What Is a Contour Machine?
A contour machine is a machine tool for cutting sheet metal and steel.
Also called a band saw, as the name implies, it can cut sheet metal and steel by rotating a band saw (a metal wheel with a saw blade).
The sheet metal or steel material is prescribed, and the workpiece is moved along the line and pressed against it as it is processed. A relatively small contour machine can process not only straight lines but also any desired shape, such as a rounded edge. Larger machines are designed to cut thicker steel materials, so they do not allow as much freedom in the cutting process.
Uses of Contour Machines
Contour machines are used for cutting and processing metal materials. Here are some examples of use.
- Cutting long steel materials to a specified size for welding.
- Roughing materials before finishing them on a milling machine.
- To cut sheet metal into desired shapes quickly.
It is installed in many places where metal materials are handled daily, such as sheet metal, molds, and ironworking shops.
Roughing with contour machines reduces the amount of time and effort required for finishing work. Some large contour machines can be set up and operated by simply pushing a button, and the machine does not need to be operated until cutting is completed.
So, by using good contour machines, workability can be improved. In addition to large, installed machines, there are also small, portable types that can be brought to construction sites, and they are used in a variety of locations.
Features of Contour Machines
This section describes the types and features of contour machines (band saws).
- Tabletop horizontal type
- Tabletop vertical type
- Installation type
- Portable type
The tabletop horizontal type is relatively small and can be carried around.
The horizontal tabletop type is relatively small and portable. They are used for cutting metal pipes, plates, L-shaped angles, H steel, etc. at construction sites. However, it is not possible to cut any shape at will. It is possible to cut in straight lines and at set angles.
The tabletop vertical type is used for cutting relatively soft materials such as wood and aluminum. Since the workpiece is pressed against the blade for cutting, it can be cut into any desired shape.
The installation type is mainly used in manufacturing and other places where metal materials are handled. There are two types of installed types, horizontal and vertical, and it is necessary to select the type to use depending on whether you want to cut large steel materials or sheet metal, or relatively thin steel materials automatically, into desired shapes.
The portable type is useful for materials that need to be cut on the spot or in high places. They are generally rechargeable, cordless, and stress-free. However, the blade must be applied at a certain angle or the band saw may break. While the flexibility is high, the frequency of band saw breakage tends to be higher than with other types.