When it comes to chainsaw bars and chains, STIHL stands out as a leader in innovation and quality.
What sets STIHL apart from the competition is its unique approach to manufacturing. Unlike other brands, STIHL is the only manufacturer that develops, manufactures, and produces the chainsaw, chain, and guide bar, creating a synchronised system for optimal performance. This article delves into the meticulous processes behind STIHL’s saw chains and guide bars, highlighting what makes them one of the best in the industry.
Why choose STIHL saw chain?
STIHL’s commitment to excellence begins with its saw chains. Each chain undergoes a rigorous manufacturing process to ensure it meets the highest standards of performance and durability, and the attention to detail and quality control at every stage of production is what makes STIHL saw chains superior.
How is STIHL saw chain made?
The process starts with high-quality raw material rolled into a coil, from which individual saw-chain components are stamped out. This raw material is specifically chosen for its strength and durability, ensuring the final product can withstand the rigours of heavy use. The selection of raw material is a critical step, as it lays the foundation for the entire manufacturing process.
These components then undergo vibratory grinding, a process that rounds off and removes any burrs, reducing friction during use. This step is crucial for ensuring smooth operation and longevity of the chain. By eliminating any rough edges, STIHL ensures the chain moves seamlessly over the guide bar, reducing wear and tear on both the chain and the bar.
The components are hardened by heating them to nearly 1000°C and then quenching them in a salt bath. This unique process creates tough and durable components capable of withstanding the most demanding applications. The hardening process not only increases the strength of the chain but also enhances its resistance to wear and impact, making it ideal for cutting through tough materials.
After each step, stringent quality control checks are performed to ensure only the best chains are used on STIHL chainsaws and sold to customers. These checks include visual inspections, dimensional measurements, and performance tests. By maintaining high standards of quality control, STIHL ensures every chain meets its rigorous specifications and delivers consistent performance.
Did you know?
All STIHL saw chains are produced at the STIHL plants in Wil and Bronschhofen, Switzerland.
These state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with the latest technology and staffed by highly skilled technicians dedicated to producing the best saw chains in the world. STIHL manufactures chains for a variety of users, including homeowners, professionals, wood-processing plants, and rescue services, ensuring an ideal solution for any wood-cutting application. Whether you’re cutting firewood, felling trees, or performing rescue operations, STIHL has a chain that meets your needs.
Why choose STIHL guide bars?
Just like its saw chains, STIHL’s guide bars are designed to complement its chainsaws. They provide lightweight execution and the rigidity needed to handle any demanding application. The combination of STIHL chains and guide bars creates a harmonious system that delivers exceptional performance and reliability.
How are STIHL guide bars made?
1. STIHL guide bars are manufactured in Germany, just metres away from the R&D team, allowing for close and constant monitoring of production to ensure quality. This proximity facilitates rapid communication and collaboration between the design and production teams, ensuring any issues are quickly identified and resolved.
2. New guide-bar designs are created using CAD software and undergo intensive internal prototype testing, including exclusive bend tests based on real-world user feedback. These tests simulate the stresses and strains the guide bars will experience in actual use, ensuring they can withstand the toughest conditions. The design process also includes simulations of various cutting scenarios to optimise the performance of the guide bars.
3. After internal tests, guide bars are sent worldwide for further testing and feedback. This global testing phase ensures the guide bars perform well in different environments and under various conditions. Feedback from users around the world is invaluable in refining the design and improving the performance of the guide bars.
4. All new guide bars undergo rigorous kickback testing to ensure they meet global safety standards while maintaining structural rigidity and durability. Kickback is a common hazard when using chainsaws, and STIHL’s commitment to safety ensures its guide bars minimise this risk. The kickback tests involve simulating various cutting scenarios to evaluate the guide bar’s performance and safety features.
5. During production, each bar is inspected multiple times and finally visually inspected by experts to ensure it’s suitable for use with STIHL chainsaws. These inspections include checking for dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and overall quality. By conducting multiple inspections, STIHL ensures only the best guide bars make it to the market.
Harmonious combination
When combined with STIHL saw chains, the harmonious combination of the powerhead, saw chain, and guide bar ensures the cutting attachment and powerhead are ideally coordinated, delivering the best possible performance. This synergy between the components results in smoother operation, reduced vibration, and increased cutting efficiency.
STIHL offers a variety of bars with different tips and features to suit any chainsaw application, from general-purpose cutting to specialised tasks like carving and milling.
Reliability and efficiency
STIHL’s dedication to quality and innovation is evident in every aspect of its chainsaw bars and chains. By controlling the entire manufacturing process, from raw material selection to final inspection, STIHL ensures its products meet the highest standards of performance and durability.
Whether you’re a homeowner, a professional, or part of a rescue team, STIHL chainsaw bars and chains provide the reliability and efficiency you need to get the job done. With STIHL, you can trust you’re using the best tools available, designed to deliver exceptional results every time.
To see more STIHL equipment, log on to stihl.com.au/en.