The most common reason for band saw blade failure is end of life due to wear of the cutting edge, but also unnatural cutting characteristics, poor cutting surface and band or weld seam breakage. But what are the causes of these?

If a band saw blade experiences sudden failure, it is usually due to improper interaction between operator, machine, cutting material and band saw blade. Although technical problems such as wear factors or premature tool failure may occur in any sawing operation, they are often preventable. It is important that operators are familiar with the possible reasons for failure and their causes in order to have effective countermeasures at their disposal.

Heavy premature wear is by no means normal wear and tear, i.e. wear of the cutting edge resulting from use, is a natural part of the life span of band saw blades, which are subject to high physical loads during the cutting process. Nevertheless, a distinction must be made between normal wear and severe premature wear. There are many factors responsible for unnaturally fast wear of the teeth. Here, temperature at the tooth cutting edge during the machining process is critical. This can be influenced by the choice of suitable cutting parameters and material (material number or DIN designation, material strength and microstructure, material dimensions and the nature of the material surface.)