Tag Archives: metals
Water-Repellent Metal
Rust-prone metal may soon be a thing of the past thanks to two University of Rochester scientists. Through their use of powerful laser beams, the surface of metal will now last longer as well as having the material become more practical in a broader range of purpose. The process is detailed in the Journal of Applied Physics, but what it does is change the surface of metals by repeatedly subjecting the surface to bursts of lasers. Water cannot adhere to or saturate metal surfaces when treated to this process. “Some potential applications for anti-icing surfaces include protection of aerofoils, power transmission lines, pipes of air …
Rockwell Hardness Scale
Hardness is a materials characteristic and not a fundamental physical property. Knowing the hardness of any metal or alloy is important since hardness value is in correlation to other properties such as materials size and thickness. The Rockwell hardness test is a measurement based on the net increase in depth of impression as a load is applied. Hardness numbers have no units and are commonly given in the R, L, M, E, and K scales. The higher the number in each of the scales means the harder the material. The Rockwell hardness test worldwide adoption likely resulted from the test …
Diamond-Tipped Bandsaw Blades
A diamond-tipped bandsaw blade has diamond grit on the tip of each tooth. the dust offers added durability and a faster cut on harder materials like agates, opals, stone, and any absolute abrasive materials. Diamond-tipped blades are composed of two basic elements: circular sheet steel and the diamond-impregnated dust. The latter has three different forms: continuous, castellated, and segmented. Diamond-tipped bandsaw blades remain the tool of choice for most machining processes. The diamond dust teeth are coated by electroplating, a process in which an electrical current deposits the coating onto the blade, producing a hard, brittle Ni (Nickel) matrix. The matrix keeps the diamond …
Bandsaw Machine Choice
Choosing the right bandsaw machine depends on the types of materials to be or that are always being cut. Knowing the proper maintenance and handling procedures helps, too. Understanding the unique aspects of a horizontal versus a vertical bandsaw is vital as well. Vertical and horizontal bandsaws are different species of bandsaw machine yet both are used to work metals and wood in order to achieve a variety of end results. The horizontal bandsaw is typically used to cut large work pieces: possessing the ability and capacity for this type of work, and in a larger model, automatically, with the use of a computerized console. Horizontal models are …
Tool Steels
Tool steels are composed of a wide selection of materials considered as high-quality steel. Tool steels are made specifically for the production of tools and tooling components. It can also be used in manual and mechanical work. Since it is made of various materials, tool steels are durable and perform better compared to other types of steel. Its alloy and carbon steel components make its hardness a distinction. In addition, tool steels have the ability to resist abrasion and deformation even at high temperatures. Heat-treating is required for the development of properties or characteristics common in tool steels. A process that allows for a change in mechanical properties without changing the shape. …
Cutting Stainless Steel
When cutting stainless steel, choosing the right saw blade as well as the appropriate speed and feed rates are vital in order for the bandsaw operator to achieve positive output. Stainless steel is a medium range steel and is also known as Inox steel. This low carbon steel alloy contains a minimum of 10% chromium by weight. The increased chromium content and the addition of molybdenum, nickel, and nitrogen work together to enhance the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. When cutting Stainless steel, it is recommended that either a Carbon or bi-metal saw blade be installed. Carbon saw blades are an economical …
Prolonging Bandsaw Blade Life
Prolonging bandsaw blade life is an obvious topic of discussion, but there are ways to avoid such occurrences as weld breakage, premature blade dulling, and blade bounce from cropping up to affect work production, output, and cost. When such instances occur, a few questions to ask include: was the blade tension set properly, was the correct blade used for the size and type of material being cut, and/or, was the proper break-in procedure followed prior to cutting? The blame may lean toward low blade quality, but more often it is due to improper use. Before operating a machine, it is …
Bandsaw Blades and Tension
Bandsaw blades and tension; tension required in order to consistently produce a more accurate and straight cut, especially when machining dense or thick materials. Each saw blade for each specific job will require its own form of tensioning. For example, a carbon blade requires a tension of around 15,000 – 20,000 psi. Bi-metal blades require a higher tension. Why do bandsaw blades require so much tension? Proper blade tension allows for greater beam strength, and all bandsaw blades — regardless of their width — require the same amount of tension for maximum beam strength. The tighter the blade is stretched, …
How to Determine Bandsaw Blade Size
When trying to figure out how to determine bandsaw blade size, it is important to know the job that will be performed using that particular saw blade. Things like material, amount, and cut. To help determine the proper bandsaw blade size for a particular machine, follow this formula: For two-wheel bandsaws Adjust the wheels to their correct position (about the middle of the adjustment range) make sure the wheels are not adjusted to the extreme Allow for take-up to tension the band and for possible future blade re-welding. The middle of the adjustment range is best Band length = (R1 x …
Metallurgy and Bandsaw Blades
The study of metallurgy and its impact on bandsaw blades is invaluable knowledge for any machine or woodworking shop employee and key to proper application in any cutting process. To better understand the need-of-use for the different types of saw blades and their effect on different types of materials, a better understanding of the terminology and application becomes more clear. Metallurgy is the study of physical and chemical behavior of metallic elements, their inter-metallic compounds, and their mixtures, which are called alloys. Another way of describing it is the way in which science is applied to the production of metals and the engineering of metal …
