Request Quote: Band Saw Lubrication Solution
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Request Consultation: Band Saw Lubrication Solution
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Clean cuts, not cleanups.
Saw blade lubrication
Unist’s band saw blade lubrication solutions use Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) to neatly deliver environmentally-friendly lubricant to your blade, eliminating the mess and hassles of traditional coolants.
MQL is a completely different approach to band sawing:
Less is more - Maximize fluid savings, use only 2–4 ounces of lubricant per shift
Dump the sump - No coolant, no tanks, no messy maintenance
Cut longer, stop less - lubricated teeth run cooler for longer blade life, improved cut quality and less downtime
Keep it clean - Dry chips, cleaner machines, easy cleanup and parts without coolant film
Get consultation
Unist MQL systems
for band saws
- Easily installed on any saw
- Eliminate coolant mess
- Let operators see the cut
- Use very little lubricant
Unist saw nozzles
keep you cutting.
Deliver critical lubrication to blade sides, teeth, and gullets for smooth cutting with less blade changes.
Why saw with Unist?
Eliminate flood coolant mess, treatment and disposal
Improve blade life up to 500% and prevent galling
Use as little as 2–4 ounces per shift
Keep operators happy with skin-friendly Coolube® lubricant
Increase the value of chips/swarf that are virtually dry
Use environmentally-friendly, renewable lubricants
Unist MQL components
(Click to learn more)
Unist MQL System
Nozzle
Unist Lubricant
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Unist MQL Capabilities
Saw Types:
- Pivot/Scissor
- Dual & Single Column
- Production Dual Column
- Structural
- Tube
- Table/Portal
Metals:
- Aluminum
- Stainless Steel
- Carbon Steel
- Alloy/Tool Steel
- Cast Iron
- Inconel
- Titanium
- Magnesium
- Copper Alloys
Blades:
- Carbon Steel
- Carbide
- HSS
- Alloy
- Bi-Metal
- 15n20
- L-6
Profiles:
- Bundles
- Beams
- Channels/Angles
- Extrusion
- Bars/Rods
- Tube/Pipe
- Plates/Blocks
Pretty amazing on how little oil it used and clean it was
We replaced fab shops bandsaw with a CNC one and it had a Unist system one it. We thought it would be a joke but it was pretty amazing with how little oil it used and clean it was. Plus cuts and blade life were better. We converted several of the other older saws over to them and got rid of the coolant tanks and systems.
Full Testimonial
"Would recommend their product to anyone"
Their system are extremely reliable, they help reduce lubricant use and reduce the production cost overall.
- Steeve Boulianne, Process Technician, PCP Aluminum
Full Testimonial
"We've get better blade life and productivity while eliminating the maintenance of flood coolant."
We've been able to get the same or better blade life and productivity out of the Saw Blade Lube Systems while eliminating the maintenance problems we had with flood coolant.
- Denver Nelms, Vice President, RHW Metals
Full Testimonial
"With the Unist coolant, you can clean the saw with a vacuum cleaner"
The guys like it because before they'd have to wear leather aprons so they wouldn't get this flood coolant all over their clothes.
- Rick R, Facilities Leadman, Therma-Tron-X, Inc.
Full Testimonial
Dry chips = better cuts, less downtime, less hassle
Chip evacuation is critical for band saw blade performance. Each gullet must be clear before re-entering the cut. Flood coolant can make chips sticky causing them to pack gullets. With Unist MQL, chips stay dry, free-flowing, and release from gullets easily, allowing each tooth to cut cleanly. This results in less friction, lower cutting forces, longer blade life, and straighter cuts with less drift and chatter. Wet, coolant contaminated chips can clog chip conveyors, require frequent sump cleaning and are less profitable when recycled. MQL produces clean, dry chips that are easy to clean, handle and are worth more in scrap value.
Wet, sticky chips can load gullets affecting cut quality.
Dry chips release from gullets, maintaining a smooth cut.
MQL produces chips so dry, you can store them in cardboard containers like we do in the Unist shop.
| MQL (Minimum Quantity Lubrication) | Traditional Flood Coolant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blade Life | Longer - precise lubrication reduces friction & heat | Shorter due to heat, inconsistent lubrication | ||
| Cut Quality | Clean, precise cuts, steadier blade tracking, improved surface finish | Coolant can create sticky chips, mask problems - poor finish | ||
| Fluid Consumption | Ounces per shift | Gallons per shift | ||
| Maintenance | Minimal - refill reservoir | Frequent sump cleaning, monitoring, treatment, disposal | ||
| Chip Handling | Dry, clean chips; easier handling & cleanup, higher scrap value | Wet, sticky chips - hard to recycle | ||
| Post-process Cleaning | Wipe clean if necessary | Intensive cleaning prior to paint or weld | ||
| Workplace | Clean, dry environment; better visibility & safety | Messy floors & equipment, coolant mist/fog | ||
| Cost | Low fluid use, reduced maintenance - quick ROI | High ongoing fluid maintenance & disposal costs | ||
| Environment | Plant-based options, no disposal, reduced waste | Coolant disposal impact, bacteria growth, rust | ||
| Integration | Compact, retrofit-ready systems - easy to install | Built-in - but requires ongoing management | ||
Our OEM sawing partners
HYDMECH
Amada
Cosen
HE&M
DoALL
Wellsaw
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Components of a Unist solution
1
MQL System
Precision lubricant applicators make dialing-in proper saw lubrication quick and easy.
2
Unist Lubricant
High performance lubricants combat friction and protect blades.
3
Saw Nozzle(s)
Saw-specific nozzles apply lubricant precisely. Available in configurations to fit any saw.
Band Saw products
Quantum
Advanced lubrication for CNC applications with discrete or serial integration
Uni-Max® Pro
1–12 outputs, precision fluid dispensing
Uni-Max® ST
1-2 output, continuous or shot spray lubrication.
Minimum Quantity Lubrication Nozzles
Spray nozzles for MQL applications
Minimum Quantity Lubrication Saw Nozzles
Minimum quantity lubrication nozzles for saw blade applications
Coolube®
Advanced metal cutting lubricant
BAT nozzle
Easily fits on a wide variety of circular saws, vertical band saws, and horizontal band saws
Band saw blade nozzle
Delivers the ideal spray pattern for horizontal band saw blade lubrication
Band saw guide nozzle
Lubricates the sides of the blade to help minimize guide block friction
Custom nozzles
For OEMs we offer custom nozzles to ensure the best solution for your application
Ready to try sawing with Unist?
With years of experience as the preferred lubrication equipment supplier for many global OEMs, we have precise retrofit instructions for over 30 saws and can configure a system specifically for your saw.
Get a Quote on a Saw SolutionFrequently asked questions
Showing 3 of 10 Show all
Q:
Is MQL a new, experimental technology?
A:
NO - Unist has over 65 years of experience pioneering and offering Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) as a metalworking solution. Our products are widely accepted and used by major OEM saw manufacturers and fabrication shops around the world. Unist MQL is a mature, industry proven solution.
Q:
Why should I spend money on MQL when flood coolant works?
A:
An investment in a Unist MQL system pays back quickly by eliminating flood coolant purchases, waste disposal fees, and extended blade life. Most customers see ROI in months, not years and are pleased to no longer have coolant-related maintenance or costs.
Q:
Do blades actually last longer with MQL?
A:
YES - Many customers report same or better blade life after switching to MQL. While blade life is affected by many factors (like material, speed, and feed rate), MQL's focus on precision lubrication significantly reduces friction and heat at the cutting point. This often results in a dramatic increase in blade life compared to flood coolant.
Q:
Does MQL work with all metals?
A:
YES – MQL is a great solution for cutting ferrous and non-ferrous metals including: carbon steel, tool steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, cast-iron, superalloys, titanium, magnesium, copper, and zinc die cast.
Q:
Won't switching to MQL disrupt production?
A:
MQL systems are designed for simple integration on most band saws and can be installed with minimal downtime. Once in place, they reduce mess and maintenance so operators spend less time managing coolant and more time cutting.
Q:
Does MQL require operator training?
A:
NO – MQL is actually simpler: operators just keep a small reservoir filled. No more monitoring fluid levels, mixing ratios, or tramp oil. Once dialed in, settings remain consistent.
Q:
Can MQL really deliver the same surface finish or accuracy?
A:
YES - By minimizing friction and avoiding coolant contamination, MQL produces clean, precise cuts with dry, recyclable chips. Flood coolant can actually mask poor cutting conditions by flooding the workpiece, while MQL gives operators a clear view of the cut for better control.
Q:
Does MQL work in "heavy duty" or tough cuts?
A:
YES - MQL is industry proven in high-demand sawing applications. You’ll find manufacturers around the world successfully using MQL to cut large structural profiles, military-grade alloys, and process space travel components.
Q:
Is MQL only good for cutting aluminum?
A:
No, MQL is highly effective for both ferrous and non-ferrous materials. While MQL is an excellent option for aluminum, it’s also a great lubrication method for high-strength materials. You'll find MQL is successful for cutting tool steel, stainless steel, and even exotic alloys like Inconel.
Q:
How does MQL compare to flood, especially on large structural profiles?
A:
The difference is the approach: Flood coolant attempts to cool the heat after it's generated. MQL prevents the heat from generating in the first place. By applying a small, precise amount of specialized lubricant to each blade tooth before it engages the cut, MQL drastically reduces friction. This means heat buildup is controlled at the source. The blade can then perform with maximum efficiency, regardless of stock profile or size.