04/30/24
Tube Laser Cutting: Everything You Need To Know
Laser tube cutting is one of the most popular processes used in manufacturing amongst industries like automotive, aerospace and construction, whether for structural support or larger assemblies. Find out what exactly goes into creating a tube laser-cutting product.
What Is Laser Tube Cutting?
It’s important to know what you’re looking at before investing. The tube laser cutting process cuts tubes, structural shapes, or channels. In addition, some machines can drill, etch and mark materials.
How Does Tube Laser Cutting Work?
As mentioned above, laser beams pierce through walls of metal tubes or pipes. The laser beam is focused on the surface of the tube, creating a narrow and intense beam of light that melts and vaporizes the metal.
The laser cutting machine utilizes a powerful laser beam that focuses on the materials and vaporizes the metal at contact, producing an excellent clean cut.
How Does Laser Tube Cutting Work?
As we talked about above, laser tube cutting is a precision machining process that utilizes a high-powered laser to cut through various types of metal tubes or pipes with accuracy and efficiency. Here’s an overview of how it works.
Prep
A tube or pipe is mounted to a machine to help hold things in place during the cut. Most of the time, the laser cutting machine is programmed with a specific cutting pattern and dimensions.
Focus
The laser beam focuses on the surface using a lens that helps determine the thickness and width of the laser cut.
Cut
The beam is activated along the tube to create the cut. The laser cuts through the tube wall, leaving a smooth and precise edge.
Finish
After the cut, sharp edges or burrs are removed through post-processing techniques such as deburring or sanding.
Why Use Tube Laser?
Tube laser cutting offers several advantages over traditional methods. It is more precise, faster, and can easily cut complex shapes and patterns. It also produces less waste material and is more environmentally friendly.
Automated laser tube cutting machines can run high-volume parts with automatic loading and part unloading while also being able to cost-effectivenessly cut a low-volume component because of the fast setup and changeover times.
The most significant value of laser tube cutting becomes apparent when considering the laser’s capabilities during a product’s design stage. Speed, quality, flexibility, and repeatability are benefits that can be used to the designer’s advantage.
Types Of Laser Cutting Machines
There are many laser-cutting machines and their popularity varies depending on the applications, industries, and budgets. Here are some of the most popular and how they are used.
UV Machine
This machine utilizes ultraviolet light to cut materials such as glass and ceramics. It is commonly found in industries such as electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, and solar energy.
Fiber Machine
The fiber machine employs a solid-state laser to cut through materials like steel, aluminum, and copper. It is prevalent in industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace engineering, and metal fabrication.
CO2 Machine
This machine utilizes a gas laser to cut materials such as acrylic, wood, paper, leather, and fabrics. It is frequently used in industries related to signage production, woodworking, and textile manufacturing.
Nd:YAG Machine
The Nd:YAG machine utilizes a crystal laser to cut through metals, plastics, and ceramics. It is commonly utilized in the medical, dental, and jewelry industries for its precision and versatility.
Galvo Machine
This machine employs a laser beam to mark or engrave materials like metals, plastics, and ceramics. It finds widespread use in industries such as aerospace engineering, automotive manufacturing, and electronics production.
File Formats For Laser Cutting
To cut a design in the chosen material machines usually have programming software to help automate the process from the initial design to production. Most of the time, it is an actual CAD/CAM interface. Here are some file types we see used:
- .STP
- .IGS
- .X_T
- .IFC
Popular Brands Of Tube Laser Machines
There are many tube laser cutting machine brands available on the market. Some of the top brands based on their reputation, product quality, and customer satisfaction are:
- Trumpf
- Bystronic
- Amada
- Mazak
- BLM GROUP
Choosing a tube laser cutting brand depends on many factors, such as the material, tube diameter, thickness, etc. Considering all factors before deciding on a machine and a metal fabricator is essential.
We’re Here For Your Tube Laser Needs!
If you’re looking for a metal fabricator specializing in tube laser cutting, let us be your go-to. For more information about our services and to receive a quote, get in touch here.