High-Performance Band Saw for Additive Manufacturing from KASTOwin – The amc
KASTO Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG has developed an innovative sawing system for additive manufacturing: the KASTOwin amc. This high-performance automatic band saw is 
specially designed for individual offcuts of components made by additive manufacturing. With its integrated 180-degree turning device and intelligent control system, this fully enclosed machine ensures maximum productivity, efficiency, precision and safety.
Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is gaining increasing importance in a wide range of industries. By means of various automated processes it allows generation of three-dimensional objects directly from a 3D CAD data record. Liquids, pastes or powders are usually applied in multiple layers to a base plate. The technology can often open the way to considerable savings in time and money.
Sawing upside down prolongs the life of the tool
The KASTOwin amc is specially designed for separating additively manufactured components from their base plates. The machinability of the materials can vary. The band saw is equipped with a turning device that can rotate workpieces by 180 degrees. By turning the parts upside down, wear on the saw blade is significantly reduced because only small quantities of chips are drawn through the cutting channel. The result is an efficient, precise cutting process with low tool wear and reliable operation.
The base plate with additively manufactured parts is bolted to the fixture by means of a handling unit or crane. Alternatively, it can be fixed in position an optionally available quick clamping system. The machine is prepared for a suction unit so that components can be turned and sawed in automatic mode with minimum dust generation. The operator enters the thickness of the base plate via the SmartControl controller and its easy-to-use job wizard, which comes as standard. The upper section of the saw, which has a precise ball screw spindle drive, then moves to the exact height required and the saw automatically separates the parts with the required tolerance. The machine shuts off automatically when it reaches the end of the cut.
Short cutting times and long tool life
The KASTOwin amc has a standard cutting range of 400 x 400 millimetres. Other ranges are available on request. The saw has an infinitely adjustable electromechanical downfeed with servomotor and a frequency-controlled spur gear mechanism that can achieve cutting speeds of twelve to 150 metres per minute. The torsionally rigid welded structure with vibration-optimised ribbing ensures quiet operation. Users therefore benefit from short cutting times and long tool life. Cooling is provided by a minimum-quantity lubrication system with automatic monitoring.
In addition, the machine is fully enclosed for a high level of safety, cleanliness and sound insulation – a feature offered only by KASTO. At the same time, it provides easy access for material supply and removal. The safety doors can be opened for loading and unloading of the base plate. The removal flap has a window for visual inspection. The operator can open the flap or press a button to stop the sawing process and then continue it. In this way, individual components can be removed from the replaceable collection container when several are being worked on.
Fast troubleshooting by remote maintenance
The KASTOwin amc can be monitored by remote control for easy troubleshooting and optimisation of processes. Specialists in KASTO’s service centre can set up a direct link with the machine via a secure internet connection. By accessing information from the controller, they can provide effective, targeted help with operating problems and carry out fast, detailed remote diagnostics. They can also transmit programs and adjust parameters, in this way considerably reducing reaction times and downtimes.
About KASTO
KASTO Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG, based in Achern, Germany, specialises in sawing and storage technology for bar stock. The company is a global leader in the manufacture and sale of metal-cutting saws and semi-automatic and automatic storage systems for bar stock and sheet metal. It is also a leading manufacturer of automatic handling systems for metal bars, sheet metal and pre-cut parts, as well as the corresponding software. One of Europe’s oldest family-owned companies, KASTO celebrated its 170th anniversary in 2014. In the course of its successful history it has registered 160 patents, delivered more than 140,000 sawing machines to all parts of the world and installed more than 1,800 automatic storage facilities. In addition to a branch in Schalkau, Thuringia, KASTO has subsidiaries in England, France, Switzerland, Singapore and the USA. For more information, visit www.kasto.com.
