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
MQL Saw Nozzles
Spray nozzles for saw applications
Coolube®
Advanced metal cutting lubricant
MicroTrace™ 5500
Advanced vanishing 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 22 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.
Q:
Where does the lubricant go when sawing with MQL?
A:
When utilized correctly, nearly all of the lubricant applied will be consumed by cut. Resulting in clean, virtually dry parts and chips that require no post-process cleanup.
Q:
Without flood coolant, won't the blade overheat and wear out faster?
A:
NO - MQL targets a tiny, controlled amount of lubricant directly at the blade–tooth interface, exactly where it’s needed. This reduces friction and heat far more efficiently than flood coolant washing over the entire blade. Many users report longer blade life and more consistent cut quality compared to flood systems.
Q:
Will MQL wash chips away as well as Flood Coolant does?
A:
Coolant is often perceived as washing chips away, but chips wet with coolant are actually more prone to sticking, clumping, and interfering with cut dynamics. The reduced visibility of the cut caused by flood coolant can actually mask these negative effects. In contrast, The chips produced by MQL are virtually dry and flow freely without sticking together. With MQL, chips exit the cut readily and are much less prone to loading blade gullets.
Q:
Will parts be oily or dirty with MQL?
A:
MQL applies such small amounts that parts exit the saw nearly dry, clean, and ready for downstream processes. Chips are dry as well, making them easier to handle and more valuable when recycled..
Q:
Is it hard to retrofit my saw for a Unist MQL system?
A:
NO - Unist systems are modular and compact and designed for retrofit. Installation typically requires only mounting the applicator and nozzle(s) and connecting air and power — no major machine modifications are needed.
Q:
Won't MQL create an oil mist in my facility?
A:
NO - MQL uses targeted, near-dry delivery with a very small volume of lubricant. With proper setup, there’s no airborne haze. In fact, the work environment is cleaner, drier, and safer.
Q:
Will Coolube cause issues on my saw?
A:
NO. Coolube is composed of highly-refined, plant-based material, is non-corrosive and non-conductive, wont flash-rust, is paint-friendly, and has low creep (Coolube will not wick through gaskets). Excess, residual Coolube is easily cleaned using mild dish detergent or degreaser. Flood coolants can displace grease, invite rust and corrosion/pitting on surfaces, terminals, and PCBs. Coolant can creep into conduits, motor windings, VFDs, and enclosures. Dried coolant residue can become conductive. and create an abrasive sludge with chips–shortening the life of bearings and guides.
Q:
Will MQL lubricant gum up my oil lines or nozzles?
A:
NO. Unist lubricants are highly refined and will not oxidize or become sticky and are not prone to 'gumming up.' Less-refined lubricants may exhibit this behavior and are not suitable for MQL. Unist MQL systems use precision pumps and clean delivery lines engineered for reliability. With the right lubricant, clogging is virtually eliminated. Preventive maintenance is minimal compared to flood coolant systems that require tanks, filters, and regular fluid replacement. For best sawing performance and a lifetime warranty on your Unist MQL system's pumps, choose Unist lubricants.
Q:
Is Coolube more expensive than flood coolant?
A:
NO. Coolube's price per gallon is higher when compared to the cost per gallon of coolant, but in a typical shift, Unist customers report using between 2 and 4 ounces on average. Keep in mind that MQL eliminates many of the costs related to flood coolant including the cost of coolant-related equipment, coolant maintenance and disposal costs, and time spent on sump cleanouts.
Q:
With MQL, I can hardly see the lubricant being applied. I'm used to flooding everything to make sure it's cool. Does MQL really work?
A:
YES IT DOES! MQL applies a small amount of lubricant to each tooth, gullet, and each side of the blade before it engages in the cut. Friction is greatly reduced and heat buildup is controlled. With MQL, the blade is allowed to perform without the negative effects and costs associated with coolant.
Q:
We’ve always used flood coolant. Why change what works?
A:
Flood coolant works but comes with hidden costs beyond the purchase price: treatment, disposal, and cleanup. Shops switching to MQL typically see 40–80% reductions in fluid costs and also eliminate waste treatment headaches. MQL lets you cut smarter, not harder.
Q:
What do I need to make the switch to MQL?
A:
Unist systems require 80-100 PSI [1-2 SCFM] of clean, dry air. Built for you, our products feature a variety of actuation methods including air or voltage inputs and easily integrate with your existing machine controls.