Cutting Bars to Length

Cutting Methods

Guillotine shear

This is a large machine suitable only for factory cutting. Up to 20 smaller diameter bars can be cut at once. Although rough, the ends are suitable for welding, where specified, but not for end-bearing splices.

Diamond-tipped or similar saw

Factory mounted, this can produce an accurate neat end for an end-bearing splice.

Friction saw

A portable saw of this type can be used on site.

Oxy-acetylene torch

For trimming or removing steel. The heat generated during cutting extends only a short way along the bar and, as such, does not affect either the strength or anchorage of a bar end. Take care to avoid spatter on to adjacent steel during cutting. Bars cut using heat are not suitable for end-butt welding.

Manufacturing Tolerances

To enable building materials to fit together, an allowance is required to permit minor variations from the exact value specified. This allowance is called a tolerance. Tolerances on reinforcement are given in AS/NZS 4671, Section 7, and AS3600-2009, Section 17.

Economics of Cutting Steel to Length

Where possible, an order for one scheduled length will be cut from one particular stock length. However, the economics of steel cutting require that minimum scrap is generated. For maximum steel utilisation then, different scheduled lengths are grouped together to be cut from the most economic stock length.