BANDSAW CUTS MATERIAL 2.5 METRES ACROSS

Called KASTOmaxcut, the machine is available in the UK through the German manufacturer's Milton Keynes subsidiary. The saw uses bimetal or carbide-tipped blades and is available in four versions – A 16, A 16x20, A 20 and A 25 – for cutting 1,600 x 1,600 mm up to 2,500 x 2,500 mm maximum material dimensions. Table length and longitudinal travels are four metres in the standard version, but can be extended in one-metre increments.

Of robust design and durable construction, the machine incorporates high performance elements such as ballscrew infeed drives for the two independently guided saw heads, which are fully enclosed. The band normally runs horizontally, but the saw unit can be tilted when cutting plate and other flat material, or when processing scaled stock, to prolong blade life. Band drive is effected by a play-free planet gear and belt system.

The closed portal design allows installation without the need for expensive foundations, reducing capital investment. Loading stock onto the machine and removal of cut pieces and remnants is facilitated by a material support height of only 700 mm.

Standard equipment includes hydraulic material clamping by two horizontally acting vices and a vertical vice with integral coolant supply, a recirculating coolant system, efficient chip removal via deep, V-shaped channels at the machine sides, and laser-based material height recognition to minimise non-cutting times. Easy access speeds material set-up and blade changeover.

KASTO's own BandControl system monitors the cutting process. It reduces the saw feed by 25 per cent when the maximum permissible deviation is exceeded by 75 per cent. If the value is exceeded again, the feed rate is reduced once more and the machine shuts down automatically if the maximum deviation is reached for a third time.

In addition to the gantry design with stationary table and moving saw head, an alternative version of KASTOmaxcut is available with a moving table and fixed blade. All machines can be equipped with alternative controls, clamping technology and peripheral equipment to suit the intended cutting applications.