Distinguishing between the Three Main Bandsaw Blade Types

July 21, 2021

There are three main types of bandsaw blades: bi-metal, carbon steel, and carbide blades. All three have their own characteristics, benefits, and disadvantages when applied to different applications. The purpose of having a variety of blades is to allow businesses the flexibility to pick the blade that best suit their needs in order to boost efficiency and quality.

Here is what you need to know about these different bandsaw blades:

1. Bi-Metal Bandsaw Blades
Bi-metal bandsaw blades are probably the most popular type of blade because they can be used for the widest range of applications. The following materials, and more, can be cut with a bi-metal bandsaw blade:

Carbon steel,
Tool steel
Structural steel
Stainless steel
Pipes/tubing
Die steel
Flat stock
Mixed metal applications.

Bi-metal bandsaw blades are made with two different types of metals: a harder, stronger metal for the cutting edge and a more flexible material for the rest of the blade. This gives the blade a unique combination of strength and flexibility.

2. Carbon Steel Bandaw Blades
Carbon steel blades are also incredibly strong, though they differ from bi-metal blades in the kinds of materials they are used to cut. Typically, they are used for the following materials:

Mild steels
Copper
Wood
Plastic
Cast iron
Cork
Brass
Lead
Bronze
Zinc
Fiberglass

As you can see, carbon steel blades are more suitable for softer materials such as non-ferrous metals. Like bi-metal blades, different types of carbon steel blades can be manufactured to be suitable for contour cutting as well.

3. Carbide Saw Blades
Carbide blades are known for their toughness and ability to cut through materials that even bi-metal blades cannot. Potential cutting materials include:

Case-hardened steels
Spring steels
High speed steels
Nickel based alloys
Composite graphite
Titanium

With their superior strength and incredible durability, they can typically be found in heavy industry applications and industrial mills and manufacturing facilities.

It is important to get the right kind of blade for your applications. Using the wrong blade can result in bandsaw malfunction or material wastage. Talk to the experts at Industrial Bandsaw Services today to learn more about different bandsaw products.