In metal additive manufacturing, separating parts from the 3D printing build plate is a critical post processing step.
Traditionally, many manufacturers use wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) to remove parts from the build plate. While EDM offers high precision, a precision metal cutting bandsaw can provide significant advantages in speed, cost and operational efficiency.
For many additive manufacturing facilities, a dedicated 3D cutting bandsaw is the most practical and economical solution for removing printed components from the print plate.
Much Faster Cutting Speeds
Wire EDM is a slow process, as material is removed by electrical erosion rather than mechanical cutting. Depending on plate thickness and material, separating parts using EDM can take several hours.
A bandsaw cuts through the same material in minutes, dramatically reducing post processing time and increasing overall production throughput.
For manufacturers running multiple metal 3D printers, this time saving can significantly improve workflow efficiency.
Lower Operating Costs
Wire EDM machines have high running costs, including:
• Expensive EDM wire
• Dielectric fluids
• High electricity consumption
• Complex maintenance
A bandsaw uses a bi-metal bandsaw blade, which is far less expensive and simple to replace. This results in much lower cost per cut, especially when processing multiple build plates per day.
Simple and Reliable Operation
EDM machines require specialist programming, setup and operator training. The process can also require precise positioning and extended machine preparation.
A bandsaw is straightforward to operate, allowing operators to load the build plate, set the cutting position and complete the cut quickly with minimal setup.
This makes the process much more efficient for daily additive manufacturing production environments.
Ideal for Difficult Materials
Metal 3D printed components are often produced from high performance alloys, including:
• Titanium
• Inconel
• Stainless steel
• Tool steels
Industrial bandsaws equipped with bi metal or carbide blades can cut these materials efficiently while maintaining excellent blade life.
Handling table
The table allows easy handling of heavy printing plates between the 3D printer and the saw. The electric drive ensures the adjustment of the table height.
This accessory cannot be combined with the accessories: Saw blade cooling and Powered brush
Mist lubrication
It creates an oil mist that is injected into the cutting area. It replaces the use of classic cooling emulsion, especially when cutting profile materials, where liquid leaks outside the machine can occur. It is also possible to use ecological oils.
Extraction box
The extraction box helps to remove dust and sawdust from the cutting area. The extraction is divided into two branches. The connection hole for the powerful extraction has a diameter of 50 mm.
This accessory cannot be combined with the accessories: Saw blade cooling and Powered brush
Saw blade cooling
Cooling the saw blade extends the life of the blade, removes sawdust and contributes to a higher cut quality. The cooling pump starts together with the saw blade. The amount of emulsion is dosed by a valve on the guide blocks. The emulsion returns to the system via a waste container.
This accessory cannot be combined with the following accessories: Extraction box
Minimal Material Loss
Precision bandsaws designed for additive manufacturing use narrow kerf blades, often around 1.5 mm cut width. This ensures minimal material loss when separating the part from the build plate.
Combined with an adjustable clamping system, this allows operators to position the cut extremely close to the build plate while maintaining a safe separation.
Perfect for Additive Manufacturing Production
Using a bandsaw for build plate separation offers several key advantages:
• Faster removal of printed parts
• Lower operating and tooling costs
• Simple operation with minimal setup
• Reliable cutting of difficult alloys
• Ideal for production environments
For many additive manufacturing companies, a dedicated 3D printing build plate cutting bandsaw such as the Alligator XPERT series provides the best balance of speed, accuracy and cost efficiency.
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