Efficient streamlining with MEBAeco double miter band saw

MEBAeco 510 DG: Sophisticated modular system for a wide range of applications

GT Steel is optimistic as the economy continues to develop positively. “Things are going well, which is very positive for us,” says Rickard Nordin. GT Steel has grown in recent years and plans to continue on this course. To actively promote this development, the company has built a new factory in Vaggeryd. Among other things, the old factory in Skillingaryd was too cramped. In the new factory, GT Steel achieves a significantly better production flow, from material handling to the finished product. The modern premises in Vaggeryd include offices, a welding hall, a warehouse, and a sawing hall, which houses the 45-meter-long, fully automatic MEBAeco 510 DG double miter band saw.

Top-of-the-range sawing equipment leads to measurable advantages

The MEBAeco 510 DG band saw is based on a technically advanced “modular system” that can be used to systematically configure countless models. At GT Steel, the saw is equipped with the MS3 measuring stop, among other features, which offers easy handling, especially with heavy materials. In this case, the measuring unit can measure beams up to 18 meters. The system also has powered roller conveyors on both sides of the saw and an input and output unit. Chain cross conveyors and a pusher are installed on the discharge side. The material is brought to the system by forklift or crane. The operator who controls the machine no longer needs to perform any manual handling—unlike in the past, when GT Steel only had a manual system.

The fully automatic sawing system not only greatly streamlines production, but also improves ergonomics and significantly reduces the workload compared to working with a manual sawing machine. With a manual system, after placing a beam with the crane, the operator has to perform further heavy work steps, such as inserting the beam into the saw and positioning it precisely before sawing. In the fully automatic system, the operator programs the sawing program in the software after placing the material. Once this is complete, the beam is automatically transported further in the system and moved via the roller conveyors. The length is measured precisely using a stop. Inside the stop is measuring technology that sends a signal to the software when it comes into contact with the material, indicating that the correct length has been reached. Once the beam has been set to the desired cutting length and the angles specified by the customer, the material is sawn. “Everything runs fully automatically,” says Robin Cehlin.

The MEBA saw is a double miter saw that can cut both positive and negative angles in a single operation. If a beam needs to have a positive angle at one end and a negative angle at the other, which is often the case with steel beams, it no longer needs to be removed and turned around.

The operator can specify in the program where the beams are to be stored in the system. This means, for example, that all beams in a particular welding series can be stored separately. If an urgent order comes in, it can be carried out without disrupting the rest of production. In this case, the operator pauses the automatic program and carries out the urgent order. The system can also be operated manually if the operator wishes. All movements of the MEBA saw can be controlled manually.

Intensive consultation prior to the investment

Robin Cehlin from Maskin AB Erlandsson & Hjorth visited GT Steel Construction several times in the run-up to the investment to find out exactly what the steel constructor’s needs were. MEBA has made “benefit-oriented sawing solutions” its motto, which is underlined by Robin Cehlin’s intensive consultation and the extensive visit by the managing directors of GT Steel Construction to MEBA. The visit included a tour of the company, the production facilities, the assembly department, and extensive discussions to clarify the details with all relevant departments. The subsequent after-sales services also ensured that the system was perfectly tailored to the needs of GT Steel Construction.

Maskin AB Erlandsson Hjorth is the general representative for MEBA in Sweden. The German company MEBA is a pioneer in band saw technology and is known for its high-quality saws and sawing systems. Since the late 1950s, Meba has invested heavily in technology, thereby significantly advancing the development of band saw technology.

MEBA offers a wide range of metal band saws – from small manual and semi-automatic machines to double miter and fully automatic CNC machines, as well as highly digitized and automated complete systems.