Dual-column sawing machines: the key for metal cutting at the highest level

ALL ABOUT METAL CUTTING AND PROCESSING

Let's discover in detail the potential of dual-column sawing machines for mechanical workshops.

After presenting the Velocex line for fast and precise cutting, we now focus on another Mep solution for mechanical workshops: our models of dual-column sawing machines.

One of the main advantages of these sawing machines is without any doubt linked to their heavy-duty and stable structure which results in higher cutting precision and vibration reduction. Together with the heavy-duty base, the two vertical columns provide a solid platform for metal cutting, thus ensuring clear and uniform cuts. Moreover, the open structure between the two columns allows to cut metals of different shapes and dimensions - larger than other types of sawing machines - thus making them versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications.

Thanks to their heavy-duty structure and advanced features, the dual-column sawing machines allow to increase the efficiency and productivity of the entire cutting process. At the same time, the high cutting speed and the feeding system reduce machine downtime and optimize workflow.

Another advantage provided by the cutting precision and operating efficiency of these sawing machines is the reduction of material waste and, consequently, operating costs. An example is the tank allowing to collect all the coolant during the cutting process.

These models are equipped with advanced safety devices, such as perimeter guards, safety interlocks, fault detection sensors and emergency stop systems, which ensure a safe working environment for operators.

Despite their complex structure, dual-column sawing machines are designed to be easy to use: thanks to an intuitive user interface and some automation functions - such as cutting programming and parameters storage - the operator is able to work more efficiently, thus reducing the margin of error. Moreover, these machines can also store cutting settings, allowing them to be reused for subsequent work thus reducing setting times between cuts.

Mep dual-column models

Mep offers several dual-column automatic band sawing machines for 0° cuts of structural, stainless and alloy steels, solids and profiles. Thanks to their various technologies, the following models are able to ensure the advantages listed above and to meet the main needs of modern mechanical workshops. Let's see in detail how they work:

Shark 230-1 NC HS 5.0	Shark 350 NC HS 5.0	Shark 350 CNC HS 4.0	Shark 660 CNC HS 4.0	Shark 460 Konnect
Saw head motion
The saw head motion is powered by a hydraulic cylinder on linear guides with preloaded ball screw slides and ensures a mechanical vibration reduction and stability during the cut. The two sawing machines are equipped with stepper motor with proportional valve and vector inverter for infinite variable blade speed from 15 to 100 m/min that allows to adjust the saw blade rotation speed according to the type of material.		Motion of the saw head powered by a brushless motor for an auto-check of all data set/recorded so as to adjust cutting parameters in real-time, counterbalancing through a hydraulic cylinder to give the machine cutting stability, and Ø 40mm ball bearings screw nut that ensures a mechanical vibration reduction during the cut. Vector inverter for infinite variable blade speed from 15 to 115 m/min in order to obtain high quality cuts and optimize blade life.	Motion of the saw head powered by two brushless motors for an auto-check of all data set/recorded so as to adjust cutting parameters in real-time, counterbalancing through a hydraulic cylinder to give the machine cutting stability, and Ø 32mm ball bearings screw nut to ensure a mechanical vibration reduction during the cut. Vector inverter for infinite variable blade speed from 15 to 200 m/min in order to obtain high quality cuts and optimize blade life.	Motion of the saw head powered by a brushless motor for an auto-check of all data set/recorded so as to adjust cutting parameters in real-time, counterbalancing through a hydraulic cylinder to give the machine cutting stability, and Ø 38mm ball bearings screw nut that ensures a mechanical vibration reduction during the cut. The sawing machine is equipped with a vector inverter for infinite variable blade speed from 15 to 200 m/min.
Adaptative saw head down feed rate
The models are equipped with adaptative saw head down feed rate allowing to adjust in real time saw head down feed rate according to the resistance encountered by the band during the cut - even in case of worn tool and without any operator intervention.		Adaptative saw head down feed rate: self-regulation in real-time of head down feed rate according to the type of material or blade wear through a servo motor on ball bearings screw drive, by adjusting it in real-time.
Material library
-	-	The material library allows the automatic setting of the blade speed and head down feed rate according to the type of material. From the extendable material library, you can choose the type and the geometry of the material, the hardness and the type of blade. Accordingly, the control sets the right blade speed and head down feed rate.
Blade deviation system
Among the options available for the three sawing machines is the blade deviation system, which is particularly suitable for those who cuts valuable material since it stops the working cycle when the blade deviates beyond the set jobs thus avoiding irregular or non-perpendicular cuts.			In the standard version, the Shark 660 CNC HS 4.0 and the Shark 460 Konnect are already equipped with the blade deviation system.
Blade tensioning
Manual blade tensioning.	Blade tensioning of the four sawing machines through an electronic transducer that allows a continuous and automatic adjustment and, consequently, ensures higher cutting precision and longer blade life.
"Operator Free" system
-	-	-	-	By means of the auto-positioning of the saw head and vices, once loaded and positioned the material in a designated area, the operator has only to start the cycle, thus dramatically reducing setting times.
Feeding system
Bar feeder through stepper motor with 600 mm single stroke repeatable to cut at any length. This means that, when programming the cutting cycles, the operator has only to set the required working length because the machine control will automatically calculate any necessary strokes if they exceed 600 mm, adding the blade thickness set.			Bar feeder through stepper motor with 760 mm single stroke repeatable to cut at any length.	Bar feeder with single stroke 600 mm (repeatable to cut at any length): the heavy-duty cast-iron portal structure, the stepper motor, the screw assembled on preloaded opposing taper bearings and the ball bearings grant an accurate and reliable positioning.
Self-aligning feeder vice
All the sawing machines are equipped with a self-aligning feeder vice assembled on a floating system allowing the feeder vice to remain always aligned to the cutting vice even in case of irregular material, thus avoiding any interference while feeding.
Pair of vertical feeder rollers
The bar feeder of all models is equipped with a pair of vertical rollers ideal to contain the material and useful especially when loading multiple bars.
Clamping system
Hydraulic clamping by means of a cutting vice. Among the options are also available the double clamping system both in the loading and unloading side of the machine and the hydraulic overhead bundling to clamp several bars in a single or multiple row.	Hydraulic clamping by means of double clamping system both in the loading and unloading side of the machine. Optional hydraulic overhead bundling to clamp several bars in a single or multiple row. Only in the case of the Shark 660 CNC HS 4.0 sawing machine, a retractable hydraulic fixed jaw can be added to the standard machine to facilitate the bar feeding.
"Saw in the box" style
Operator's safety, noise reduction and containment of the space occupied are ensured by the "saw in the box" style according to the EC regulation with safety interlocks in accordance with the UNI 14119 regulation.
Industry 4.0
In the standard version, the four models are not equipped with the Kit IoT, which can be added as an option to maximize the data collection and use them in favor of a better sawing machine cutting performance and longer blade life.				In the standard version, the Shark 460 Konnect is already equipped with the Kit IoT.

To conclude, thanks to all the above mentioned features, dual-column sawing machines are the key to facing the new challenges of metal cutting industry as they allow to mantain a high standard of quality, increase operating efficiency and reduce production costs. Therefore, if you are looking for versatile and efficient cutting solutions, dual-column sawing machines are the winning choice to remain competitive and achieve superior results!