A new Amada PC430AX pulse cutting bandsaw, supplied by Birkett Cutmaster to Smiths Metal Centres in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, is helping to speed up the distribution of non-ferrous metal and special alloys to a diverse range of customers in the petrochemical, aerospace engineering and Formula 1 industries.

This is one of a number of recent orders taken by Birkett Cutmaster for these machines, which combine the latest in bandsawing technology with speed and high performance.
In terms of cutting speed, the new machine is said to be capable of performing four to eight times faster than conventional bandsaws and when sawing difficult to cut materials such as Hastelloy, Inconel and titanium, the saw provides enhanced blade life.

The PC430AX bandsaw is designed to use a 54mm carbide or bi-metal blade and ensures greater accuracy of cut through enhanced beam strength – a feature made possible by the machine’s pulse cutting action. The saw blade is driven by an AC inverter controlled geared motor via a screw ball, which maintains correct torque levels at all speeds and ensures optimum cutting conditions.

“In addition to being extremely fast and quiet in operation, the new machine is very user friendly,” says general manager, Steve Durham. “The PC430’s Windows-based control system enables our operator to preset the type, dimension and tolerance required of the material to be cut and automatically adjusts the speed and feed. The touchscreen also provides operational data at all stages of the cutting cycle, providing in process confidence.”

He continues: “The simplicity and ease of control is also proving to be beneficial to the flexibility of our workforce, allowing us to switch between different operators, as and when required. Should a problem occur during the cutting cycle, the machine automatically re-adjusts itself, but if our operator is unable to make necessary re-adjustments, the machine stops – thus avoiding the scrapping of valuable materials.”

An auto trim feature positions the first piece to be cut, by using the front vice as a gauge, whilst the rear vice incorporates an integrated gauge plate for cutting remnants. The front and rear vices separate at the end of the cutting cycle to prevent any drag back onto the material – thus helping to preserve blade life.

The pulsed operation of the incision (thrust force) made by the PCSAW is achieved by controlling the motion of the blade’s tooth tips. Conventional bandsaw tooth tips move downwards towards the material in the direction of the incision, whilst the pulse cutting machine’s blade tips instantaneously move away from the material and then move rapidly down again – repeating these movements whilst making the incision. Cutting resistance, chatter oscillations and noise levels are reduced to a minimum – even when cutting large diameter hard steel.

Birkett Cutmaster
www.birkett-cutmaster.co.uk