Break in Procedure for new Bandsaw Blades
The life of a bandsaw blade can be increased significantly by following the recommended break-in procedure. A new saw blade will benefit from a short period of cutting at reduced band speed and cutting feed rate. The recommended maximum production band speed and feed rate can be selected from the chart below.
| Cutting rate in cm²/min for dimensions of | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Cutting Speed (m/min) | 25 Ø | 50 Ø | 75 Ø | 100 Ø | 150 Ø | 200 Ø |
| Construction Steel / Machining Steel | 80 - 90 | 25 - 35 | 40 - 50 | 50 - 60 | 55 - 70 | 70 - 90 | 75 - 85 |
| Case Hardened Steels / Steels for Hardening & Tempering | 45 - 75 | 20 - 25 | 25 - 35 | 30 - 40 | 35 - 50 | 40 - 60 | 40 - 50 |
| Non-Alloyed Tool Steels / Roller Bearing Steels | 40 - 60 | 20 - 25 | 25 - 35 | 30 - 35 | 30 - 40 | 40 - 50 | 40 - 50 |
| Alloyed Tool Steels / High Speed Steels | 30 - 40 | 15 - 20 | 20 - 25 | 25 - 30 | 30 - 35 | 30 - 35 | 30 - 35 |
| Stainless Steels | 20 - 35 | 10 - 15 | 15 - 20 | 15 - 20 | 15 - 20 | 15 - 20 | 15 - 20 |
| Heat Resistant Steels | 15 - 25 | 5 - 10 | 5 - 10 | 7 - 13 | 5 - 15 | 5 - 15 | 5 - 15 |
| High Temperature Alloy Steels | 15 - 25 | 5 - 10 | 5 - 10 | 7 - 13 | 5 - 15 | 5 - 15 | 5 - 15 |
The break-in rates should be set at 70% of band speed and 50% of feed. After approximately 500 cm² of cross sectional area has been sawn, the band speed should be gradually increased to maximum, followed by the feed rate. Cutting speed (band speed) depends on tensile strength, type and cross section of the material.
- For higher tensile strength you have to choose a lower cutting speed
- Smaller cross sections can be sawn with a higher cutting speed than larger cross sections
- The feed (cutting pressure) depends on the material cross section
- For larger material cross sections you need a high cutting pressure
Additional Information
It is recommended that thin pipes and profiles as well as sharp edges are sawn with low pressure and where possible with a constant feed. The following variables are also decisive for an optimal cutting result and a long service life of the bandsaw blade:
- Selection of cooling and lubrication
- Chip brush
- Saw blade tension (recommended 300 N/mm²)
Safety Instructions
All Roentgen bandsaw blades supplied in welded loops are packed under tension, great care is necessary when unpacking and preparing the blade for mounting on the sawing machine.
- Wear safety glasses
- Wear work gloves
- Wear safety boots