Most recent addition to the material cutting capabilities at Sandvik Materials Technology, Halesowen, is a pulse bandsaw.

“Not only does this improve the cutting service we are able to provide our customers, it is fast and remarkably quiet in operation,” explained Kevin Burden, Distribution Centre Manager.

There is always the requirement for cut lengths of material whether it is standard stainless steel or duplex grades so that customers can have specific lengths, ready-cut to feed their machines.  This is particularly the case for hollow bar, where the use of material such as standard stainless steel grades Sandvik Sanmac™ 304/304L, 316/316L and duplex grade Sandvik Sanmac™ SAF 2205, 316Ti (4571), can significantly help reduce component manufacturing costs.

Size requirements for hollow bar and solid bar can differ considerably across the customer base, depending on the type of machining centre, the loading systems used and type of components being manufactured.

Sandvik operates a +2 /-0 mm tolerance on cut lengths to customer specific requirements and in order to meet customer demand, operates cutting schedules across its five dedicated machines. The saws are programmable for overnight operation, which enables the company to maximise capacity and output in order to meet scheduled deliveries.

Other services provided by Sandvik include bundle cutting, marking and stamping cast numbers on the components for complete traceability. The innovative pulse-cutting concept of the new machine uses a special high powered servo motor to power the driving wheel and control the motion of the blade.

“We have always offered our customers a full range of associated services such as cutting to length, marking, full test certification and documentation,” added Kevin Burden. “Being able to supply our customers with the product they require, in the form they require and when they require it is such an important part of our service offering. The pulse bandsaw adds to this in terms of supplying cut-to-length material and means we can be more flexible.”