Learn more about Kinetic’s log saw past, which includes Microblade (Kinetics’ sister company), and our current log saw focus on quality and taking care of market and customer needs
When discussing tissue converting, Kinetic and its 73-year history are extremely well known; however, many of our customers have heard the name “Microblade”, and always wanted to know more about Kinetics sister company.
In the 1970s, Kinetic was approached by several converting mills and paper converting machine companies in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to see whether or not we could manufacture a “better” log saw blade.
After studying the problem, Kinetic decided that they could do it, and high-carbon, high-chrome tool steel was the best material for the job. To test the idea, our team produced a prototype batch and sent it to several converting mills in the United States.
The results were astounding – almost frightening. Kinetic had produced an extraordinary wear-resistant log saw and immediately began to produce these log saws for the tissue market.
Microblade, Kinetics’ sister company
Even having a superior blade, Kinetic immediately began to have problems holding the log saws flat. Unfortunately, no one told them about smithers.
We struggled, but no matter what was done, we couldn’t produce blades flat enough to meet runout tolerance standards. After many frustrating attempts, we gave up.
However, our company was continually asked about log saw blades. The problem wouldn’t go away. After some searching, Kinetic located Microblade Limited and learned why American technology couldn’t make log saw blades – we didn’t have Smithers! With that said, Joseph Masters, the president of our company at the time, purchased Microblade back in 1983 to meet the needs of the market and his customers.
Microblade is in the highly specialized business of manufacturing log saw blades for the sanitary tissue and toweling industry. The location in Sheffield, England, an area rich in the tradition of industrial saw and knife making, gives us access to the finest craftsmen in the industry.
Their completely remodeled building has the most technically advanced equipment and specialized processes needed to produce the world’s best log saw blades. All heat treating is completed in house and not outsourced. The heat-treating furnace is computer monitored and controlled – ensuring every saw blade is consistently hardened to the same tight specification. This enables each saw to hold its edge and provides long life through repeated sharpening cycles.
Microblade employs skilled saw makers for smithing, grinding and polishing saw blades from 18” to 40” diameter. Once completed, each log saw blade receives a final inspection by computerized metrology equipment.
The results of this inspection are uploaded to our inspection database that is constantly monitored by their engineering staff. Once the log saw blades are laser etched, they are packaged to ship worldwide!
With a better understanding of Microblade and their relationship with Kinetic, we can move onto Kinetics current log saw focus.
Kinetics’ log saws
Customers need a log saw blade that will run without the infamous “stop-signing” issues. Customers also want blades to last, and they want to use little or no oil in production. So, we listened to our customers and what the market demands.
Even though Microblade verifies every blade before boxing them up, Kinetic also does a 100% inspection before log saws go into inventory. This inspection includes axial and lateral runout, cupping, bevel length, sharpness, and thickness.
Along with our comprehensive inspection process, we also offer coated and plated log saws to offset market changes in material and new product needs. Here are the following coated and plated log saws Kinetic stocks:
Kinetic DFP Log Saws (XLX)
A dry film lubricant applied to the blade consisting of a fluorocarbon blend of lubricants in an organic resin binder.
Features and advantages:
- Eliminates or reduces the need for external lubricant
- Does not clog the grinding stones
- Reduces dust due to the low coefficient of friction
- Reduces glue buildup
- Improves the cut quality of your product because the reduction in friction keeps the blade cooler for straighter cuts
Kinetic Nickel Boron Log Saws (XLN)
Nickel Boron Plated product.
Features and advantages:
- Eliminates or reduces the need for external lubricant
- Does not clog the grinding stones
- Reduces dust due to the low coefficient of friction
- Reduces Heat
- Improves the cut quality of your product because the reduction in friction keeps the blade cooler for straighter cuts
Kinetic is always finding ways to improve materials and coatings. They are checking on updated processes for manufacturing and training their sales staff to help customers identify process improvements. As machine manufacturers make changes in the market, Kinetic will be there making a difference!
Learn more about Kinetic products specially designed for the tissue converting industry.
