Plenty of new sawing solutions are aimed at cutting exotic metals like tungsten and titanium, but for structural, automotive, heavy equipment, and machine and tool manufacturing, ferrous metals remain a go-to material. One company has not forgotten how important cutting ferrous metals is to these industries and, subsequently, has developed an automated sawing solution that fits the bill.
For years, TigerStop has been known for its precision stop positioners but it is no stranger to developing sawing solutions, too. The company recently introduced the TigerSaw Ferrous, a fully automatic, push feeding cold saw for fast and accurate cutting of cast iron, stainless steel, steel and other ferrous metals.
“TigerSaw Ferrous is the best kept secret of metal fabricators, job shops and mechanical contractors around the globe,” says Mike Anderson, director of sales and saw systems at TigerStop. “We have many customers in the MEP (mechanical/electrical/plumbing) space, as well.”
Anderson says the development of the saw was simply a response to a need in the marketplace where there was a “large gap” for a fully automated cold sawing solution.
“There was no fully turnkey solution on the market that combines automatic positioning, push feeding and optimizing software with cold sawing,” he says. “TigerStop has been selling add-on stops into the cold sawing marketspace for decades and we wanted to offer our customers something more.”
The “feature-packed” saw gives users an opportunity to increase yield, improve accuracy and up productivity while offering “uncompromising quality.”
“Tailored to the needs of metal fabricators, job shops and contractors worldwide,” Anderson says, “TigerSaw Ferrous is the all-in-one solution for the toughest jobs.”
A turnkey system
Making the jump to automated sawing is something more and more job shops are tasked with as the much-discussed skilled worker shortage continues to be an issue. Anderson says the typical customer for the TigerSaw Ferrous is one that previously used a manual or semi-automatic cold saw or other type of wet saw. Other customers are ones upgrading from a snap cutter, which is a chain-based cutting tool often used on pipes in industrial plumbing settings.
“The turnkey solution means TigerSaw Ferrous customers are saying goodbye to complex setups and multiple machines,” Anderson says, adding that TigerStop also takes care of the installation, training and blade sharpening.
The versatility of the cold sawing solution extends to all types of materials, including round tube up to 4.25 in., square tube up to 3.75 in., solids up to 2.5 in., and rectangular tube in dimensions of 5.25 in. by 3.25 in. and 5 in. by 3.5 in. The saw is powered by a 3-hp motor and compatible with 14-in. blades, delivering consistent, high-quality cuts across a range of applications.
Anderson says that while the cold saw is capable of intermittently cutting solid profiles larger than 2.5 in., it is not recommended in a production setting because it will greatly diminish blade life. On the topic of blade life, the saw includes a lubrication system and 7-gal. coolant reservoir to keep the blade cool, reduce wear and enhance cut quality.
Customers also have options for the stop positioning system. For those handling material up to 840 lbs., the TigerTurbo positioner is the recommended system. When the maximum material weight will not exceed 180 lbs., the flagship TigerStop positioner is the preferred system.
Brains of the saw
Among the most significant changes from older cold saws, even those introduced 10 or so years ago, is the software that controls them. TigerStop has also stepped up with numerous smart technologies at the heart of its systems, including Dynamic Optimization software, which calculates the optimal cutting sequence for maximum material yield and reducing scrap waste, which saves money.
TigerStop also offers integrated data and analytics, which allow users to track machine efficiency, uptime, yield and waste statistics directly from the machine. The TigerSaw Ferrous is also third-party compatible, which Anderson says ensures seamless integration with building information modeling (BIM) systems and enables streamlined prefabrication workflows.
Regarding BIM software companies, TigerStop partners with Stratus, a company that offers solutions aimed at the HVAC and MEP industries. Of note regarding the collaboration, users can easily send 3-D BIM cut lists to the TigerSaw Ferrous for quick and accurate cutting, but it will also keep track of complete jobs.
Other benefits included in the collaboration with Stratus are that users have access to custom part labeling; enhanced workflows for purchasing, project management and other departments; error proofing; and manpower level loading (e.g., planning crew size based on project specifics).
Ease of integration
Implementing new machines to a shop floor can be difficult, especially when it requires adding them in with the current workflow and existing solutions, including legacy software. While TigerStop technicians are installing the TigerSaw Ferrous, they will also lend a hand with third-party software integration.
“Typically,” Anderson says, “cutting steel is the first step in any fabrication or MEP process, so it fits in nicely to the workflow and only enhances the flow.”
Having an advanced, automated cold sawing solution also helps fabricators and MEP contractors that are moving toward what Anderson refers to as “prefabrication.” This is where all the cutting is done in the shop under a highly controlled process and then shipped to the jobsite.
“Prefabrication isn’t just a pipedream with TigerSaw Ferrous,” he says. “All of the parts are cut perfectly, labeled and then shipped to the construction site so workers don’t have the hassle of cutting on site and dealing with incorrect lengths that will need to be sent back to suppliers.”
And for the operator making the cuts, safety is another perk built into the cold saw. TigerStop technicians cover safety and operation training for customers when they perform the installation.
“Safety and reliability are foundational to the design,” Anderson says. “The system features extensive guarding and a fully enclosed saw blade, ensuring operator safety while maintaining rigidity.”
