The advent of tube lasering in the metalworking industry

Tube laser cutting is all the rage these days in the metalworking industry. From ultra precise cuts to personalisation options for tubes and profiles, the sky truly is the limit! This blog will introduce you to the numerous benefits and possibilities tube laser cutting has to offer.

So what is tube lasering exactly?

Tube lasering or tube laser cutting has developed into the way of cutting metal tubes and profiles. This process is characterised by unrivalled precision thanks to the fully automated operation and is much more efficient than traditional methods, such as sawing and then drilling and/or milling. The tube laser uses a high-powered laser beam that creates a melting point, allowing the laser to cut through the material. Whether it’s steel, stainless steel or aluminium, tube lasering enables the effortless and high-precision cutting of different types of metal in varying thicknesses to the specified length, including all holes and openings.

Difference between 2.5D and 3D tube lasering

Tube lasering can be carried out in 2.5D and 3D but what is the difference between the two? With 2.5D tube lasering the laser beam is positioned perpendicular to the wall thickness. With round tubes this means the beam is always aimed at the centre of the tube. 3D tube lasering affords more freedom. The tube laser’s 45° tilt angle makes oblique cuts possible. For instance, the same result can be obtained as when the tube is mitred.

However, not all applications require the 3D solution. In many cases the 2.5D solution is more than sufficient.

Advantages of tube lasering

1. Great production speed

One of the chief advantages of tube lasering is the great production speed. The input and output of tubes and products is a fully automated process, which further speeds up production. This makes it easy and fast for the tube laser to process the tubes and profiles.

2. Various shapes

Tube lasering also makes it possible to cut various random shapes. Round, square, oval tubes and profiles as well as asymmetrical profiles are all cut with the utmost precision. Cutting slotted holes, keyholes, letters, numbers, etc. is effortless. In addition to these various shapes, the tube laser offers myriad options to personalise your product with your own logo or text.

3. Accurate finish

Tube lasering also guarantees a highly accurate finish. The complex shapes and patterns are cut and engraved with pinpoint precision. This guarantees consistent quality that meets your design requirements.

4. Cost-efficient process

In closing, the tube laser cutter is often equipped with a unit for direct in-line flow drilling and wire tapping so additional operations can be carried out efficiently. What’s more, this makes further finishing operations such as drilling, milling and sawing unnecessary. This results in a cost-effective process.

Keep in mind that the potential can only be fully exploited if these possibilities are already included in the design phase!

Conclusion

Tube lasering has transformed the metalworking industry through its precision, personalisation options and cost-effectiveness. From complex shapes to fast production speeds and the elimination of additional operations, tube lasering offers consistent quality and efficiency. It is a valuable instrument that has a lasting effect on the industry and delivers optimal results for a wide variety of projects!

Triggered to know more?

Discover Metafox's capabilities in tube laser cutting or contact kris.brackx@metafox.be directly.