GBC SPIDER 12-70 — Blades & Consumables

On a flange face, the machine's rigidity is only half the story — how well the gasket seals depends heavily on the state of the cutting blade. The SPIDER 12-70 is used to machine a flange face in place on site, and UTX11190 in this family is that machine's facing blade. It is specified for the stainless steel group and carries a TiCN coating. The coating has two practical consequences here: it reduces the tendency of stainless to stick to the cutting edge, and it holds that edge sharp for longer. Carrying on with a worn blade leaves visible tool marks and waviness on the face, the gasket is then asked to close over them, and the sealing risk goes up. So the blade is changed when face quality starts to fall off, not when it has finally worn out. The family holds a single line at present, so there is no axis to choose along: for a shop running a SPIDER 12-70, this is the consumable to keep in stock. Keeping at least one spare beside the machine is the practical way to avoid standby on site. Once a face is cut, read the direction and depth of the tool marks: that is the fastest way to decide whether the same blade goes onto the next flange, and it is a check made before the gasket is chosen.