Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication & Laser Cut Parts

Types of Laser Cutting Machines

The main types of laser cutting machines vary based on their application and laser type. Combination tube/flatbed laser cutting machines are among the most common types of laser tube cutting equipment, typically used for smaller jobs and offering versatility (i.e., they can also cut flat parts). Standalone laser tube cutting machines are specialized tube cutting systems designed solely for tube cutting applications. They can process nearly any tube shape (e.g., round, rectangular, octagonal, etc.) and accommodate long stock lengths (3 feet or longer).

Laser cutting machines can be powered by either fiber lasers or CO2 lasers, depending on project requirements. Fiber lasers are compatible with a wide range of materials and are generally considered the most versatile type of laser. CO2 lasers, an upgrade from plasma cutters, are better suited for specialty materials like titanium due to their superior gas coverage compared to fiber lasers. Both lasers offer relatively balanced power levels, making them suitable for metalworking and eliminating the need for secondary operations.

Lasers are specified by their wattage, with higher wattages producing deeper and longer-lasting cuts. Laser tube cutting machines are also categorized by the material size they can handle (maximum plate/tube size, maximum material weight), required assist gases (e.g., nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.), motor electrical requirements (three-phase VAC, etc.), repeatability, and other model-specific criteria. Some laser cutting machines also feature built-in conveyors or stock handling mechanisms that automatically feed the tube into the cutting section, enabling semi-automatic to fully automatic operation.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The following are the advantages of the laser tube cutting process:

• Semi- to fully automated process with high throughput.
• Low/no material waste.
• Provides highly complex, clean, and repeatable cuts.
• Suitable for nearly all metals.
• Most/almost all tube stock up to 6" is accepted.

Disadvantages or limitations of laser tube cutting include the following:

• Some cut materials may exhibit small halo discoloration due to backsplatter or overspray near the cut edge.
• Small bumps or varying edge conditions may appear at the lead-in and lead-out points of the cut profile.
• This process is typically used for thin-walled materials, typically less than 0.500" to 1.000" thick.