Tube Laser Cutting Service

Tube laser cutting is the fastest and most cost-effective method for cutting different profiles, including round, square and oval tubes. The precision and repeatability are suitable for making simple holes as well as intricate cutouts.

Capabilities

Maximum tube length
Maximum tube length Up to 8.5 m with automatic loading
Diameter of tube
Diameter of tube Up to Ø240 mm
Box section
Box section Up to 240 mm diagonal
Laser sources
Laser sources Up to 4 kW
Positioning accuracy
Positioning accuracy Pa:+/- 0.2 mm
Maximum wall thickness
Maximum wall thickness
Carbon steel ≤12 mm
Stainless steel ≤8 mm
Aluminium ≤8mm

Get your tube cutting quote in seconds

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Manufacturing for 2500+ Businesses

Upload 3D CAD files of your tubes to the platform for an instant quote. The system will recognise the tube dimensions and display them on the platform.

Should we not have the suitable material and profile combination, submit the files for a manual quote.

UK-Wide Delivery

Fractory carries the admin burden for you, taking care of everything from quoting to manufacturing and delivery. We bring your ready-made cut tubes right to your selected address, so you can focus on the engineering side of things.

Tube Cutting - Ordering & Delivery

Quote in seconds
Quote in seconds
Short lead times
Short lead times
Delivery by Fractory
Delivery by Fractory

Available Materials & Profiles

Tube cutting quote online

You can see all the materials and profiles that are available for instant quoting right on the platform. Just click on the highlighted icon as seen in the screenshot.

We only display material and profile combinations readily available and are constantly adding new options.

Should we not have what you are looking for, we can still most probably make it. Just submit your files for a manual quote and our engineers will send you the quote via email.

What is Tube Laser Cutting?

The machines use the same mechanics as traditional laser cutters. This means that they also use an amplified laser beam for cutting. Both CO2 and state of the art fibre lasers are available, so the use of gases depends on the exact method. Fractory’s manufacturing partners also have both options available.

It is important to keep in mind that some reflective materials are preferably cut using a fibre laser. Aluminium and stainless steel both require extra attention while mild steel achieves excellent quality also with CO2 cutting.

3D Tube Cutting

We have talked about tube cutting engineering principles. One of them is the “cut to normal” rule, meaning that your 3D models should only include cuts that are normal to the metal surface. While it is the preferred design, it is possible to perform all kinds of cuts. The “cut to normal” design just has more capable producers, meaning a possibility for a lower price.

3d tube laser cutting
Left – cut to normal with flat head; right – 3D tube cutting

The capability to perform angled cuts depends on the cutting head. A traditional fixed head, which is still more common, can only execute normal cuts. State of the art 3D cutting heads, though, are becoming more widely spread.

They make angular cuts possible. This can produce more snug fits, chamfers for welding, etc. Fractory’s network of partners includes various manufacturers with the capability of 3D cutting.

Uses of the Technology

 

Fractory’s tube laser cutting service offers you a vast array of options. If used boldly, it greatly enhances the possibilities at your disposal. Hopefully, the video by Trumpf gives some ideas.

While there are some solutions that probably need a few tests before successful implementation, there are others that are more commonly used. Aside from the obvious bolt holes, using holes and tenons for detail orientation is an excellent way to create a weld prep.

Another cutting technique to keep an eye on is making cutouts for tube bending. If you master the right working methods there, you can order your frame in one part that can be bent by hand, without needing the help of tube bending machines.

Tube Laser Cutting Advantages

  • Selection of profiles – A laser tube cutting machine is suitable for a wide range of profiles – from box sections to pipes and channels. But they can perform the process on all kinds of profiles that fit the maximum and minimum outside dimension criteria. Only flat parts are out of the scope for these machines.
  • All materials – Mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, etc. They are all welcome. Although reflective materials have been more problematic for CO2 laser cutting, processing them with fibre lasers is much easier.
  • One operation – Using this process, you can do everything in one go – cut to length and make the necessary cutouts. No need for secondary operations or manual material removal.
  • Great precision – Our tube laser cutting machines provide extremely precise and clean cuts with a small cutting kerf. This eliminates the need for extra work on the tubes.
  • Lower cost – It is the preferred method for more complex jobs. The ability to produce everything in one go without any extra work keeps the costs down. The cutting speed of lasers makes processing quick, resulting in faster turnaround times.
  • Aesthetical solutions – The great flexibility allows developing innovative designs. Improving the looks and functionality of new products raises your value proposition.

Tube Cutting FAQ

What sections can you process?

Anything from box sections to open channels fits into the range. The only requirement comes in the form of the outside diameter which can be at most 240 mm.

What type of file formats are supported for tube cutting?

Our platform currently supports the universal .stp format as well as file types native to SolidWorks (.sldprt) and Autodesk Inventor (.ipt).

How do you ensure high quality?

All the partners are pre-vetted and hold ISO certifications. We are constantly monitoring the quality and have also acquired an ISO 9001 certification.

Do you use CO2 or fibre lasers?

Our service accommodates both technologies to provide cost-effective options for each individual job, while maintaining a high standard for manufacturing.

Can you cut flat parts?

Yes, of course. Please look around the services menu to find the traditional laser cutting service there for more information about our capabilities.

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