TPT September 2015

Cutting, sawing & prof i l ing technology

Waterjet boosts fast, precision test specimen machining

system with a cutting area that fits material stock up to 5ft by 5ft. It provides faster, more efficient cutting of test specimens than more traditional methods, and using the cold cutting process cleaner parts are produced without heat-affected zones. Samples can be cut closer to finished size than with rough-cut saws, thereby requiring less machining time. The waterjet can be set up for automated cutting to run unattended and it holds a tight tolerance of around 0.005" (depending on material thickness). Work pieces can be cut from virtually any material at significantly faster speeds than traditional machines.

anical, chemical, metallurgical and cor- rosion testing, non-destructive testing, root cause failure analysis, calibration services, dimensional inspection and test specimen machining.

LABORATORY Testing Inc is an independent testing and metrology laboratory that offers materials testing and analysis services including mech-

The Maxiem Model 1515 abrasive waterjet

Test specimens are prepared by the in-house machine shop at LTI for all mechanical testing performed at the lab. The machine shop runs two work shifts to keep up with the volume of orders needed for testing or sold directly to customers for use in their own labs. Fast turnaround and accuracy are specimen requirements. The most recent piece of equipment purchased for the machine shop is a Maxiem Model 1515 abrasive waterjet

Laboratory Testing Inc – USA Email: sales@labtesting.com Website: www.labtesting.com Band saws designed to cut deeper

have paid attention to the diameter of the band wheels; they are designed to minimise blade fatigue. However, we know blades can still break which is why we include safety focused features like breakage detection,” says Mr Munro. Of course, avoiding breakage is the better option, which is why the S4230 and S4240 feature variable-frequency drive speed controls. Coupled to a worm-drive gearbox to smoothly transfer power through 90° in the minimum amount of space, the variable-frequency drive allows accurate speed selection to cover a wide range of material types and applications. Blade speeds can be infinitely varied between 20 and 85m/min, with a digital readout making selecting the correct cutting conditions for the raw material very straightforward using Starrett 27mm wide saw blades. The system is equipped with a pressure regulator valve that allows the manual reduction of clamping force of the vice jaws. This allows tubes, profiles and thin-walled sections to be firmly held without deformation of material due the pressure applied by the vice.

controlled hydraulic blade feed. The S4230 supports productive cutting and is able to cut mitred corners on both the negative (-45°) and positive sides (60°). Fitted with a 1.5kW motor it can cut material up to 300mm diameter or 270mm square. The 2.25kW motor on the S4240 combined with a rigid structure creates a semi-automatic band saw that is suitable for intensive use and for cutting harder materials up to 300mm diameter or square. It can also cut mitred corners at angles of between -45° and 75°, making it suitable for intricate work. Both these semi-automatic band saws are equipped with features designed to make their operation as simple as possible, such as dynamometric blade tensioning. This easy-to-use feature allows the saw operator to correctly tension the saw blade without any tools. A manual handle is wound to apply tension to the band, with a graduated gauge providing accurate feedback when the correct level of tension is reached for the blade width fitted to the machine. Another feature is band saw breakage detection. A micro switch is activated if the blade accidentally breaks, and releases the tension from the blade making the saw very safe to use. “We

THE recently introduced range of band saw machines from the LS Starrett Company offers UK manufacturers a cost-effective method of cutting ferrous and non-ferrous stock raw material. Based on decades of experience designing and producing saw blades, all of Starrett’s knowledge and expertise has been applied to the design and build of the semi-automatic machines to provide class-leading material cutting performance. Suited to a wide range of industry sectors, the Starrett S4230 and S4240 semi-automatic machines feature technology that has been specifically adapted to increase the capabilities of the band sawing machines. As technical support team leader Graham Munro explains: “Within many manufacturing businesses the band saw often suffers from mistreatment, and is seen as the ‘ugly step-sister’. With this in mind we have designed and built the Starrett machines for ease of use; they are very robust with reliability levels twice the industry norm, to help stand up to any harsh treatment.” Both the S4230 and S4240 are semi-automatic band saws that feature cast iron bows for vibration damping and longevity, a minimal footprint and

LS Starrett Co Ltd – UK Email: sales@starrett.co.uk Website: www.starrett.co.uk

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S eptember 2015