Most machine shops across sizes and capabilities need a daily or frequent requirement of cutting metal precisely and consistently. CNC Laser cutting machines are used for fulfilling such demands and they have been used for quite a long period to offer clean and accurate cuts in a number of materials.
One advanced and specialized form of laser cutting is laser tube cutting which is highly optimized for cutting cylindrical objects. There are manifold reasons that a fabrication shop may have to laser tube-cutting machines and there are a number of benefits that can accrue when they are used. If you are looking for fabrication shops in Houston then HUNT AND HUNT is the place you want.
Some of the advantages of laser tube-cutting machines are as follows
1) Lowering Secondary Operations in Cutting Tubes
In many instances, physical blades are used for cutting tubes. The drawback is a physical blade generally leaves a fair amount of metal shavings behind. Also, there are possible imperfections in the cut edge. Such issues might need supplementary cleaning and shaping processes to make the tube fit for whatever reason it would be needed.
However, when a laser tube cutting machine is used with a spatter guard device the outcome is different. The edges are completely perfect and the resultant slag from the cutting process can be gathered and set aside from the tube. This eradicates the necessity for these two processes.
Any traditional laser cutting machine can also deliver clean cuts. However, the design would not be able to accommodate the tube. This entails an additional need to cut a flat piece of metal and then put it through a roller or press brake. This is based on the end need for a rounded or squared exterior. By deploying a tube-cutting machine, one can directly cut a tube-shaped object.
2) Variety of Cutting Processes
CNC machinery permits a great degree of control and precision for many activities. Any CNC-controlled laser cutting tool also does that. But in addition to just making regular vertical cuts, these machines can be utilized to make angle cuts, etchings, bevel cuts, slots, etc. based on the equipment used.
Most regular laser cutters can also perform such tasks but they are not optimized for cuts on cylindrical objects.
3) Stronger Tube Ends
Generally, a CNC punch or other machine would cut through the material while applying stress to the surrounding material and also weakening it to some extent. When one uses a laser cutter, this ensures that the tubes are much stronger at the point of the cut compared to when physical cutting tools are used.
4) Low Maintenance Cutting
Physical cutting machines need regular service and repair. This is due to the tooling that wears out quickly. In the case of laser cutting machines, the wear and tear is not as fast. as fast. If one uses a solid-state laser tube cutting machine, one can keep the laser operating almost maintenance-free for a large extent of time. A solid-state machine uses a solid object to focus the laser compared to gas-based ones that are otherwise used. However, the physical mechanisms that are used in laser movement will still need regular maintenance.
5) To fulfill specific roles
For specific demands of custom-shaped or cut tubes, then a laser tube cutting machine can do the job effectively. These machines are optimized for such specific demands and requests and the overall efficiency is also improved.
Points to consider in a Laser Tube Cutting Machine purchase
Purchasing of a laser tube cutting machine needs the following considerations
- Kind of laser needed – Like regular laser cutters, laser tube cutting machines have some different options for the cutting laser.
- New or Used – This depends on the need and specific feature to be considered. A must-have feature that is available on a new model can be worth considering. Else, a used machine from reputed vendors can do the job. These cost much less than new ones.
- Features needed – When purchasing a laser cutting machine, the must-haves need the highest priority. Based on budget and future plans, a nice-to-have can be considered that might be beneficial or save time.
A renowned high-volume manufacturer and precision machine shop, Hunt and Hunt. Hunt and Hunt is the location you want if you’re seeking the nearest machine shop in Texas. Internal research and development initiatives, as well as turnkey services that cater to a wide range of sectors in Houston and the surrounding areas, provide a proactive approach to process and quality excellence. For additional information, go to https://huntandhunt.com/.
