Norton Toros cut-off wheels challenge bandsaws in productivity stakes

Norton Toros wheels are intended for automatic or semi-automatic cutting on static machines rather than freehand use. Target markets range from steel production plants and foundries through vehicle manufacture and aerospace alloy production to preparation of samples for laboratories and test facilities. Saint-Gobain Abrasives points out the significant productivity gain using a Toros wheel instead of a bandsaw. A cut that takes 7 to 10 minutes on a bandsaw typically requires only 2 to 3 minutes using one of these cut-off wheels. Downtime is also reduced, as fitting a new wheel is faster than exchanging a bandsaw blade. The wheels are available in a vast array of abrasive / bond specifications. Permutations are available for cutting most metals, from copper alloys to stainless steel and titanium slab, billet, bar and tube, of large or small cross section, at any temperature up to 1,000 °C. The wheels can be used in chop stroke, orbital, traverse or oscillation cutting mode. Products can be selected for wet or dry cutting and are suitable for use on the latest high power equipment or on older, lower power, chop stroke machines. Toros wheels are strengthened across their entire diameter and the construction is intended to provide maximum safety at elevated rotational speeds as well as high resistance to lateral stresses and breakage, even when the wheel snags. Eight categories of wheel provide different cutting characteristics, based on various blends of alumina, zirconia oxide and silicon carbide abrasive grains. Thirteen different grades from 16 to 60 grit are contained in one of four bond types that are designed for high abrasive grain retention. The wheels are supplied in a wide range of diameters and thicknesses and in straight, tapered and depressed centre variants. All wheel sides are abrasive, the roughness ensuring maximum cut rate. Additional drive holes can be added on request. While the standard range offers a wide choice, Saint-Gobain Abrasives also offers bespoke wheel production for larger users and will tailor the Toros wheel composition to customers' specific requirements.