Inconel is a family of nickel superalloys that contain chromium and iron. They are highly resistant to corrosion, carbonization, and oxidation. Their strength comes from the stiffening effects of molybdenum and niobium on its nickel-chromium matrix. These additional elements mean Inconel has tremendous resistance to corrosive environments. While useful, these properties make shaping, machining, and cutting Inconel very difficult — even when using traditional techniques to get the job done.
Choosing a Band Saw for Cutting Inconel
Inconel is processed into smaller piecse using band saws and circular saws. Band saws are the best tool for the job if cutting Inconel is a daily task for a workshop. At first, it may seem difficult to cut Inconel, but once you have experience and knowledge of how to cut these metals, it becomes simple. To begin with, you need to know what type of band saw you’ll use. Many manufacturers, including DoAll, Velox, and Amada, offer heavy duty band saw machines designed to cut Inconel.
Choosing a Saw Blade
Once you’ve picked your band saw machine, pick your saw blade. The M71 band and carbide tipped band saw blades have the ideal properties for cleanly cutting Inconel. Furthermore, modern technology allows manufactures to modify their blades to make them suitable for cutting Inconel.
Remember the Essentials
Above all, it’s important to remember your sawing basics. It’s imperative to be familiar with the size and shape of the material you’re going to cut. That way, you can determine the correct number of teeth per inch (TPI) . Even if speed and feed rate are provided, operators need to know the correct TPI. It means they can be sure they’re not wasting material or M71 blades.
If all three of these steps are done right, than cutting Inconel becomes a walk in the park. Visit Sawblade.com for a variety of Inconel cutting saws, including band saws and circular saws.
