How Batch Size Affects Beam Saw Productivity

Many different factors can affect the efficiency and productivity of today’s horizontal beam saws. Batch size is the most modern of them
Paolo Pezzoli Brand Sales Manager

Many different factors can affect the efficiency and productivity of today’s horizontal beam saws. Batch size is the most modern of them. What does “most modern” mean? Loading, off-loading, and pattern complexity have always been factors. But they have been minimized by recent advances in technology: Inventory Management and Loading Systems. Loading systems, drive technology that increases speed and reduces cycle times, and multi-pusher systems that add flexibility and speed in cutting complexed patterns. But batch size is a factor that can’t be solved by technology, at least not technology directly related to the saw.

Horizontal Beam Saws are most productive and efficient when utilizing the stack height capability. For the most part, the cycle time to cut one sheet is the same as cutting three or four sheets stacked one on top of the other. Determining the correct panel saw for your production is no longer based on the number of sheets required in a given amount of time utilizing full stack height. The traditional assumption was that maximum, or near maximum, stack height was always the way to go. Batch size, or the reduction of the batch size, has changed this evaluation to the number of cycles required, not the number of sheets required.

For that reason, if you’re looking to double your output from your existing saw, you should double the batch size. The other option is to double the machines. So the easy answer to the question “Why not maximize the stack height when utilizing a beam saw to size parts?” is BATCH SIZE!!

What is Batching ?

A batch is defined differently in nearly every factory. It can be one part, one box, one kitchen, one floor, one job, or any combination of them. The purpose of “batching” is to balance the flow through the variety of manufacturing processes and machines inside the available space. Creating this balance is key to minimizing the “work in process.”

What is the Correct Batch Size?

Finding the correct batch size begins at the saw and is the starting point to having an efficient manufacturing process. What if the determined batch size results in an average stack height that is less than the capability of the existing saw? This situation does not make the saw inefficient or unproductive, but it does affect maximum efficiency and maximum productivity. Remember, cutting times are relatively the same for single-sheet cutting and stacked cutting.

The plus side of using a beam saw is the inherent growth capability for sizing obtained by simply increasing batch size and stack cutting. Never forget that the correct batch size is critical to an efficient factory. You should always keep batch size in mind when you are considering panel sizing for your next horizontal beam saw and comparing machinery purchase options.

Want to Learn More?

If you currently use or are thinking about purchasing a Nesting Machine in the future, check out our article on how to Execute Your Nesting with Ultimate Efficiency

Want to learn more about Beam Saws? Read our article on 5 Facts on How Beam Saw Optimizers Accelerate Efficiency
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