SawStop Brake Cartridge

This revolutionary safety technology was developed by SawStop to stop the circular saw blade the moment it comes into contact with skin. The saw blade is supplied with an alternating voltage of 12 V at 200 kHz. This voltage is continuously monitored on the opposite side of the blade. When a finger touches the blade, the voltage drops because the human body is conductive and grounded. Once a threshold value is undercut, the system triggers within just 25 microseconds. At that moment, a fuse wire melts, releasing a preloaded spring mechanism that propels an aluminium brake block into the spinning blade with high force. The brake stops the blade in approximately 5 milliseconds. Due to the sudden deceleration, the blade is simultaneously retracted below the table surface and pulled away from the point of contact - typically a finger. Although minor skin injuries such as abrasions may occur, the system effectively reduces the risk of serious cuts. After activation, the brake cartridge and saw blade must be replaced. However, the replacement process is user-friendly and can be completed within a few minutes.