THE abrasive cut-off disc, commonly referred to as a chop saw, is a versatile tool used for cutting off various materials. These tools have become indispensable in both the home-and-general fabrication workshop, as well as many building sites around the world.
When paired with the correct abrasive cut-off disc, they are able to repetitively and quickly make cuts in mild and carbon steels, stainless steel, rebar, concrete, asphalt and other construction materials.
The use of oxy-acetylene torches, plasma cutters and other such devices have become more prevalent – none of which prove to be as portable as or have the ability to cut as wide a range of materials as the humble abrasive cut-off saw.
Grinding Techniques locally manufactures the Superflex range of cut-off discs to suit various application requirements. When selecting a cut-off disc, there are a number of important points to consider. Key elements include the specific material being cut, the power rating of the machine, the speed at which the machine operates and the required accuracy and neatness of the cut.
When selecting any abrasive product, safety is paramount, and abrasive cut-off discs are not exempted.
Before making any purchases on stationary cutting discs, it is critical to ensure that the product adheres to the strictest quality standards, and carry the relevant markings.
All Superflex abrasives are manufactured in accordance to OSA and ISO standards and rigorously tested to ensure compliance and safety to the highest international standards.
At the same time, it is vital that a pre-check of the product is done to ensure that it matches with the material being cut, and the machine on which it will be utilised. Most entry level chop saws are rated at 2200 to 2600 watts and duly suited to the lighter duty, thinner abrasive cut-off discs. Where applications require higher powered machines, light duty discs should be replaced with thicker, heavier duty products, as these are constructed to better suit the higher power input while operating at a safe speed.
The Superflex range carries two light duty Industrial Steel cut-off discs for use on standard chop saw machines. The 350×2.8×25.4 AS30Q Rough Side, and the 350×3.0x25.4 AS30R. These cut-off discs are designed to provide excellent rate of cut in various steel sections, while also reducing load on the machine. The specially designed fibreglass reinforcing ensures that these discs remain safe while keeping the thickness as low as possible.
For heavier duty, higher powered machines with power ratings of 3000 watts and higher, the Superflex 350×3.6×25.4 AS30P Rough Side and 350×3.5×40 AS24R are ideal. Their grain and bond structure is designed to perform optimally under these operating conditions, making them perfectly suited to cutting off of larger, thicker sections. Using them on lower powered machines incapable of maintaining speed while under load, will potentially lead to the abrasive grain rubbing, instead of engaging into and cutting the material, effectively leading to loss of disc life.
These thicker-off discs also have greater inherent stability and will therefore provide a straighter cut than their thinner counterparts. It is important to remember that excessive pressure on the machine could result in distortion of the cut-off disc, and lead to skew cuts, regardless of the thickness of the disc.
In order to select either a Rough Sided or a conventional cut-off disc, it needs to be noted that Rough Sided cut-off discs have an open sided structure with internal reinforcing, tending to have less clogging of the cutting face, providing cleaner cuts with reduced burr formation on the material and lower heat generated in the material.
Rough Sided discs are typically suggested for use on materials that clog and burr more easily, such as galvanised pipes or sections, taking note that these discs have a rougher exterior, and are not designed for excessive side loads and should never be used to grind down cut sections on the disc face.
The Superflex range also boasts the 350×4.2×25.4 A24Q Rail disc. This Heavy Duty cut-off disc is designed for use on large portable petrol cut-off saws for cutting railways and other large steel sections, only suitable for higher powered, faster machines. Updated grain technology has also seen the introduction of the 350×4.2×25.4 ZA24S Zirconia Alumina Rail disc, which greatly reduces cutting time and overall cost per cut.
The Superflex abrasive stationary range is also available for Stainless Steel and Stone / Masonry / Non-Ferrous material applications. Sizes range from 300mm up to 500mm, with various bore sizes available.
For more information: info@grindtech.com
