Questions You Should Know about combined laser machine for tube and sheet

What is a tube laser?

A tube laser is a relatively new machine in the fabrication industry. Laser cutting and laser technology for flat sheet and plate metal has been around for a long time and is well-adopted by nearly all serious metal fabrication shops. It is only in recent years that laser cutting technology has been adapted to cut tube and shape lengths.

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The machine uses a laser beam to cut metal tubes and other extruded shapes into desired parts. It works by generating a high-powered laser beam which is focused onto the surface of a metal tube. The laser beam melts, vaporizes or burns away the material, creating a clean, precise cut. The cutting process is guided by a computer-controlled motion system that synchronizes both the laser beam and the tube movement to create the desired shape. The system typically includes a laser generator, a resonator that amplifies the laser beam and a cutting head that houses the laser beam and the motion system.

What kind of material shapes do tube lasers cut?

Tube lasers, as one might guess by the name, are great at laser cutting tube. This includes all shapes and sizes of tube, including round, square, rectangular and even oval shapes.

Most customers, however, are unaware that tube lasers also cut a bunch of other shapes, including angle, channel, beams and even custom extrusions.

What kind of material types do tube lasers cut?

Tube lasers act very similar to flat sheet lasers when it comes to the types of materials they can cut. CO2 lasers will cut traditional metals that include steel, stainless steel, aluminum and galvanized materials. Tube lasers that use fiber technology will cut all those listed above, plus they can cut copper and brass materials. The main difference between a CO2 tube laser and a fiber tube laser is the cutting technology. Reflectivity has always been an issue for CO2 laser cutting, which is a problem when cutting metals like copper and brass.

How big of shapes can tube lasers cut?

Like most pieces of equipment, there are generally size ranges for machines. Some tube lasers are equipped to handle tube shapes as large as 16.00–18.00 inches. Other tube lasers will only handle shapes up to 2.00 inches. Most fabrication shops opt for something in the middle, which will handle tube shapes from approximately 1.00–8.00 inches.

Bigger shaped machines move much slower than smaller shaped machines. The tradeoff is flexibility versus speed.

How does a tube laser differ from a flat laser?

Some flat lasers do have add-on capacity which allows them to handle small tube shapes. These types of machines often require a fair amount of setup time to transition between flat sheets and tube shapes. In addition, nearly all these machines are limited by the fact that they only cut two-dimensionally. Many shops will claim that they have tube laser cutting capacity, but the reality is that they are very limited in what they can cut.

Dedicated tube lasers, on the other hand, are designed to solely cut long lengths of material. Most tube lasers can handle a full twenty, or twenty-four-foot, length that is common, for example, in something like 2.0 x2.0 x.125 square tubing. In fact, dedicated tube lasers can take bundles of tube and load the lengths on sequentially. The big benefit here is efficiency. Hand loading tube, like one must do when using a flat laser, is easily overcome, as stack-after-stack of tube moves through the machine untouched by human hands until it processes out the back end of the machine.

Another big difference is the piece sizes that can be cut. Flat sheet lasers can only cut maximum lengths of tube that will fit inside the laser bed, generally something less than ten feet. Tube lasers, on the other hand, can usually cut lengths of tube or angle that are up to twenty feet long, even longer in many cases.

Again, back to efficiency, tube lasers cut through part nests inside twenty-foot lengths just like flat lasers cut through part nests on 4×10 flat sheets. That is something that flat sheet lasers cannot do when cutting tube.

Finally, the last big difference between flat sheet lasers and tube laser is 3D cutting. Nearly all dedicated tube lasers can cut on four to five axis. This allows tube lasers to cut odd shapes and sizes like angle or channel or beam. It also allows tube lasers to put chamfers on parts which will often make the parts weld-ready without the need to grind chamfers after saw cutting. Flat sheet lasers, as mentioned before, only cut on two axis, X and Y.

What kind of cutting tolerances will tube lasers hold?

Cutting flat sheet and cutting shape lengths are very different animals. Tube, angle, channel—all these shape types come with much more variability than one would find on a flat sheet or plate. Many are surprised to learn that shape materials often come with bows and even twists.

This does create some challenges when trying to tube laser to very tight tolerances. Most machines can generally maintain +/- .010. Tube laser cutting machines will often use touch-probe technology to reach down and touch the tube before cutting. This technology will create very accurate parts but does slow down the cutting process. Flat laser cutting can often boast +/- .005 tolerances but tube laser cutting will often cap out at +/- .010.

All things considered, .010 is still a very tight tolerance particularly when compared to traditional methods of saw cutting and drilling.

What makes tube laser cutting challenging?

In addition to twists or bends in structural shapes, tube lasers can struggle as they confront the variability between edge radii. Using, again, 2.0 x2.0 x.125 tube as an example—some manufacturers roll tube with .125-edge radii and other manufacturers have .187-edge radii. That small, .062 difference, becomes a big deal when the programmer is trying to make a detailed cut around the tube.

Many times, this can be managed by ordering batches of tube sizes from the same manufactures for consistency.

Another issue is that shape material is often less clean than traditional sheet metals. Rust, debris, dirt and lacquer finish on material can make laser cutting difficult, or at best, slow. Metal suppliers have begun to correct this situation, similar to what took plates on sheet and plate metal, as they realize how important clean shape materials are for the tube laser cutting processing.

How are tube lasers impacting the manufacturing world?

More and more, engineers are starting to wake up to the possibilities of tube laser cutting. Shapes and sizes that used to be expensive, or even impossible, to manufacture are becoming possible and much easier. Cutting slots in tube, for example, would have historically required a machining process. Now, cutting slots in tube and other shapes is a piece of cake!

Designing parts with tube laser capabilities in mind gives engineer a wider range of possible outcomes.

More than engineering, however, is the notion of downstream manufacturing. Traditional tube and shape cutting processes are typically done with a saw. Saw cutting is slow and quite inaccurate. Slow cutting is one problem, but inaccuracy creates trouble for subsequent processes downstream in the manufacturing process.

Take, again, our piece of 2.0 x 2.0 x.125 square tube—consider fabricating a simple 3-by-6-foot rectangular frame. In the past, a typical job shop using a saw would miter cut the tube into four, forty-five-degree angled parts. Moving, measuring and setting up the saw to cut parts on forty-five-degree angles is time consuming and, usually, quite inaccurate.

When the parts are cut inaccurately, it creates problems for the welders downstream. Now, the welders are being forced to match parts together that will have variability. Some gaps are wider than other gaps, resulting in more fit-up time. Extra weld on one edge versus another edge pulls the frame out of square. Experienced welders have become good at managing these variations but all of this takes time, time, time.

Tube laser cutting is so accurate that there are no inconsistent gaps or sloppy fits. The resulting benefit is that parts are cut much faster and welded much faster.

Granted, this is a very simple example, but the more complicated the part, the more relevant the solution.

Tube lasers are impacting manufacturing on both the design front and the fabrication efficiency front.

How do I model tube laser cut parts and assemblies?

Understanding that outside radii matter is an important part to modeling and creating drawings for tube laser work. Most shops can modify models to match the tube they generally use but engineers often make the mistake of drawing shapes with hard, outside ninety-degree corners.

Some types of aluminum tube and thin wall tube do have tight outside corners, but most tube, channel, angle, etc. have some kind of radiused edge, whether inside or outside, or both.

What are normal lead times for tube laser cutting?

This, of course, depends on shop capacity, but tube laser cutting is fast—extremely fast! Parts can be turned around in very little time because most tube laser machines can auto-load tube in large bundles and after that it is a simple cut and stack.

How do I get a quote on tube laser cutting?

This is a very simple process for us at AMF—some simple parts can simply be uploaded into our auto-quoting module online. You can get pricing without even talking to an estimator. More complicated parts can be sent into our estimating team and we can get you pricing in very short order.

What impacts tube laser pricing?

Like anything, pricing is generally driven by both complexity and tolerances. High tolerances are often not necessary but become part of standard engineering title blocks. Take a look at your parts and see if you have holes or cut-outs that are called out at unnecessarily tight tolerances. Simple changes like that can make an enormous difference in the part pricing quoted.

Why aren’t you using tube lasers to help with your work?

Many people are not aware of tube laser technology—they don’t know what they don’t know, so-to-speak. Learning more about tube laser technology is very helpful.

Here’s a couple of things to remember:

• Tube lasers can cut angle, channel and custom-shaped extrusions.
• Tube lasers can add copes, miters, angled cuts, bevels all at one work station.
• Tube lasers can add holes, slots and custom shapes cut inside the tube or shape.
• Also, tube lasers can tap holes.
• Finally, tube lasers do much more than cut tube quickly—they cut so accurately, combined with five-axis compensation, that they will save customers tremendous amounts of time during the weld and assembly process.

Many of our job shop brothers are afraid to outsource tube laser work to a competing shop. We recognize that this is a concern, but again, consider how much faster you will be able to weld your parts together. This translates into direct price savings, which will allow you to, if necessary, provide more competitive pricing, which should result in more work. In other words, it should be providing you with more work, not less.

What to do next!

Laser Cutter: Key Questions Before You Buy? Boost Your Metal Fabrication

For three decades, I've been deeply involved in the laser cutting industry, witnessing the incredible advancements and the transformative impact this technology has had on metal fabrication. At Tianchen Laser, a leading manufacturer established in , we've dedicated ourselves to providing businesses with top-tier fiber laser cutting solutions. Our extensive range includes flatbed lasers, fully enclosed lasers, tube cutting machines, and innovative 2-in-1 sheet and tube cutting systems. We understand that investing in a laser cutter is a significant decision, and it's crucial to ask the right questions before making a purchase.

This blog post aims to guide you through the essential questions you should consider before buying a laser cutter, focusing specifically on the needs of businesses in the metal fabrication industry. Our machines are designed to handle a wide array of metallic materials, including copper, galvanized steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, silver, and nickel plate, among others. We serve a diverse clientele, from manufacturing to automotive and beyond, and we’re committed to helping you find the perfect laser cutting solution for your unique requirements.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Investing in a laser cutter is not just about acquiring a piece of machinery; it's about making a strategic decision that can significantly impact your business's efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Asking the right questions upfront ensures that you select a machine that aligns with your specific needs, avoids costly mistakes, and maximizes your return on investment. This process is not about finding the cheapest option but about finding the best option for your long-term success.

Essential Questions to Ask Before Buying a Laser Cutter

Here are some key questions you should consider before investing in a laser cutter, along with short, actionable solutions:

1. What Types of Materials Will You Be Cutting?

The first and most crucial question is about the materials you intend to process. Different materials have different laser absorption characteristics, which affect the cutting process. For example, highly reflective metals like copper and aluminum require more laser power than carbon steel.

• What metals do you primarily work with? (e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, etc.)

• Do you work with any non-ferrous metals? (e.g., aluminum, copper, brass)

• Do you plan to cut any specialty alloys? (e.g., titanium, nickel alloys)
  
  

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Solution: Create a detailed list of all the materials you expect to cut. Share this with potential suppliers to ensure the laser is compatible.

2. What is the Range of Material Thicknesses You Need to Cut?

The thickness of the materials you intend to cut is another critical factor. Thicker materials require more laser power to achieve a clean, precise cut.

• What is the thinnest material you will be cutting?

• What is the thickest material you will be cutting?

• What is the typical range of thicknesses you work with?
  
  

Solution: Measure and record the minimum, maximum, and average material thicknesses you work with. This will help determine the necessary laser power.

3. What Level of Precision and Edge Quality Do You Require?

The level of precision and edge quality you need will influence the type of laser cutter you choose. Some applications require extremely tight tolerances and minimal heat-affected zones (HAZ), while others may have more relaxed requirements.

• What are the tolerance requirements for your parts?

• How important is the surface finish of the cut edge?

• Do you require minimal heat-affected zones (HAZ)?
  
  

Solution: Identify the specific tolerances and edge quality requirements for your most demanding projects. Use this as a benchmark when evaluating laser cutters.

4. What is Your Production Volume and Speed Requirement?

Your production volume and speed requirements will impact the type of laser cutter you need. If you have high-volume production needs, you'll need a machine that can operate at high speeds and efficiently process a large number of parts.

• What is your typical production volume?

• What are your deadlines for completing projects?

• How important is cutting speed to your operation?
  
  

Solution: Calculate your average monthly or weekly production volume. Determine the required cutting speed to meet deadlines. Prioritize speed if it's critical to your workflow.

5. What is Your Budget and Expected Return on Investment (ROI)?

Laser cutters represent a significant investment, so it's essential to consider your budget and expected ROI. Evaluate the potential benefits of a laser cutter, such as increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved product quality, to determine if it's a worthwhile investment for your business.

• What is your budget for a laser cutting machine?

• What is your expected ROI timeframe?

• How will a laser cutter impact your overall business costs?
  
  

Solution: Develop a detailed budget and ROI analysis. Consider factors like increased efficiency, reduced material waste, and labor costs.

6. What Space and Infrastructure Requirements Do You Have?

Laser cutters require a dedicated space and specific infrastructure, such as power supply, ventilation, and material handling equipment. Consider these requirements before making a purchase.

• How much space do you have available for a laser cutter?

• Do you have the necessary power supply and ventilation system?

• Do you have the necessary material handling equipment?
  
  

Solution: Measure your available space and assess your existing infrastructure. Ensure you have the necessary power, ventilation, and material handling systems in place.

7. What Level of Automation and Software Integration Do You Need?

The level of automation and software integration you need will depend on your specific requirements. Some businesses may benefit from automated material handling systems and nesting software, while others may not require these features.

• Do you require automated material loading and unloading?

• Do you need nesting software to optimize material usage?

• Do you need software integration with your existing systems?

Solution: Evaluate your current workflow. Identify areas where automation and software integration can improve efficiency and reduce manual labor.

8. What Level of Training and Support Do You Need?

Proper training and ongoing support are crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of your laser cutter. Choose a manufacturer that provides comprehensive training and reliable technical support.

• Does the manufacturer provide operator training?

• What level of technical support is available?

• Are spare parts readily available?
  
  

Solution: Prioritize manufacturers that offer comprehensive training programs and readily available technical support. Ask about spare parts availability and response times.

Tianchen Laser: Your Partner in Laser Cutting Solutions

At Tianchen Laser, we understand that every business has unique needs. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of fiber laser cutting machines, each designed to handle specific applications and requirements.

Flatbed Fiber Laser Cutting Machines

Our flatbed laser cutting machines are ideal for processing sheet metal, offering high precision, speed, and efficiency. These machines are available in various power levels to handle a wide range of material thicknesses.

Enclosed Fiber Laser Cutting Machines

For enhanced safety and dust control, our enclosed laser cutting machines are the perfect choice. These machines are ideal for environments where cleanliness and safety are paramount.

Tube Fiber Laser Cutting Machines

Our tube laser cutting machines are specifically designed for processing pipes and tubes, offering precise cuts and complex geometries. These machines are essential for industries such as furniture manufacturing, automotive, and construction.

2-in-1 Fiber Laser Sheet & Tube Cutting Machines

For maximum versatility, our 2-in-1 machines combine the capabilities of both flatbed and tube cutting, allowing you to process both sheet metal and tubes on a single machine. This is a cost-effective solution for businesses with diverse cutting needs.

Making an Informed Decision

Investing in a laser cutter is a significant step for any business. By asking the right questions and carefully evaluating your specific needs, you can ensure that you choose a machine that will enhance your productivity, improve your product quality, and contribute to the long-term success of your business.

The company is the world’s best combined laser machine for tube and sheet supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.