WORLD FIRST: PCS® - Preventive Contact System

Serious accidents on the sliding table panel saws are a thing of the past - successful woodworking in safe hands with PCS®.

Prevent accidents at the speed of light.
When the risk of an accident is detected, PCS® triggers the lowering of the saw blade under the saw table at the speed of light. The functionality, based on the electro-magnetic law of repulsion, allows for an extremely short response time of a few milliseconds.

Surveillance of danger zone with approach detection.
Upon detection of an unexpected, fast approach within the saw blade area, PCS® triggers the safety mechanism, lowering the blade. The safety environment surrounds the saw blade and protects against access from all directions.

Absolutely damage free, immediately ready for use.
The PCS® safety lowering mechanism works damage free and at no extra cost. The sliding table panel saw is immediately ready to use again at the push of a button. PCS® works without consumable parts and therefore completely adjustment and maintenance free.
Find out more about PCS® here

*PCS® does not replace any of the statutory protective devices. According to regulations, the machine must be operated with splitter and sawguard.

The saw unit “200”

The newly developed Format-4 saw unit made from cast iron offers not only high performance and precision but also extreme smoothness and vibration absorption.

Oversized saw arbor with double bearing trunnions

“Easy-Glide” - 6 year guarantee!

Large cutting depth

With the new kappa 550 you can dramatically increase the cutting height of your panel saw. The kappa 550 gives you 202 mm at 90° and 141 mm at 46°. When you are looking at premium class panel saws, these are the figures you should be searching for!

Tilting of saw-blade

To use a grooving cutter “Dado cutter”

Slot cutting is possible with Format-4 panel saws. The use of adjustable dado tools, specifically developed by Format-4, can be used thanks to the removable circular saw flange and the table insert.

"Easy-Lock" tool free saw blade change

The clamping system is maintenance free and offers premium comfort for many years: Change saw blades effortlessly in literally no time at all.

3-axis “Control” scoring unit

The scoring unit blade width and height adapt automatically to the stored tool information and also to the respective teeth width of the main saw blade. Any changes to these standard scoring settings can be saved and retrieved when using the same tool in the future.

Scoring unit park position

Removing the scoring blade when using large diameter saw blades is no longer necessary! The new Format-4 parks the scoring blade at the touch of a button, leaving enough space for a large diameter blade, and in doing so, saves valuable production time. Additionally the park position also protects the scoring blade from resin.

Safety made visible – Scoring unit operation display

A red LED strip immediately signals the operation of the scoring unit and offers even more working safety. (Option)

Saw blade change without tools

Fast, uncomplicated and totally without tools: Changing the saw blade on the new Format-4 machine is incredibly simple simply incredible! The patented power transfer system ensures that the required pressure on the flange is applied. A clamping lever is used for the tool free clamping of the riving knife. Maximum operating safety and maximum productivity are guaranteed with Format-4.

Simple, safe & quick - "Quick-Lock" saw blade clamping

An alternative to the worldwide unique Format-4 saw blade quick change system "Easy-Lock" is now the "Quick-Lock" clamping system, which with the use of just one tool makes it quick and easy to change the saw blade.

The TFT control panel with touch screen function

CNC control with 10.4” (264 mm) TFT screen situated in the overhead-control panel

Ardis Cutting Optimisation Software

All processing phases can be carried out quickly, efficiently and centrally as a result of the integration of the Format-4 cutting optimisation system into the machine and operating concept. Training is not necessary as the user interface is intuitive, clear and easy to use.

Label printer

Not only does the label printer enable the workpieces to be labelled correctly, it also enables a logical post-processing. This makes it possible to load programs for subsequent processes on the CNC and edgebanders simply by using the bar code scanner. Save valuable production time with the label printer and increase productivity, quality and as a result, your profit.

Bar code scanner

When processing work pieces after they have been cut using an edgebander or CNC machine, the labels with bar code will help to increase the efficiency of your production

Rip fence with position control

The rip fence is positioned by a motor and runs via a dust-free integrated ball spindle in the saw table. The 1/10 mm precision, the high positioning speed, as well as the simultaneous positioning of the crosscut fence, saw blade height and saw blade angle ensure precision and save valuable working time.

“X-Roll” sliding table, 10 year guarantee

A masterpiece of ­engineering - The ultimate in precision and smoothness! This precision guiding system will carry maximum loads without compromising the smooth and accurate stroke of the sliding table. The “X”-configuration of the roller bearings optimally distributes workpiece weight to all sides. With a roller bearing system, the full width of the bearing is in contact with the guiding track. With no single point of contact between the bearing and the guiding track as found on conventional ball bearing systems, the roller bearing will never wear a groove into the guiding track. This ensures play-free guiding for the lifetime of the machine. The “X-Roll” system is backed with a 10-year factory guarantee.

Main operating switches on sliding table

As an option, it is also possible to equip the saw with the wireless push button control “ON” switch of the main blade and scoring blade to the sliding table, speeding up the work process further.

Fix in every position - Multiple position locking of the sliding table

The tried and tested "X-Roll" sliding table with linear guide system is now equipped with a stainless steel latch plate which enables the sliding table to be locked in almost any position.

“X-Roll” outrigger table

The 8x ball bearings, integrated guide rollers and bearings of the outrigger table ensure an incredibly smooth operation upon maximum loading capacity. The support rail is moved along an “X-Roll” guiding system and is fast and fine-adjustable. The LED display enables you to set the required angle to one tenth of a degree. The fence can be tilted to any position between -45° and +45° and guarantees precise mitre cuts.

“digi-compensation plus” - digital angle/length compensation

The digital angle and length compensation module "digi-compensation plus" for X-roll or parallelogram outrigger tables compensate any changes in the length difference of the crosscut fence settings, as the angle is changed. The direct communication with the controls, also enables it to compensate the fence position of the crosscut stop to the width of the tooth and the tilt of the saw blade. This ensures that you always get an exact measurement without any recalibration when using different saw blades.

Parallelogram outrigger table

Infinite adjustment range –45 bis +45°. The LED display enables you to set the required angle to one tenth of a degree. Mitre length compensation is done via the vernier scale with the standard fence, with the CNC crosscut fence the length compensation is automatic.

Angle adjustment and fence length compensation

No reading errors due to scales and vernier. No time-wasting with arduous approximations of angle values. The advantage of the Felder degree index is that the stop is set and fixed without losing time or making reading errors. Highly precise index positions allow for the accurate production of polygons, e.g. 5.625º (32 sided), 11.25º (16 sided), 22.5º (8 sided). In addition, index positions at 15º, 20º, 25º, 30º, 35º, 40º and 45º can be used when working in slide to cut or push to cut mode. Every index position is equipped with a length compensator. The highly precise Felder degree index system is adjusted at the factory. Every index position also has individual fine ­adjustment. This cost effective index system integrates well into the machine design and will increase your productivity.

Digital accuracy

On request, we will equip your Format-4 with the digital telescopic fence. Below, you see the cleverly integrated electronic digital scale with values correct to 0.1 millimeter. Additional functions, for example the setting of successive measurements, make your daily working life easier.

Telescopic crosscut fence

The telescopic fence enables crosscuts of up to 3200 mm. Top class engineering and ease of use are features which are a part of the standard equipment. The scale and the magnifying glass on the stop ensure precise adjustments and settings from the operating area.

Even more flexible - Ergonomic locking lever at the crosscut fence

The crosscut fence on the outrigger is now even easier to tilt from zero to 45 degrees with the improved locking lever. The large dimensioned, ergonomic clamping lever can be used at every angle.

Parking the outrigger

The outrigger table can be swung out of the way with ease! No more time consuming, complicated assembling and removing of the outrigger table. The outrigger table swing away system ensures extreme ease of use and at the same time can provide you with extra working space when you need it.

Electronic crosscut fence

The e-motion models can be equipped with the CNC controlled crosscut fence. The controlled crosscut fence can be used on both sides of the outrigger and is equipped with two fence stops. The maximum adjustable length measures 3400 mm. The extendable component can be removed to save space. The length compensation takes place automatically depending on the set angle.

Overhead saw guard

The FORMAT-4 overhead saw guard is integrated nicely into the machine design. It is easy and convenient to use. With only a flick of the wrist the saw guard can be moved and tilted completely away from the machine area. The dust extraction hood adjusts itself automatically to the work piece height and always provides optimal working safety and dust extraction performance.

On the right track - Laser cutting line marker

The maintenance free linear laser is mounted to the overhead saw guard and can be adjusted to any position. The easily visible cutting marker makes it easier to trim or cut along cracked wood.

Remote lock release

If desired, the kappa 550 can be equipped with a remote lock release.

Overhead saw guard with sub-table extraction system

The newly developed overhead saw guard and dust removal system deliver perfect extraction results. The overhead saw guard, with its striking design, runs on linear guides that help to facilitate the height adjustment. The dust and shavings are sucked from the saw guard into the extraction pipe via a short hose. The dust extraction below the table encloses the complete saw unit. The dust channel is the perfect design to provide an optimum air flow and perfect main blade and scoring unit extraction results.

Pneumatic workpiece holder

Always at hand - Additional storage options in the front tool compartment

The tried and tested tool compartment positioned directly at the front of the machine has now been made even more practical with the addition of two magnets for the storage of the riving knife and the scoring blade. There will also be the possibility to attach the edging shoe directly to the machine for storage. So everything is always in its place!

Spraying equipment for the processing of non-ferrous metals and plastics

Your Format-4 can be optionally ­fitted with a spraying unit. High performance lubricating oil can be sprayed directly onto the saw blade, transported via piping from the spraying unit.

Can now be retrofitted: Full surface support on the outrigger table

The new full surface and magnetic mounted supports on the outrigger table offer an increased support surface and guarantees a safe grip and a stable support for the processing of smaller workpieces.

The crosscut fence

For crosscuts between +45° and –45°, the crosscut fence is set with a mitre scale, which is integrated into the sliding table. Quick attachment without tools is made possible by a T-slot and quick coupling on the side of the sliding table. The mitre scale and the magnifying glass on the fence stop, readable from the operating area, allow you to make precise adjustments.

Rip fence for “X-Roll” sliding tables

The ideal accessory for parallel cuts on the sliding table. Use your sliding table and the outrigger together with the rip fence to guarantee an exact workpiece positioning. The rip fence is clamped to the sliding table. The integrated scale from 25 to 1000 mm can be easily read through a lens.

The electronic double mitre gauge

One of the valuable accessories in daily use on woodworking machines is the patented double mitre gauge from Format-4. It enables double mitre cuts on workpieces of different widths at any angle. The input of the workpiece widths A, B and the input of the desired frame angle, is carried out on the integrated computer via the keypad. The resulting settings appear correct to within a tenth of a degree on the display. Just set the double mitre gauge at the calculated value and work away with a result of … pinpoint accuracy! The fence stop on the fence plates can be adjusted up to 1350 mm with the scale. Depending on the set angles, the length compensating vernier scale is available. This feature also enables you to set the exact workpiece length when making mitre cuts.

Transport and mounting unit for outrigger table

At last: quick, comfortable and effortless, removal and installation of your outrigger table with the help of the transport and mounting unit. Another positive aspect: your outrigger can be conveniently stored away!