Everything You Need to Know About Laser Cutting Machines for Tubes

Among the numerous laser cutting equipment, laser cutting tube machines enjoy widespread applications. They efficiently cut various metal tubes, including stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum alloys, boasting high cutting speeds and smooth, burr-free cutting surfaces.

Due to these characteristics, tube fiber laser cutting machines have revolutionized tube processing.

Perhaps you’re curious about the working principle of a laser cutting tube machine. Or maybe you’re wondering what a metal tube laser cutting machine can be used for. Or what is the laser cutting tube machine price? Through this article, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of fiber laser cutting tube machines, their significance in modern manufacturing, and how to choose and maintain them.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert, this article will provide valuable information and guidance, and answer some of your questions.

Fundamentals of Laser Cutting Tube Machines

What is a tube fiber laser cutting machine?

The foundation of laser tube cutting lies in the laser beam. Lasers are differentiated by their wavelengths. Due to their ability to carry a large amount of information, without electromagnetic interference or signal leakage, they are commonly used in communication engineering. When applied to metal cutting, their advantages of high energy density and narrow beam width become apparent.

Laser cutting tube machines enable the seamless cutting of metals and other materials. Once programmed, these machines find wide applications in custom cutting tasks. Compared to other cutting machines, they can execute complex cuts faster. For instance, they can drill holes in tubes of various shapes and sizes and cut various patterns.

Moreover, pipe fiber laser cutting machines provide excellent cut surfaces, eliminating the need for secondary processing before subsequent welding or other operations. They are equally suitable for cutting both thin-walled and thick-walled tubes.

What truly sets laser tube cutting apart is its precision. Advancements in modern laser cutting machines have significantly accelerated industrial manufacturing applications involving small-diameter tubes.

Laser tube cutting utilizes computer-aided design software for graphic design, which is then imported into the cutting machine’s operating system for automated cutting, maximizing the speed of manufacturing projects. Typically, the operating system includes a database containing key information such as the tube’s material type, thickness, and geometry.

Advantages and Applications of Tube Fiber Laser Cutting Machines

Tube fiber laser cutting machines exhibit powerful application potential across various industries due to their unique advantages. Compared to traditional cutting methods, CNC tube laser cutting machines offer the following benefits:

High Cutting Precision

The true distinction between pipe fiber laser cutting machines and traditional cutting methods lies in their cutting precision. Fiber laser cutting machines for tubes employ chucks and push-type cutting methods, achieving high positioning accuracy and machining precision.

Furthermore, advancements in modern laser cutting machines have greatly accelerated the application of small-diameter tubes in industrial manufacturing. CNC fiber laser tube cutting machines can adjust according to the tube’s diameter and shape, ensuring precise tube cutting. This is something many traditional cutting methods cannot achieve.

High Cutting Efficiency

CNC laser cutting tube machines enable mass production, with all operations consolidated into a single continuous process within the same unit, significantly reducing loading time. Standard tube lengths are 6 meters. Traditional processing methods would require cumbersome clamping for such lengths. In contrast, a 6m metal tube fiber laser cutting machine can easily accomplish clamping and positioning for several meters-long tubes, making batch processing possible.

High Flexibility

Automatic tube laser cutting machine possesses powerful capabilities. Four-jaw self-centering chucks can cut square tubes, round tubes, rectangular tubes, and various special-shaped tubes. The machine’s processing tube diameter and length can be customized (XTLASER offers 9m/6m tube laser cutting machines and laser cutting tube machines with diameters ranging from 20mm to 200mm). The machine is equipped with a simple and easy-to-operate processing system that provides real-time feedback on the processing status, ensuring orderly processing.

Computer Programmable

Utilizing tube cutting software, seamless recognition of 3D software-designed tube graphics is possible, and it also supports the automatic generation of some commonly used tube workpieces. Tube fiber laser cutting machines can cut any pre-programmed shape on metal tubes, and the laser can achieve perfect cuts in any direction. Through computer programming and design, changes can be made flexibly and quickly.

Wide Range of Tube Applications

CNC tube laser cutting machines can cut various tube types, including round, oval, square, rectangular, and special-shaped tubes. They are suitable for cutting a variety of materials like carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, aluminum, and copper.

Applications of Tube Fiber Laser Cutting Machines

In the Fitness Equipment Industry: Automatic laser cutting tube machines perfectly replace traditional stamping technology, not only enabling automatic feeding but also rapidly cutting various patterns on round, square, and special-shaped tubes. While efficiently producing workpieces that meet customer order requirements, they significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of fitness equipment, increasing product competitiveness.
In the Automotive Manufacturing Industry: Fiber laser cutting machines for tubes are used to cut tubes in automotive components, such as exhaust pipes, oil pipes, and cooling pipes. Traditional manual cutting methods are inefficient and prone to errors. Adopting fiber laser cutting machines for tubes can improve production efficiency while enhancing product manufacturing accuracy and smoothness.
In the Construction Industry: In the construction industry, automatic tube laser cutting machines can fabricate steel structures of various shapes and sizes, such as common bridges and steel-structured buildings. Steel structures processed by tube laser cutting machines guarantee both accuracy and precision.
In the Petrochemical Industry: The high-precision cutting capabilities of fiber laser cutting machines for tubes ensure the sealing and safety of pipeline connections. They are widely used for cutting straight pipes, elbows, tees, flanges, and more. With the continuous development of the petrochemical industry, tube fiber laser cutting machines will play an increasingly vital role in this field.

How to Operate a Laser Cutting Tube Machine

As a high-energy device, a metal tube laser cutting machine requires not only correct operating procedures but also ensuring personal safety during use. The following will detail the machine’s operation process and safety precautions.

What is the operation process of a metal tube laser cutting machine?

The operation of a tube laser cutting machine involves multiple steps, and the execution of each step affects the final cutting quality.

Preparation before Operation

Before running the machine, carefully check whether the laser (output power stability), cooling system (cleanliness and adequacy of coolant), and gas path system (air pressure) are in normal working condition, and listen for any abnormal noises.
Before loading metal tubes, ensure that the tube length, diameter, and material match the machine’s cutting specifications to avoid unnecessary trouble and damage to the machine due to mismatched specifications.
Use professional software to draw or accurately import cutting drawings into the control system. Set correct parameters such as laser power, cutting speed, and focal position, and conduct simulation to ensure the cutting path and effect meet expectations.

Start Cutting

Cutting is the core of the entire process and also tests the equipment’s performance and the operator’s debugging skills.
After starting the equipment, select the corresponding program in the control system, press the start button, and execute the preset cutting path and parameters. Observe the cutting process in real time, paying attention to cutting speed, cut quality, and any sparks or abnormal sounds.
After the program is completed, the tube fiber laser cutting machine will automatically stop cutting and shut down the laser, terminating laser output.

Post-Processing

Post-processing after cutting is equally important to ensure the long-term stable operation of the equipment.
Use compressed air or a brush to clean up waste materials and debris generated during the cutting process, ensuring no residue remains.
Follow the tube fiber laser cutting machine operation manual to shut down each subsystem in sequence, and finally turn off the main power.

What safety precautions should be taken?

While the operation and maintenance of tube fiber laser cutting machines are crucial, it doesn’t mean safety issues can be ignored.

Operators must wear laser safety glasses, protective clothing, and gloves to prevent laser damage to the body. Additionally, even with safety glasses, avoid looking directly at the laser beam or its reflected light to prevent eye injuries.
During the laser cutting process, unrelated personnel is prohibited from entering the work area.
To maintain equipment safety, please strictly follow the CNC fiber laser tube cutting machine manual for regular maintenance and ensure the equipment’s normal operation.
Operate the equipment strictly according to the operation manual, and do not operate it in violation of regulations to avoid accidents.
Before running the CNC fiber laser tube cutting machine, ensure that the tube is clamped securely to prevent injuries to workers caused by the tube falling off during cutting.
Always pay attention to the laser cutting process and promptly identify and address any abnormal situations.
Clean up cutting waste and debris promptly, keep the work area clean and tidy, and be cautious of fire hazards.
Laser cutting generates high temperatures and sparks, so fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment should be readily available to respond to fires promptly.
In case of fire, electric shock, or other accidents, immediately shut down the machine and take appropriate measures.
By adhering to the above safety precautions, the safety of operators and equipment can be maximized, ensuring efficient and stable operation of the pipe fiber laser cutting machine.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Metal Tube Laser Cutting Machines

Tube laser fiber cutting machines, with their high efficiency, precision, and flexibility, are widely used in industries such as metal processing, advertising decoration, construction, and automotive manufacturing. During actual use, some issues are inevitable. Below, we’ve compiled some common problems and solutions that you might encounter when using tube laser cutting machines, to help you better maintain and operate the machine.

Burrs, deformation, melting, or rough cutting edges

The main factors affecting the above cutting quality are focal length, nozzle and lens, cutting parameter settings, and assist gas.
Adjust focal length: The focal position needs to be adjusted to the appropriate position based on the metal material’s thickness and type.
Check nozzle and lens: Nozzle blockage or lens contamination can affect the laser beam quality. Regular cleaning and replacement can reduce the impact on the laser beam.
Optimize cutting parameters: Set appropriate power, speed, and gas pressure parameters based on different materials, avoiding excessively high or low parameter settings.
Use assist gas: Choosing suitable assist gas, such as oxygen or nitrogen, can improve cutting quality and speed.

Incomplete cutting or slow cutting speed

Incomplete cutting or slow cutting speed is generally caused by insufficient laser output power.

Check the laser: The performance and lifespan of the laser are not constant; they gradually decline with usage time and require regular maintenance and calibration.
Check the cooling system: Excessively high or low coolant temperature can affect laser power output. Check the coolant temperature or maintain coolant cleanliness.

Square tube laser cutting machine alarms or stops

Sometimes, the machine may suddenly alarm or automatically stop during operation.
Check the electrical system: This is the first thing to check and the most likely cause of machine alarms. Loose connections or component failures in the electrical system can lead to equipment alarms; check and tighten them one by one.
Regular maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain the laser, cooling system, optical path system, and transmission system to effectively prevent malfunctions.
Software upgrades: Update the control software promptly to fix known vulnerabilities and improve system stability.

Different cutting effects on different materials

Cutting effects vary significantly among different metal materials. Some materials are difficult to cut or have poor cutting results.

Choose suitable materials: Select materials suitable for laser cutting and avoid using materials with high reflectivity or volatile components.
Adjust parameters: Don’t use fixed cutting parameters! Adjust appropriate laser power, and cutting speed, and assist gas for different materials.
Pre-treat materials: For materials with coatings or thick oxide layers on the surface, laser cleaning can be used for surface treatment to improve cutting effects.

Incorrect operation

Some operators are unfamiliar with tube laser cutting machines, leading to inefficient cutting or frequent malfunctions.

Training and assessment: Regularly organize equipment operation training to improve operators’ skills.
Prepare an operation manual: Compile a detailed operation manual and troubleshooting guide to help operators quickly resolve common issues.

Laser Cutting Tube Machine Purchase Guide

Have you gained a preliminary understanding of tube fiber laser cutting machines through the above content? Are you eager to buy a metal tube laser cutting machine? Here are some practical tips for buying a tube laser cutter, hoping to help you make a more informed decision.

Based on Needs

Before purchasing a tube fiber laser cutting machine, first, clarify the data such as the thickness and length of the tubes you’ll be processing to choose a suitable machine. Then, match the corresponding laser equipment based on your process requirements.
For example, if the maximum tube wall thickness you process is 12mm, the tube diameter is within φ220mm, the tube length is up to 6m, and you only need cutting without hole drilling or engraving, then choose a 3000W tube laser cutting machine with a chuck diameter of φ220mm and a length of 6m. If your processing needs differ from the above, you can also contact XTLASER, and their professional sales staff will recommend the equipment that suits your needs.

Understand After-sales Service

A pipe fiber laser cutting machine costs anywhere from twenty thousand to over a hundred thousand US dollars. As the machine’s operating years increase, malfunctions are inevitable during use. Before purchasing, have a detailed understanding of the fiber laser cutting tube machine manufacturer’s after-sales process to avoid delays in production due to unclear or lack of after-sales support when malfunctions occur.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, it is recommended to purchase directly from the fiber laser cutting tube machine manufacturer, as after-sales service is generally more guaranteed.

Based on Brand and Budget

Choosing laser tube cutting machine manufacturers with good reputations and brand influence is essential. These manufacturers, having undergone years of research and development and innovation, tend to offer more stable fiber laser cutting machines compared to newer brands.

When you have a limited budget, XTLASER, a professional laser equipment manufacturer, is a good option. You can make an informed decision by visiting their factory to see the actual machines and cutting effects.

XTLASER – The Best Tube Laser Cutting Machine Supplier

XTLASER, as a laser cutting equipment manufacturer integrating metal tube laser cutting machine, tube and plate laser cutting machine, sheet metal laser cutting machine, etc., has factories and after-sales service centers in many countries and regions.

Patient Pre-sales Consultation

When you contact us, we will arrange for the most professional customer service and sales staff to listen to and understand your real needs. They will provide practical solutions based on your requirements, and you will find the most suitable equipment through their professional responses.

Excellent Machine Quality

XTLASER’s metal tube laser cutting machines adhere to the highest quality standards from raw material procurement to assembly and quality inspection, ensuring machine quality from the source. Before shipment, the machines undergo multiple quality inspections and operation tests to ensure that customers receive perfect machines without any defects.

Timely After-sales Service

We understand the importance of after-sales service to customers, so we have opened various after-sales channels, such as WhatsApp, email, and phone calls. Additionally, when customers need it, we will arrange for after-sales personnel to visit their site to repair their metal tube laser cutting machines, helping them resume production as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Fiber laser cutting tube machines, as a powerful tool in modern industrial manufacturing, have revolutionized tube processing in various industries with their tangible advantages. This article provides a detailed introduction to the fundamentals of tube laser cutting machines, their application areas, operation and safety considerations, and how to choose the right machine.

Currently, the prospects for metal tube laser cutting machines are bright. In the future, they will develop towards greater automation, intelligence, high precision, and high efficiency. We believe that with continuous technological advancements, CNC laser cutting tube machines will play their unique advantages in more and more fields, bringing more innovation and breakthroughs to the manufacturing industry.

We hope that through this article’s introduction, you have gained a more comprehensive understanding of laser tube cutting machines, benefiting both industry newcomers and seasoned experts. Let’s look forward to laser tube cutting machines creating more brilliance in the future!