TPT May 2007

Technology Update

Carbide-tipped saw cuts cycle times in half

Elmsteel, UK, part of the voestalpine Rotec Group, produces 1.5 to 2 million- plus components each week, the majority of which are made from mild steel tube of varying sizes and dimensions. The company also processes around 1,000 to 1,500 tons of steel bar per annum. The company have reported great success from using an Adige CM601 CNC precision saw cutting with carbide blade. The CM601 was supplied by BLM Group UK Ltd and installed in March 2006. “ We have been able to pass on the cost benefits to our customers, especially since fi The BLM Adige CM601 CNC precision saw has halved cycle times at Elmsteel

the new saw has far exceeded what even BLM said it would achieve in terms of shorter cycle times and increased output, ” said Mr Baker, operations manager of Elmsteel, “ A further bonus is that cut length tolerances can be ±0.05mm or better. ” The 9.2kW cutting head of the CM601 provides cutting speeds from 60 to 140m/min and powers a cutting capacity up to 102mm diameter or 90mm x 90mm square. An advanced loading system ensures that bar is never in ‘free fall’ and is deposited in the cutting zone without noise or impact and other surface damage. All the working parameters of the CM601 are set automatically and managed by the CNC, without reliance on operator expertise. With virtually all the setting adjustments also managed by the CNC, a full change- over from one job to another typically takes less than two minutes. Elmsteel, which specialises in tube manipulation, tube laser cutting, tube end forming, pressing and piercing, operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, and produces

components for a variety of automotive applications, from steering systems and chassis sub-frames to engine components, seats and vibration control. › The carbide-tipped saw blade of the CM601 is ideal for steel bar stock

BLM Group UK Ltd – UK Fax : +44 1525 402 312

Email : sales@blmgroup.uk.com Website : www.blmgroup.uk.com voestalpine Elmsteel – UK Fax : +44 1455 620 320 Email : sales@elmsteel.co.uk Website : www.elmsteel.co.uk

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