RS Machinery Group

The ultimate metal sawing blades guide

We have previously talked about the key aspects of planning and organisation when bringing your sawing automation operations in-house. One of them was investing in sawing blades that work best for the workpiece at hand, to create a better end product and have an extended consumable life. 

That’s why in this article we are solely focusing on the most crucial part of a bandsaw; the blade.

Sawing blades basics

In our previous articles, we talked a little about the importance of blade types in metal sawing machines. We have also mentioned how different blades of metal sawing machines help to achieve different end results, based on the advantages they have from their build. Before we go on, here are some useful terms that will help you understand blades better and help you make the right decision.


The back

Blades have sharp, toothed edges that can cut the material. The part of the blade design that doesn’t include the teeth is the blade’s back.


Blade Thickness

You can find the blade’s thickness by measuring the blade from side to side.


Width

You can find the blade’s width by measuring it from the tip of the tooth to the back of the band.


Gullet

When you look at saw blades, you see that the teeth are not straight, but they create a symmetrical, continuous curve. This curved area at the tooth’s base, where it starts forming out from the blade’s back, is a gullet.


Tooth Pitch

The distance between the tip of one tooth and the tip of the next.


TPI (Teeth per inch)

The number of teeth per inch is measured from gullet to gullet. If you are looking for maximum cutting efficiency and a low cost per cut, it is important to select a blade with the right number of teeth per inch (TPI) according to the material you are cutting. If your plant works with a wide range of materials, make an assessment to see which materials you mostly work on in your plant. Those have the highest priority when making your decision

Sawing blade guide for CNC - RS Machinery
Manufacturing a GoldCut blade

Blade Types

We can distinguish blade types from their build or consistency. Metal sawing machines use discs or toothed blades to cut and form material. In general, we have abrasive disc blades and carbide blades.

 

Abrasive Blades

These are high friction blades from abrasive material, which makes them produce a lot of sparks. The high level of friction leaves workpieces with a heat build-up afterwards.

This factor is also what makes these blades not suitable for soft materials like aluminium. The coating of the blade has high durability against wearing, making it a long-term investment. Its build is light and low cost in comparison with other options.

However, abrasive blades have a slow cutting pace and can leave little burrs in the material.

 

Cold Sawing Blades

Different from abrasive blades, cold saw blades do not have high friction. Therefore, they do not create heat while working on the material and do not create sparks in the process.

Cold saw blades can also cut the material faster than abrasives. The biggest benefit of these blades besides speed is that they are durable and create clean and accurate results.

They are burr-free, spark-free and heat-free, however, they are more heavyweight than abrasive blades and relatively more expensive.

Sawing blade guide for CNC - RS Machinery
Sawing blades have sharp, toothed edges that can cut the material.

Blade Material

When researching metal sawing machine blade types, make sure to spend time looking at the material these blades are made of. Their specs can give you a great prediction of how a certain machine will perform when put into work. Blades are made of one material and some from a combination of two materials. The most widely used materials are:

  • carbide
  • steel alloy
  • carbon steel
  • stainless steel
  • bi-metallic
  • electroplated diamond (for specific uses)

According to the material and the pressure force the machine has, you can understand whether it can be used for cutting:

  • soft or hard metals
  • thin pieces only or high thickness workpieces too
  • ferrous or non-ferrous metals (or both)

The technological advancements in the manufacturing world today have generated new and improved versions of metal cutting saws, that incorporate modern and effective blades with sensible manufacturing costs.

 

Blade Speed

Another factor to take into consideration when researching saw blades is their speed.

A blade’s speed is measured with rotation per minute (RPM).

Every machine has an RPM estimate that should be respected. A common mistake in the manufacturing world is not considering the RPM of a machine and using it for materials that the machine can’t handle.

Another troublesome situation is not aligning the blade’s RPM rating in order to fall within the saw’s rating. You can invest in a powerful blade but if the machine is not fit for it, you will still not achieve the speed or the efficiency you’re aiming for.

Sawing blade guide for CNC - RS Machinery
Sterling bandsaw working with a custom blade.

Blade Size

Blade sizes range from 15-30 cm but can go higher. Always choose the blade’s size depending on the size and thickness of the metal you’re going to work on. Getting the right size for your blade will help you to improve quality and efficiency. Make sure to pick different sizes that will help you to form various workpiece sizes, depending on the nature and versatility of your work.

 

How we can help

Our manufacturing brand, GoldCut, provides saw blades, coolants and oils needed for all of our Sterling bandsaws. To learn more about the brand’s range of products and what it can provide for you, read our other article, dedicated to GoldCut.

For more information or to get a one-on-one consultation, please contact our technical sales team. Our experts will help you with everything you need to know before starting your machine journey.

Latest News

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?


Search by product category, brand, or full name of the machine:

This will close in 0 seconds

Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form

Fill out the form so our team can get in touch about a date for a demonstration

Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form
Fill the form for your one-to-one demo