Super-hard tooth formation on linear edge saw blades using Selective Laser Melting process - SmartTeeth
Lead Participant:
C4 CARBIDES LIMITED
Abstract
"C4 Carbides innovative saw blade development program will use Selective Laser Melting (SLM), a metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology, to fuse super-abrasive powder to form tooling grade hard materials into net shape 'sharp' cutting teeth, eliminating the needs of post process grinding. UK patents for this concept have been filed.
Compared to conventional tungsten carbide tipped (TCT) saw blades, the AM process create high performance cutting teeth for specialist applications tailored to customer specifications. The digital manufacturing process enable C4 meeting challenging design changes and fast respond to customer's requirements. SLM allows material saving of 70-80% and energy and production savings of over 50%, as compared to conventional TCT blade manufacturing.
To ensure the success of the AM tooth formation innovation, four key elements are crucial:
1. Identifying and developing the use of high performance super-hard materials by SLM.
2. New optimised tooth designs for additive manufacturing.
3. Process innovation in aligning and precisely forming super-hard teeth on continuous preformed strip.
4. Technology scale up for serial production.
A new range of cutting tool geometries can be offered, and specific customer requirements for new materials and designs can be made the same day. We aim to transform the linear edge market within 5 years of successful completion of this project."
Compared to conventional tungsten carbide tipped (TCT) saw blades, the AM process create high performance cutting teeth for specialist applications tailored to customer specifications. The digital manufacturing process enable C4 meeting challenging design changes and fast respond to customer's requirements. SLM allows material saving of 70-80% and energy and production savings of over 50%, as compared to conventional TCT blade manufacturing.
To ensure the success of the AM tooth formation innovation, four key elements are crucial:
1. Identifying and developing the use of high performance super-hard materials by SLM.
2. New optimised tooth designs for additive manufacturing.
3. Process innovation in aligning and precisely forming super-hard teeth on continuous preformed strip.
4. Technology scale up for serial production.
A new range of cutting tool geometries can be offered, and specific customer requirements for new materials and designs can be made the same day. We aim to transform the linear edge market within 5 years of successful completion of this project."
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| C4 CARBIDES LIMITED | £212,764 | £ 148,935 |
Participant |
||
| TWI LIMITED | £90,844 | £ 90,844 |
| INNOVATE UK |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Choon Yen Kong (Project Manager) |