Addison Saws Ltd

Metal Cutting Machinery Experts Join MIM Community

Addison Saws Ltd — 26/10/2022

West Midlands’ leading metal cutting machinery business Addison Saws has joined the Made in the Midlands community to connect with like minded manufacturing businesses, and take advantage of their Made microsite.

Founded in 1956, Addison Saws supplies a range of sawing and metal working machines to various industries. Based in Stourbridge, the company supplies the UK’s largest selection from simple band saws and circular saws through to fully automated production lines. Proud to supply affordable machinery at low running costs, Addison Saws also offers a part exchange service for companies looking to replace older machinery. This allows them to refurbish and resell used machinery, making them accessible to SMEs and smaller businesses.

Dynashape, sister company to Addison Saws, has been part of the group since 2013. The company are also experts in saw blade servicing and manufacturing, however offer a unique service to provide continuous improvement cycle to reduce supply chain costs whilst maximising efficiency. The companies work together to combine their knowledge and offer a one stop shop for all things sawing machinery.

Having known about the Made in Group for quite some time, the Addison Saws Group decided to join because of the latest developments on the Made platform. Made in Group is a community of manufacturers, including Made in Yorkshire and Made in the Midlands, supporting and championing British industry by sharing best practices across the group.

Josie Haddy, Marketing Manager at Addison Saws and Dynashape, said:

“We think the virtual events from Made in Group are innovative and allow networking to be accessible for more manufacturing professionals. We also believe there is value in being part of a community, especially one that supports Midlands manufacturing.”

The deciding factor for the company came from the opportunity to connect with like minded manufacturers and the chance to utilise the online exposure having a company microsite offers. A microsite is a mini website connected to the Made in the Midlands domain - number one on google for Midlands manufacturing.

Addison Saws and Dynshape are looking forward to meeting an array of businesses from various sectors within the manufacturing industry. They are also looking forward to learning and sharing best practice with their fellow Made members.

Find out more about Addison Saws here: https://addisonsaws.madeinthemidlands.com/

Innovations and celebrations for Addison at TIMTOS 2023

Addison Saws Ltd — 03/05/2023

The Taiwan International Machine Tool Show, better known as TIMTOS, has been the go-to event for major players in the global machine tool industry for over 30 years.

The biannual event held in Taiwan has long been hailed as one of the best platforms for introducing the latest technological advancements to the manufacturing sector on a large scale. The recently concluded 30th edition of TIMTOS in March 2023 continued this legacy, attracting over a thousand exhibitors and 45,000 visitors from all around the world. The focus this year was very much on automation, intelligent manufacturing solutions and how machine tools can help many businesses in their quest to achieve net-zero.

Addison Saws, one of the leading UK suppliers of cutting-edge machine tools, sent its new MD Chris Wilson and the sales team to the much-anticipated event. The whole team was eager to visit some of their suppliers and learn about the latest innovations in machine tools, as well as engaging with other big industry players, looking for new suppliers to add to its vast machine portfolio. Chris Wilson expressed optimism, stating that he had looked forward to TIMTOS for quite a while since the last trip was cancelled as the pandemic took hold. And Taiwan only fully opening their borders in 2022 meant this trip was an opportunity not to be missed.

Addison’s Suppliers Showcase Successes

Addison had 3 big suppliers exhibiting at the show, CSM tube bending machinery, Everising Saws, and JIH-I machinery, all showcasing their latest machine innovations ready to export to the UK.

Revolutionary Tube Laser Launch

CSM launched their revolutionary latest laser tube cutting machine at TIMTOS, the 5 Axis LS220-5E. An economically priced fibre laser machine set to shake up the UK laser scene with its price point and built-in advanced technology. Visitors were immediately drawn to the demonstrations of the laser machine. You can see the LS220-5E in action here.

Addison’s UK Sales Manager, Darren Creasey stated “CSM’s new Tube Laser showing the fully automated loading system was a definite showstopper, and with the flexible scope that this machine concept offers, to me, it’s a game changer when it comes to tube applications. Adopting this technology will position businesses to enjoy the benefits of unmatched efficiency, reduced costs, and the assurance of consistent, reliable output”.

Double Launch at 40 for Everising

Everising Saws, one of Addison’s longest serving suppliers celebrated an incredible 40 years of business during TIMTOS. An achievement the Addison team were keen to show their support for, having enjoyed a fruitful business relationship for nearly 4 decades. Among their chosen products were 2 brand new sawing machines, the VH-5060 vertical block and plate saw and CSP-0806 slab circular saw.

Following the 2023 show’s theme, Everising filled their stand with high-tech sawing solutions, putting the E350 high-speed, high-performance CNC bandsaw in the spotlight along with the ultra-high speed P75-ILA carbide billet sawing system. Of course, no exhibition would be complete without Everising’s sought-after horizontal bandsaws on show too.

JIH-I Showcase: Advanced Machining

The final long-term Addison supplier to exhibit at TIMTOS was JIH-I machinery. Although there was no new machine launch by JIH this year, the manufacturer showcased some of their most advanced aluminium machines. The stand featured crowd drawing machinery in the form of a JIH-T5 double mitre sawing machine, JIH CNC 6500 M and H series 3 Axis machining centres and the unique CNC18MDS manufacturing cell with milling spindle. These machines are designed for precision machining of a variety of materials and as to be expected at TIMTOS, were equipped with a range of advanced features.

New Suppliers, New Possibilities

In response to an ever-evolving market, the Addison team were also on the look out for potential new suppliers at the exhibition. Talking about adding to their range of metal cutting saws Chris Wilson, MD said “We have been working hard to ensure that we select the right suppliers, expanding our product range to meet our customers’ needs and the needs of the manufacturing industry at large. After extensive research and some great meetings at TIMTOS, we are very happy to say we have found several new suppliers – so watch this space!”.

In Conclusion

It’s safe to say that the recent show was a huge success, for exhibitors and visitors looking for the next big innovation in machine tools. Addison spent their time between existing suppliers and potential new suppliers to expand their product range, achieving what they set out to do and much more. All the new machines mentioned here will be available to view on Addison’s website in the coming weeks, and will be announced on their social media platforms including Linkedin and Twitter soon.

Simonds Saw replace bi-metal bandsaw blade range

Addison Saws Ltd — 10/10/2022

Leading USA based saw blade and file product manufacturer, Simonds Saw, has launched a new range of innovative bi-metal bandsaw blades. This newly-configured range of bi-metal blades raises the global performance standard in all metal cutting market segments, and is a notable overhaul to the company’s bi-metal cutting product offerings.

Multiple rounds of testing, prototyping, and optimisation with professionals in the field led Simonds Saw to develop four new bandsaw blades. All of which are high-performing across various functions. This new, innovative product range excels at general purpose cutting, production cutting, cutting of structural steel, and cutting of tough exotic alloys.

“We fully expect our new product line of bi-metal bandsaw blades to have a global impact on the metal cutting industry,” said Simonds Saw President David Miles. “We’re excited for loyal bandsaw users all over the world to put these new products to good use. Whether they’re cutting structural steel in Gary, IN or cutting titanium in Shanghai, China, we now have the optimal bandsaw blade to maximize uptime and materials, in any application.”

Simonds Saw has now stopped production of Dieband, Broadband, Blockbuster, IC Enduro, and X51 in favour of new innovations; However, they may still be available while stocks last.

Replacement References

Dieband, Broadband, and Blockbuster, Simonds’ current general purpose bandsaw blades will be phased out in favour of Epic® GP.
Broadband and IC Enduro, Simonds’ other existing general purpose bandsaw blades, will be phased out in favour of SBX GP.
X51, the existing Simonds product for production cutting of tough steel and high-nickel alloys, will be phased out in favour of SiClone® XP.

After extensive field testing, the existing Simonds’ SiClone® bandsaw blade was determined to be high performing in its current state and so stands prepared to meet the next generation of metal cutting needs.

The highly-specialised range of bi-metal bandsaw blades has been developed to meet the demands of any metal cutting application. This range boasts increased benefits for the next generation of bandsaw blade operators worldwide. Simonds Saw bandsaw blade products are the most effective and efficient in the metal cutting industry.

Everising machines really are proven in production at Steel Express

Addison Saws Ltd — 30/03/2023

The Midlands based steel stockholder, established in 2001, is currently enjoying a boost to business, truly putting their production machinery to the test. The growing business is now preparing to launch a new online ordering service with a view to increasing order process efficiency for their national customer base.

Mark Nicholls, Managing Director for Steel Express contributes their success in part to their choice of sawing machinery and their fast turn-around times, “We started dealing with scrap metal from factories and have now grown into a trusted steel stockholder operating on a national basis and this is, in part, down to the Everising bandsaws we use for producing our products. They have helped us grow into what we are today, and Addison Saws have been there to provide a guiding hand and help us keep our costs down. We really do work all our machines incredibly hard, which is a testament to their robustness” and added “If they can keep up with our production schedule, they are definitely good enough for anyone”.

Mr Nicholls currently runs 5 Everising bandsaws in his Wolverhampton based factory, 4 of which are H460 HA-NC Twin Pillar automatic bandsaws with a cutting capacity of 460mm and the other, a H560 HA-NC Twin Pillar automatic bandsaw with a larger capacity of 560mm for larger steel pieces with all machines being run all day every day. Their original Everising saw, bought 8 years ago, is still going strong with Mark commenting, “We never have major problems with these machines which results in much less downtime in general, we’d go back to Addison’s to buy Everising every time, they’ll cut the toughest of materials which is just what we need”.

The new online service from Steel Express is projected to stimulate their growth by 15% over the first year and (Steel Express) are already settling on adding a sixth Everising H460 HA-NC to their production line to accommodate a further increase in demand once new products are offered through their website.

New Managing Director & UK Sales Manager

Addison Saws Ltd — 27/09/2022

Addison Saws would like to introduce their new, permanent MD, Chris Wilson – former UK Sales Director, who will be taking over from previous MD, Gary Knight. Helping Chris run the sales department as new UK sales Manager will be Darren Creasey, who some of you may know as the Area Manager for the South East.

Gary drove the company forward in his role for 16 years and now is handing over the reins to his second-in-command after his short but successful period as Acting MD during the COVID crisis.

This shift comes at a crucial time for all businesses within manufacturing and having spent 15 years within Addison at Gary’s side, Chris is fully equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to continue pushing the company forward, and has more than proved his capabilities in leading the business over the years by building solid relationships with both customers and suppliers.

Darren Creasey has been with Addisons for 9 years in a client facing sales role, focusing on the South East of the UK. While he won’t be giving up that role entirely, Darren will be assisting Chris in managing the day-to-day running of the sales department. so, if you are one of Darren’s customers, he’ll still be available and more than happy to see your enquiry through.

We hope you will all join us in congratulating Chris and Darren on these well-earned achievements and wish them luck in their new roles.

PUWER regulations & bandsaw guarding requirements

Addison Saws Ltd — 30/03/2023

The introduction of Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) saw a big shift in the way manufacturing factories, workshops and plants operated. New guidance was set out in PUWER part II regulation 11 (2) specifying the provision of guarding to safe-guard every moving part of high-risk machinery, including bandsaws, protecting machine operators. These regulations also require assessments to be carried out at various points during the lifecycle of high-risk machinery to ensure compliance with PUWER and in turn, The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Be warned, PUWER breaches can result in heavy fines, criminal charges, and even imprisonment.

Let’s talk about bandsaw guarding

In what is being regarded as a game-changing move, some manufacturers are now producing sawing machines with built-in and complete guards, or more commonly known as fully enclosed bandsaws to comply with safety requirements further afield. These enclosed bandsaws mark a new era of operator safety and ease of use. Traditionally, experienced and highly trained engineers were required to work with and operate high-risk machinery but now these industrial saws are completely enclosed and mostly operated by touch-screen with easy-to-program and in some cases, pre-programmed cutting processes. This means less time training and a much larger pool of machine operators to employ from, all while ensuring their safety.

Basic retrofitted guard only covering very front of the saw.

Guarded VS enclosed sawing machinery

Many of the original guarded bandsaws were known for access issues when general maintenance or saw servicing was required. They do an excellent job of keeping exposed parts of people away from the moving parts of the machine – which is exactly what they are meant to do, but that wasn’t always practical in a busy workshop when a saw blade breaks. This is where the next gen guarded and enclosed saws come into their own.

Fully Enclosed Bandsaw – The XT from IMET SAWS

Machines like the Imet XT range are completely enclosed in what is effectively a very functional metal box, providing a built-in horizontal bandsaw guard while allowing full access through lockable panels at the back and sides of the machine. Easy and complete access when needed, built-in safety when in use – and as a failsafe, these machines are fitting with trigger mechanisms set to cut off machine operation should a door not be properly closed. Not only is the XT incredible safe to use, it’s one of the simplest fully automatic bandsaw to operate with an extensive pre-programmed material library and automatic reporting. We think it looks pretty great too.

Summary

Regulation compliance is incredibly important to businesses, staff, and the industry in general. Complying with PUWER II regulation 11 in a complete and manageable way is now easier than ever with the new generation IMET guarded bandsaws. We here at Addison expect many manufacturers will be adopting built-in bandsaw guarding as standard in the coming years – focusing on guarded horizontal bandsaws to provide next-level user safety without compromising on machine and cut quality. Getting ahead of the game when it comes to health and safety can only be a good thing.

If you want to see what the future of sawing machinery looks like, we currently have an XT5 in our Stourbridge showroom available for demos – give us a call on 01384 264 950 or contact us through our web form