Mechanical properties of sheet composites need to be evaluated and to this end test coupons need to be cut from sheet for the different tensile tests. Thus the requirement for a cutting machine with a travelling head evolved to cut larger composite sheets into strips. Since the mechanical test results depend on having parallel test strips with smooth sides, the accuracy and quality of cut pieces using the travelling Plate Saw is important. The choice of diamond cutting blade is equally important for optimum results.

This is the background to the Benetec 5000 series Composite Plate Saws. Recently the cutting machine has been upgraded with a newly designed fence and control system. The plate saw is now produced in 2 versions – the model 5040 for cutting composite sheets up to 660mm/2ft in length, using 40mm diameter linear bars – and the extended model 5060 which will section sheets as long as 1.25m/4ft and has 60mm diameter linear bars.

Main frame with slatted work table, compartment for paper band coolant filter unit.
Cutting head with variable speed traverse
Precision Fence mechanism
Control pod

The main frame construction has a flat stainless steel slatted worktable with stainless drip tray immediately below it. A small insert table is located at one end of the worktable so the small pieces of material can be handled more easily. The width of the table is made to accommodate the width of sheet being sectioned

Pneumatic Sheet Clamps

For accurate sectioning the composite sheet need to be firmly clamped during cutting. For this purpose pneumatic clamps are fitted to the worktable the entire length of the cutting head traverse. The clamping surfaces are rubberised for improved clamping of long sheets

Cutting Head Traverse

With the 5000 series plate saws the cutting head moves accurately along linear bars so that the. The alignment of the cutting wheel to the material fence and wheel slot is crucial for accurate parallel sections. For the standard model 5040 (sectioning up to 660mm/2ft lengths) 40mm linear bars are fitted whilst the longer length model 5060 (sectioning up to 1.25m/4ft lengths) has 60mm linear bars for stability. The cutting head is powered by a 2.2KW /3HP motor. It can be manually raised or lowered to take account of thickness and depth of cut. The material is clamped to the work table with pneumatic clamps on both sides. Coolant jets are positioned inside the wheel guard on either side of the wheel to spray coolant on the cutting area.

Click to Enlarge Long pneumatic strips clamping composite sheet on both sides of cutting line Cutting head traversing on linear bars for accuracy Cutting head motor 3KVA/4HP Coolant jets incorporated into wheel guard Cutting head traverse speed variable Manual raise/lower of cutting head position

More accurate Fence Mechanism

Click to Enlarge Fence has been redesigned for improved accuracy over the longest cut lengths. It moves on linear bars 0-300mm /12in standard section width for model 5040. 0-500mm/20in larger section width for model 5060 Digital readout of fence position incorporated in control box Pneumatic lock for a stable fence position during sectioning

New Control Panel Design

Click to Enlarge Cutting machine operation controlled from keypad Digital readout of fence position to 0.1mm (0.05mm an option) Optional cutting wheel speed variation can be operated from keypad

Available Options

• Click to Enlarge

  Option – Paper Band Filter Unit

  Cutting Composite materials tend to block the coolant circulation system. Using a moving filter roll keeps the coolant fresh and filters all the sludge.

• Click to Enlarge

  Option – Inverter for wheel speed variation

  The ability to change cutting wheel speed between 2500 and 5000rpm enables optimum wheel speed for a particular cutting blade to be set

Specification 5000series Plate Saw

Cutting head 3 HP Cutting Head Motor. 208V, 3 Phase driving Diamond Cutting Wheel 200mm /8in dia. Optional Spindle speed variable 2000 to 5000 RPM. Variable height adjustment. Maximum sheet thickness 25mm Worktable Stainless steel flat stock, slatted design. Insert for small sample cutting Stainless steel drip tray under table with drain for coolant Pneumatic clamps on both sides of line of cut running length of machine. Cutting head traverse Cutting Head traverse powered by 0.7KW/ 1HP AC motor drive and inverter. Speed variable between 50mm to 500mm /min Limit switches at each end to define cut length Model 5040 Maximum length of cut 600mm/2ft Model 5060 Maximum length of cut 1.25m/ 4ft Fence Accurate fence running on linear bars Position adjusted with handwheel with digital display Leadscrew made from stainless steel. Model 5040 0-300 mm/12in in increments of 0.1mm. Minimum section thickness12.7mm/ 1/2in Model 5060 0-500mm/20in in increments of 0.1mm. Minimum section thickness12.7mm/ 1/2in Fence can be locked in position

Worktable Stainless steel flat stock, slatted design. Optional insert for small sample cutting Stainless steel drip tray under table with drain for coolant Pneumatic clamping strips on both sides of line of cut. Minimum sectum width 6mm/1/4in Coolant circulation system Coolant Circulation system with 45 litre tank or optional paper band filter unit. Coolant delivered to cutting wheel guard and to jets on both sides of the cutting wheel. Return via worktable drip tray Control pod For convenient operator use. Keypad controls for cutting head motor, coolant pump, cutting head traverse speed, pneumatic clamps raise/lower. Digital display of fence position incorporated Frame Size Model 5040 Model 5060 Safety Safety canopy for cutting head traverse Access to worktable via a timed safety interlock switch Conforms to CE regulations

Ordering Information

8-504-001-02 Composite Plate Saw 380-415V 3ph - 660mm/2ft cut length
8-504-002-02 Composite Plate Saw 220V 3ph - 660mm/2ft cut length
8-504-003-02 Composite Plate Saw 460V 3ph - 660mm/2ft cut length
8-506-001-02 Composite Plate Saw 380-415V 3ph - 1.25m/4ft cut length
8-506-002-02 Composite Plate Saw 220V 3ph - 1.25m/4ft cut length
8-506-003-02 Composite Plate Saw 460V 3ph - 1.25m/4ft cut length
7-500-910-00 Inverter for wheel speed variation 2000-5000rpm
8-500-925-00 Paper band filter unit - specify voltage

Diamond Cutting Wheels for Composites

It cannot be emphasized sufficiently how important is the choice of cutting blade The use of cutting fluid is always recommended for the highest quality cut surface. In some cases the use of lubricant is not possible and therefore we have developed a range of diamond tipped cutting blades for both wet and dry cutting.

Dry cutting

Developed for use with composite materials when it is not possible to use lubricant If no hole size is specified a 12.7mm/ 1/2in hole will be supplied

Cutting with lubricant

Developed for use with wet composite materials, this metal bonded cutting blade produces a high quality surface finish. If no hole size is specified a 12.7mm/ 1/2in hole will be supplied