As global tube and pipe manufacturing evolves toward greater efficiency and precision, the role of high-performance cutting solutions is becoming increasingly important. In an exclusive interaction with Tube & Pipe India, Dr. Stefan Schaafsma, Chief Commercial Officer, Kinkelder, explains how the Netherlands-based specialist is addressing evolving industry requirements through performance-focused circular saw blades, innovation-led product launches, and strong technical support. He shares insights on demand trends, cost management, sustainability priorities, and Kinkelder’s growing focus on the Indian flying cut-off market.

Tube & Pipe India: Please briefly outline your company’s tube and pipe product focus, including key materials, product types, and principal end-use sectors?

Stefan Schaafsma: Kinkelder manufactures TCT circular saw blades for flying cut-off units on tube mills and HSS circular saw blades for tube lines at its facilities in the Netherlands. In addition, we produce HSS, TCT, and segmental blades for stationary sawing machines. Our offering is strongly performance-driven, focused on delivering the best price-performance ratio and lowering the total cost of ownership for tube producers.

TPI: Within your core product segments, how would you characterize current demand conditions and order visibility?

SS: Demand is growing across Europe, North America, Asia, and other regions. Through regular technical support and close service engagement with our customers, we maintain strong visibility on order flows and production developments at tube mills.

TPI: Which customer or application requirements are currently exerting the greatest pressure on quality, uniformity, or on-time delivery within your product range?

SS: Quality, uniformity, and on-time delivery are not pressure points for us. We are currently launching three new high-performance KINS’ BLUE circular saw blades for stationary tube cutting, which have already been successfully pre-launched in Europe. Additionally, we have introduced the KINS’ ORANGE OrbitalMaster Essential saw blade for orbital flying cut-off applications, offering an excellent price-performance balance.

TPI: How are material selection, grade complexity, or specification tightening influencing your manufacturing or quality-control practices?

SS: There are no barriers in this area. Producing quality begins with selecting high-quality materials and working with reliable, trustworthy suppliers. Our European-sourced components fully meet specifications and align closely with our R&D strategy, helping us minimise rework and scrap.

We are currently launching three new high-performance KINS’ BLUE circular saw blades for stationary tube cutting, which have already been successfully pre-launched in Europe. Additionally, we have introduced the KINS’ ORANGE OrbitalMaster Essential saw blade for orbital flying cut-off applications, offering an excellent price-performance balance.

TPI: Which process disciplines, automation measures, or quality-assurance practices have delivered the most tangible improvements in yield or rework reduction?

SS: This is classified information. We have more than 80 years of experience and continuously optimize our production processes to ensure high quality at lower cost. Sharing these details would be like revealing the secret ingredients of a signature chef ’s Tikka Masala. We do not allow strangers in our kitchen.

TPI: How are cost pressures across raw materials, energy, or logistics being managed without compromising product reliability or compliance?

SS: Innovation plays a central role. By improving blade performance and cutting efficiency, we help customers offset cost increases elsewhere. Higher efficiency directly translates into cost savings at the tube mill level.

TPI: How are sustainability expectations from customers or regulators influencing product design and manufacturing?

SS: Environmental, social, and governance principles are embedded in our product and service development. Sustainability considerations are part of our innovation cycle and often result in reduced energy usage and lower overall costs for customers.

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TPI: Looking ahead, which applications or performance requirements will drive incremental investment?

SS: We closely follow trends toward lighter, stronger steel pipes and faster tube line speeds. Our blade designs focus on reducing waste and lowering the cutting cost per tonne of steel. Tube mills increasingly recognise that efficiency and productivity, not blade price alone, drive profitability.

TPI: How do you see India as a market for Kinkelder?

SS: India is a key focus market, particularly for flying cut-off units on tube mills. We have introduced a new “Essential” product line tailored for this segment, offering reliable performance at attractive pricing. Our HSS circular saw blades are supplied in India through our distributor, Ravik Engineers Ltd. With the upcoming India–EU trade agreement, we see strong long-term potential and a bright future in this market.

India is a key focus market, particularly for flying cut-off units on tube mills. We have introduced a new “Essential” product line tailored for this segment, offering reliable performance at attractive pricing. Our HSS circular saw blades are supplied in India through our distributor, Ravik Engineers Ltd.