CL vs. CP: The New Cutting Technology

CL stands for contact line, CP for contact point. The difference between the two can be dramatic depending on the material. Old-line band saws (CL) enter the sample at the top and continue through the sample until exiting at the bottom. The active cutting surface is a line at any point.

In CP technology the sample is automatically rotated during cutting so that only a small portion of the sample is in contact with the active cutting surface at any time, thus the term "contact point". All of EXAKT’s cutting systems are available with CP capability.

The CP advantages are:

• The cutting force is reduced
• The debris can be flushed from between diamond abrasive as it is generated and does not clog the abrasive surface
• The amount of cutting debris that is introduced to the surface of the cut is reduced
• The time required to make the cut is reduced
• The surface quality of the cut is significantly improved over that of line cutting
• Surface grinding steps may be eliminated depending on the desired surface quality
• Less force translates directly into less heat generation at the cutting surface
• Less force minimizes any distortion, disruption or other structural impact to the sample
• The life of the cutting tool is increased

Reversing Tool Feature

For fast, accurate cuts without metal distortion in applications that include rubber or polymers bonded to metal try the EXAKT 300 CP with the reversing tool feature. With EXAKT’s capability to reverse the tool direction on its band and rotary systems, the customer can reduce the "pulling" effect that "single direction" tools have on metal. The outcome is a clearer interface, greater structural integrity of the metal and faster cutting times.

Constant Feed Rate

Recognizing that some materials are so soft that even a very low constant feed force can be excessive, EXAKT provides a system with a constant feed rate mechanism to further inhibit the force at the cutting surface. The CPV option enables the researcher to further slow the rate of cutting if the force at the cutting surface becomes too great. This option is only available on the Band Systems.

Automated Serial Cuts

With the addition of the CPVS parallel motion saddle, it is possible to make serial cuts without operator intervention. This option is only available on the EXAKT 310 CPVS Band System.

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