Hot Log Saw

The Belco/B&O Hot Log Saw provides the quality of pre-cut billets with the flexibility and material utilization benefits of a log shear. Adjusting billet length to optimize runout lengths, on the fly, with the quality of saw-cut ends is now a reality. The Hot Log Saw dramatically reduces the maintenance requirements typically associated with a log shear while also using less energy.

In a typical billet cycle, the heated log is pushed from the furnace into position on the saw table. A photo eye sensing the leading edge, working with an encoder on the log pusher, accurately determines the billet length. The log is securely clamped, and the saw cut is made. The freshly cut billet is moved to a transveyor tray transfer device for delivery to the press loader. The pushback cylinder returns the remainder of the log to the furnace.

The transveyor tray moves the cut billet into position for application of the acetylene lubrication to the dummy block end of the billet. The lubricated billet then completes its transfer to the press loader.

The Hot Log Saw typically operated in a “No Scrap” mode.

Benefits of the Hot Log Saw

Allows for reduced raw stock inventories
Sawed ends on billets are flat and square
Reduces extruded profile scrap
Improves extruded profile quality

Lower hydraulic pressures will result in:
Fewer leaks
Less wear
Lower maintenance
Less energy consumption
The log diameter can be changed without mechanical change of the equipment
The Belco/B&O Hot Log Saw can be retrofitted into current shear installations
U.S. Patent No. 7,047,784 & 7,328,600

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of a hot log saw over a log shear?

Billet ends come out flat and square rather than sheared, billet length can be adjusted on the fly to optimize runout lengths, and maintenance requirements and energy use are both lower. Lower hydraulic pressures also mean fewer leaks and less wear.

Can the hot log saw be retrofitted into an existing shear installation?

Yes. The Belco/B&O Hot Log Saw can be retrofitted into current shear installations.

How is billet length measured?

A photo eye senses the leading edge of the log and works together with an encoder on the log pusher to accurately determine billet length. The log is then securely clamped before the cut is made.

What happens to the billet after it is cut?

The freshly cut billet moves to a transveyor tray transfer device, which positions it for application of acetylene lubrication to the dummy block end before completing its transfer to the press loader. The pushback cylinder returns the remainder of the log to the furnace.