Circular Knives Overview
Comments Off on Circular Knives OverviewModern machine components such as the circular knives produced by Precision Edge bear little resemblance to the hand tools which would once have been used to do the same jobs. How did these changes come about?
Throughout humankind’s development, from ancient developments through the industrial revolution, we have relied on one simple yet fascinating shape: the circle. Harnessing the power of the circle gave us the wheel, possibly the most significant single invention in history. It has allowed us to travel, to discover, to see things we could never otherwise have seen.
The circle is also deeply entrenched in many philosophical teachings; it represents repetition, balance, continuity. And it’s easy to see why. A high proportion of the mechanical devices we rely on in our technological age utilise components which take the form of a circle, or move in a circular pattern.
The reason the circle is such a mechanically effective shape is that it perfectly describes the most efficient motion of any repetitive action. For example, a wheel is round because it works, right? None of us would drive a car with square wheels.
This principle is just as pertinent when it comes to manufacturing processes. For any machine -particularly one which repeats the same action over and over, as so many do – to run smoothly, circular components such as wheels, rollers, bearings, drums, and circular machine knives are employed.
Modern manufacturing equipment is a far cry from the first tools of mass production, developed during the industrial revolution. Those implements were only a step away from the hand tools which had been used by craftspeople for centuries. Did you know that some of the first farming tractors not only were designed to haul horse drawn implements, but were even controlled by a set of leather reins?
Automation has changed the way products are made and processed forever, and components like circular machine knives have played an integral part in this transformation. A circular knife is operated, not by a human hand, but by an electric motor or a mechanical camshaft. Every incision is as smooth and straight as the last. A circular blade never tires, never weakens, and never needs a break until its edge becomes dull and it is sent for sharpening.
Modern automated manufacturing systems can produce high volumes of product very quickly. Of course, such systems rely on bespoke components which are up to the high speed, high precision conditions involved in such a process. These components are manufactured by specialist companies like Precision Edge, a Sussex based machine knife manufacturer at the ‘cutting edge’ of the industry. We supply machine knives of all kinds to a range of industries, and the stainless steel circular knives used in food production are some of our high turnover items. We also produce and stock circular slitting knives, circular dished top knives, and a vast range of other types. We specialize in finding solutions to difficult manufacturing problems, and can provide bespoke components for your process.