In co-operation with Söderhamn Eriksson Utbildning AB, Sandvik Steel has developed tailor-made training programmes for end users working with its Multishift bandsaw blades. Multishift is a concept, rather than simply a bandsaw blade product, which can result in significant increases in productivity. It is based on a unique manufacturing process where a combination of strip steel properties and tipping, including special tooth treatment, can give greatly improved sawing results. Sandvik has committed substantial R&D expenditure in developing optimum properties for Multishift woodband saw steel to achieve a balance between hardness and toughness, good fatigue strength, high purity, close tolerances and good weldability. They have also ensured a material that is suitable for tipping. The training programmes are adapted especially for Sandvik Steel’s customers and are directed at managers and operators in sawmills and downstream wood processing industries. The aim is to ensure that end users benefit from the many advantages of Multishift blades and obtain significant productivity increases when compared to the use of standard woodband saw blades. To this end the company has developed a three-strand productivity model to maximise the benefits of Multishift blades. It focuses on three important productivity areas: better utilisation of raw material, improved production efficiency and reliability of bandsaw blades in operation. Key factors include higher dimensional cutting accuracy and better quality surfaces, longer operational time between blade sharpenings, high feed speeds and less maintenance and downtime.
