Menu
Twenty20 Engineering is able to provide a Laser Tube Cutting Service as part of the fabrication services we offer. This can be a standalone service or can support the fabrication and manufacture of larger projects.
Laser tube cutting is where a precise and efficient machine is used to cut circular, square and rectangular tubes in various section sizes and thicknesses. This involves using a high-powered laser beam to melt, burn and vaporise material resulting in an accurate cut. The laser can be used to cut through sections or add a profile to a face such as holes and notches.
A rotating head is used to manipulate the tube so the face that is to be cut is visible to the laser beam. It is worth bearing in mind that the machine used to perform tube cutting has a very different setup to the one used to perform sheet metal laser cutting.
At Twenty20 Engineering we require a 3D CAD Model and 2D Technical Drawings to carry out tube cutting operations. We are able to provide this as part of our Engineering and CAD Services if required.
Once we have been provided with or created the correct manufacturing data which has received customer approval we are then able to provide a quote. Once instructed tube cutting operations will commence, with the final product being delivered to our customers specification.
Using a laser tube cutting machine the following steps are carried out to precisely cut and profile hollow sections, of differing sizes and wall thicknesses.
Step 1 – Tube Preparation: Before starting the cutting process, the section is prepared by ensuring it is properly positioned within the machine. Fixtures and clamps are used to hold the tube in place to prevent the tube moving during cutting.
Step 2- Laser Setup: the laser cutting machine is equipped with a high powered laser source, usually CO2 or fibre, to produce a concentrated beam of light to cut the tube. The laser parameters will depend on the section size and thickness of the material being cut
Step 3 – Programming: A computer numeric control (CNC) system is used to control the laser and rotation of the tube. This allows the machine to cut and profile the tube, with the intricate details provided within the CAD file.
Step 4 – Laser Cutting: Once the machine is setup and programmed the laser cutting process begins. The laser beam is focused and directed onto the tube allowing it to be melted, burnt and vaporised away. This gives precise and accurate cuts during a carefully controlled process to avoid the tube overheating and warping while in the machine
Step 5 – Real Time Monitoring: During the cutting process the operator uses sensors and cameras to monitor the machine and tube in real time. This allows the operator to adjust the parameters of the machine if required to ensure a high quality part is produced
Step 6 – Post Cutting Operations: Once cut and profiled the tube may under go further addition operations and post processing. This can include being fabricated into a welded assembly or surface treatments such as galvanising and painting.
Step 7 – Delivery to Customer: Twenty20 performs a quality control check and inspection of the tube or fabricated assembly before dispatch. Ensuring the product has been manufactured to our customers specification before dispatch or collection.
A wide variety of sectors use tube cutting for many different types of project. Twenty20 Engineering has 10 years experience supporting our customers on a variety of different projects for many different sectors. Some examples of where tube cutting can be used are:
