Laser Tube Cutting
Tube elements are an increasingly important component of today’s assemblies and machine construction.
They are used in different shapes and sizes as components in pipe work construction, frames, supports and trusses. Fabricated from semi-fi nished materials, they are available in a multitude of cross-sectional sizes and shapes and can be adapted to meet varying requirements. They allow for economical production due to their strength and light weight.
The use of lasers can optimise tube fabrication processing. In one single operation, holes and complex contours are produced and the tube cut to size for a completely finished part. Compared with conventional processes (sawing, drilling, milling, punching and grinding), substantially lower manufacturing costs can be achieved.
New tube designs are constantly being developed that reduce or simplify supplemental production steps. The use of inserts, tabs and plug-in connections reduce the need for weld fixtures and in many cases eliminate the need for welding processes. Positioning aids such as tabs and cutouts facilitate component assembly while coding aids eliminate assembly errors.
Complex Geometries in High Tensile Materials
Precision cut high tensile steel tubes are used as side impact protection in automobile doors in many vehicle models. Using conventional methods to manufacture the complex cut geometry of both of the tube ends is expensive and results in significant tool wear. However, laser processing handles these tasks easily, economically and without wear. It allows simultaneous separating cuts to be processed without scrap.
Weight Savings Through Laser Cutting
High tensile, thin walled tubes for bicycle frames are either conventionally soldered with sleeves or directly welded together. The welded connections make lighter designs possible. Precisely machined tube ends are required for these connections and can be made very economically with a laser. The tubes are ready for welding immediately after being cut.
Control Over a Great Variety of Workpieces
Sports equipment is manufactured primarily of tubing where components vary in dimension, hole pattern and end preparation. This level of variety requires production that is not restricted by tools. The TUBEMATIC has the ability to automatically run multiple part designs from a bundle of tube.
Realising New Design Possibilities
Office furniture is often constructed using tubing. Laser processing of tube elements allows design freedom in the cut geometry. As a result, new design concepts can be achieved quickly.