Have you ever wondered if you’re using the right foam cutting blade? What if you could find a blade that provided better cutting results for your foam fabrication operations? What if that blade was more cost effective and reduced machine downtime? There are plenty of blades on the market that could offer benefits such as these. Let’s break some of them down.
Knife Edge Bandknife Blades
Knife edge blades, along with V-Tooth blades, are one of the most common types of blades used in foam cutting operations. Knife Edge blades qualify as slicing blades. This means that they won’t remove any material or create dust throughout the entirety of the cut. Knife Edge blades are perfect for slicing through flexible foams, as long as you’ve got a sharpening system on your machine to keep the blade’s edge sharp enough to cut without pulling or tearing at the foam.
-Eliminates need for resharpening? No
V-Tooth Bandknife Blades
V-Tooth blades are the most popular choice for cutting low to medium-density foams. This blade is more aggressive than the Knife Edge, increasing the likelihood that it may create some dust as it cuts. When it comes to flexible foams, if your machine isn’t equipped with a blade sharpener, you may be better off opting for a V-Tooth blade over a Knife Edge.
-Eliminates need for resharpening? Yes
Scallop Bandknife Blades
Foam fabricators typically like the Scallop blade because it offers the best of both worlds, combining the slicing action you’d get from a Knife Edge blade with penetrating tips, much like a toothed blade. Each scallop’s individually ground, razor-sharp edge allows the blade to quickly slice through all types of flexible foam, leaving a smooth finish without creating much dust.
-Eliminates need for resharpening? Yes
C-Tooth Bandknife Blades
If you’re in need of a more aggressive toothed blade than the V-Tooth, look no further than the C-Tooth blade. Perfect for cutting through dense or rigid foams, the vertical edge of the C-Tooth is designed to enter the product first. Running the blade in the opposite direction is another option, providing a gentler slicing action.
-Eliminates need for resharpening? Yes
Razorback Bandknife Blades
Razorback blades are another alternative to V-Tooth blades. A Razorback blade’s large gullet allows deeper penetration of rigid or less flexible foams, while still keeping dust creation to a minimum. Some foam fabricators have been known to choose the Razorback blade over a blade with set teeth in order to avoid a rough surface finish.
-Eliminates need for resharpening? Yes
Wavy Bandknife Blades
Similar to Scallop blades, Wavy blades also eliminate the need for a grinding wheel or stone. However, while Scallop blades come to a defined point, the edge of a Wavy blade is made up of a series of smooth crests or waves, hence the name. Wavy blades are a great choice for cutting flexible polyurethane foams and fibrous material.
-Eliminates need for resharpening? Yes
Finding the right blade for each unique cutting application isn’t an exact science. There’s going to be some trial and error as you narrow your options down. The process can certainly be frustrating, but it can also be made easier by partnering with an experienced blade manufacturer, like Simmons.
Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your foam cutting operations!
