started their journey in supplying UK market with their machinery. 

Since then, Everising has been a front runner in machine innovation and development, creating some truly amazing machines for a whole host of markets within the steel and aluminium sectors and their CE certified machinery can be found in 60 countries world wide. 

Everising Head Office

Recently a West Midlands based precision engineering company, Parker Precision, chose to replace their old saw with an Everising S-250 HB-NC  bandsaw (as shown below) and saw efficiency grow by 60%. You can read about the benefits brought to Parker Precision here. 

Everising S250 HB NC Automatic bandsaw

Similar benefits are reported by a great deal of our customers using Everising machinery, increase in cutting speed, less waste, less downtime on machines bought from new (service plans are available on second hand machinery, as well as new saws) 


If Everising sounds like a brand that might be a good addition to your workshop or factory, or you simply want to know more about these bandsaws and billet saws, you can see our entire range here, or call us on 01384 264 950 and ask to speak to the machinery department.