Speed demon

Through the use of new, speed cutting technology, Kaltenbach reports that the HBM400 SC bandsaw advances cutting speeds up to seven times faster than conventional bandsaws, achieving high performance, automatic, precision straight cutting of all solid metals, up to 400mm diameter or 400mm by 400mm in section.

The new saw has evolved through continuous development and ongoing advances to the established HBM high performance bandsaw range which has been used extensively, since its UK launch in 2002, for the rapid cutting of ferrous and non ferrous metals. The HBM ALU series in particular, remains popular for the high speed cutting of aluminium, according to Kaltenbach.

The quantum leap in performance now achieved by the HBM400 SC comes from the ongoing, maximizing of performance potential offered by the technological advances in bandsaw blade construction combined with Behringer's expertise in machine technology. The resultant HBM400 SC performance, achieves cost-effective cut cycle times capable of replacing several conventional saws, while improving overall production and quality.

High output and cutting performance are the mainstays of the HBM400 SC. Comparing like for like, Kaltenbach says that conventional bandsawing machines for example will typically cut 150mm diameter, 16MnCr5 material when using a bimetal blade, at an output speed of around 80cm²/minute, taking approximately 150 seconds per cut. With a TCT (tungsten carbide tipped) blade, cutting performance is enhanced at a removal rate of 130cm²/minute. The HBM400 SC will make the same cut at 500cm²/minute in a time of 21 seconds – a significant seven fold gain.

The HBM400 SC utilises a specially developed, thinner bandsaw blade, just 1.1mm thick which reduces the cutting force per tooth. Importantly this achieves a much narrower kerf of only 1.7mm, when compared to other machines – enabling significant financial savings in waste material and its management.

A further advance through the experienced gained from the HBM includes enhancement of the Behringer servo feed, cutting pressure control system, which ensures constant blade feed, while controlling precise, optimum cutting pressure, thereby preventing blade overload. The sophisticated system optimises high speed cutting efficiency and precision, whilst maximising and prolonging blade life.

Controlled from an ergonomic, neatly integrated console, the HBM400 SC is user friendly in operation and features simple to operate CNC screened instructions. Fully enclosed and using a robust vibration free structure, the sound attenuating design achieves quiet operation, even under extreme high speed operation. Particular attention has also been given to maximizing the efficient removal of swarf, using an optimised chip clearance system. All chips are rapidly transported directly into a chip conveyor and a large capacity, easy accessible removal container, housed in the base of the machine.

A number of machine options are available to precisely match customer production requirements, including automated input gripper feed and measuring system and input/output roller way and transverse conveying options to ensure ease of material handling.

The HBM400 SC operating system can also be configured to integrate with other plant processes to provide efficient and seamless integration.

Kaltenbach
www.kaltenbach.co.uk