LENOX® has introduced a new series of bi-metal bandsaw blades that last up to 60 per cent longer than other products when cutting solid aluminium and alloyed steels.

Marketed under the designation, QXP, they are available in Britain and Ireland through the existing LENOX® network of distributors (telephone 0800 899 739).

The Q prefix signifies the proprietary method of manufacture, developed by LENOX®, that greatly improves the bandsaw blade’s performance and consistency, extending its life.

The new manufacturing process produces blades that are capable of smooth, quiet cutting and long operational life, even when the teeth are beginning to dull.  Tooling costs are therefore lower and productivity is increased, as the blade needs to be replaced less frequently so machine uptime is higher.

The QXP series is for use on solid stock of mild to moderate machinability, such as aluminium, carbon steel and alloyed steels including stainless and bearing steels.  The deep gullet improves chip-carrying capacity, enhancing the blade's ability to cut at increased speed and feed rates, while the extreme positive rake tooth form penetrates material with less feed force.

QXP tests at customers in the UK, cutting engineering steel on a Behringer 303A and aluminium on a KastoTec 4, showed impressive results.  In the former case, blade life was increased by 35 per cent compared with competitive bandsawing consumables, while longevity in the latter test was extended from between eight and 14 hours to 22 hours for the QXP blade.

The size range in which QXP blades are supplied is from 27 mm to 54 mm wide and 0.90 mm to 1.60 mm thick.  TPI can be 2/3, 3/4, 4/6 or 5/8.