TPT May 2007

41 / 164

Technology Update
39 May/June 2007
441 45"*/-&44 45&&- (.#) */5&3.&5"- -5% ),½ .&5"- (3061
%6*4#63( (&3."/: *45"/#6- 563,&: 4)"/()"* $)*/"
1)0/& 1)0/& 1)0/&
'"9 '"9 '"9
8&# XXX TTQTUFFM DPN 8&# XXX JOUFSNFUBM PSH & ."*- JOGP!ILÚHSPVQ DPN
& ."*- JOGP!TTQTUFFM DPN & ."*- JOGP!JOUFSNFUBM PSH
SSPSTAINLESS STEEL GMBH
441 "/% Œ/5&3.&5"- "3&
.&.#&3 0' i ),½ .&5"- (3061i
Elmsteel, UK, part of the voestalpine
Rotec Group, produces 1.5 to 2 million-
plus components each week, the majority
of which are made from mild steel tube of
varying sizes and dimensions. The company
also processes around 1,000 to 1,500 tons
of steel bar per annum.
The company have reported great success
from using an Adige CM601 CNC precision
saw cutting with carbide blade. The CM601
was supplied by BLM Group UK Ltd and
installed in March 2006.
“We have been able to pass on the cost
benefits to our customers, especially since
the new saw has far exceeded what even
BLM said it would achieve in terms of
shorter cycle times and increased output,”
said Mr Baker, operations manager of
Elmsteel, “A further bonus is that cut length
tolerances can be ±0.05mm or better.”
The 9.2kW cutting head of the CM601
provides cutting speeds from 60 to
140m/min and powers a cutting capacity
up to 102mm diameter or 90mm x 90mm
square. An advanced loading system
ensures that bar is never in ‘free fall’ and is
deposited in the cutting zone without noise
or impact and other surface damage.
All the working parameters of the CM601
are set automatically and managed by the
CNC, without reliance on operator expertise.
With virtually all the setting adjustments
also managed by the CNC, a full change-
over from one job to another typically takes
less than two minutes.
Elmsteel, which specialises in tube
manipulation, tube laser cutting, tube end
forming, pressing and piercing, operates 24
hours a day, five days a week, and produces
components for a variety of automotive
applications, from steering systems and
chassis sub-frames to engine components,
seats and vibration control.
BLM Group UK Ltd – UK
Fax: +44 1525 402 312
Email:
Website:
voestalpine Elmsteel – UK
Fax: +44 1455 620 320
Email:
Website:
Carbide-tipped saw
cuts cycle times in half
fi The BLM Adige CM601 CNC precision saw has
halved cycle times at Elmsteel
› The carbide-tipped saw blade of the CM601 is
ideal for steel bar stock