Sheet & tube

Laser cutting machines for tubes and sheet metal

In the context of the rapid development of industry and high competition in the production sector, it becomes important not only to increase productivity and improve product quality but also to ensure flexibility in the metal processing process. This is especially relevant for enterprises that work with different types of metal, a wide range of blanks, and metal products. Combined laser machines handle this task perfectly, as laser cutting of sheet metal, tubes, and profiles is possible on such equipment.

Laser Cutting of Tubes and Sheet Metal in Modern Industry

Laser cutting of metal is a key technology for many production facilities and enterprises across various industries, as it provides maximum precision and fast material processing, which directly affects production efficiency and, naturally, the quality of the manufactured products.

High-precision equipment allows for quick cutting of sheets, tubes, and profiles made of various metals without material deformation. It is suitable for working with various shapes and thicknesses, making it universal and functional. It ensures flexibility in mass production and allows for the creation of non-standard products when fulfilling individual orders.

Why laser cutting of sheets and tubes is important:

• High precision – the technology allows cutting various metals, including steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, etc., with an accuracy of up to 0.1 mm;
• Ideal cut – after cutting, the edge will be even, smooth, and clean, without burrs, which is especially important for subsequent welding of elements and manufacturing of parts;
• Production speed – faster cutting compared to mechanical methods and the lack of need for additional processing due to the clean edge lead to a reduction in the production cycle;
• Creation of complex contours – the possibility of curved cutting along a specified trajectory, cutting tubes of various shapes, creating grooves and small holes;
• Minimization of defects – an automated control system and the exclusion of material deformation help to reduce the amount of scrap.

In addition, non-contact laser cutting eliminates equipment wear, and fiber machines consume less energy, which helps to reduce costs.

This modern technology combines high precision, speed, and productivity, thus expanding production capabilities and giving enterprises a competitive advantage.

What is Laser Cutting: Technology Features for Sheet and Tube Processing

A laser cutting machine for tubes, profiles, and sheet metal is high-precision equipment equipped with CNC (Computer Numerical Control) for process automation and simplified control. This metal processing technology uses a focused light beam that is directed onto the material and cuts it along a specified trajectory.

A powerful laser beam heats the metal locally to its melting temperature and cuts it with maximum precision. Furthermore, the material outside the processing zone is not deformed, retaining its original technical characteristics. Then, a jet of gas, most often oxygen or nitrogen, is supplied to blow away the molten metal. The result is an even and clear cut without scale or burrs.

Key features of sheet laser cutting:

• Cutting accuracy up to 0.1 mm;
• Narrow kerf;
• Sheet thickness – up to 30 mm;
• Creation of complex contours, holes, and openwork elements;
• Optimal nesting for small and large-sized sheets;
• Cutting of small elements;
• Processing on flat tables.

Sheet metal cutting is suitable for both series production and small, custom orders based on an individual design.

Key features of tube laser cutting:

• Cutting tubes and profiles of any shape – round, square, H-shaped, etc.;
• Creation of angled cuts, grooves, chamfers, and narrow holes;
• Cutting along any contour due to tube rotation and laser head movement;
• Various tube diameters;
• Automatic tube feeding system with reliable fixation.

Laser cutting equipment facilitates weld preparation for tubes and simplifies the assembly of metal structures.

The entire cutting process is controlled by the CNC system. This ensures high speed, precision, and repeatability. Before starting work, the machine is programmed, and all necessary parameters are set to achieve the desired result.

Universal Laser Machine for Tube and Sheet Cutting

A multifunctional CNC laser machine combines the functions of a sheet metal cutting machine and a tube or profile cutting machine.

Universal equipment for laser cutting of tubes and metal sheets can be easily integrated into modern production. Combined machines help optimize work processes, achieve high productivity, and reduce the time required to manufacture parts. Thanks to the automated control system, high precision and repeatability during cutting are ensured, resulting in a clean, smooth cut that requires no additional processing. This helps reduce the amount of waste, defects, and production costs.

Design of combined machines:

• Working table for sheets, a system of exchange tables for quick loading and unloading of material;
• Tube fixation and feeding system;
• Single laser source;
• CNC.

The most sought-after machine is the combined fiber laser machine for tubes and sheet metal. It can be of the open or closed type. Optical fiber with added doping elements acts as the active medium for generating the light beam. The laser is directed to the necessary material alternately, depending on the production tasks.

Advantages of laser machines for tube and sheet cutting:

• Production flexibility – one machine solves two tasks simultaneously, allowing it to process both sheet metal and tubes;
• Reduced downtime – quick retooling simplifies switching between tasks, and the ability to perform metal nesting, cutting along a specified trajectory, and cutting holes or grooves in one stage accelerates production;
• Reduced operating costs – purchasing one universal machine is more economically advantageous than two with different functions, and it also saves space and simplifies maintenance;
• Production optimization – the equipment ensures continuous movement of blanks without damaging the material, which increases productivity;
• High product quality – high-precision laser cutting of tubes and metal sheets results in an even, smooth cut without burrs or jagged edges, allowing for the creation of parts without inaccuracies or deformation;
• Reduced waste – a narrow cut and optimal nesting of blanks allow for more economical material consumption.

A combined laser cutting machine is a beneficial solution for enterprises looking to optimize production costs, expand production, and improve the quality of manufactured products. Such equipment is also suitable for companies prioritizing flexibility and speed in manufacturing items.

LD LASER company offers high-precision, powerful, and energy-efficient laser machines for cutting tubes, sheet metal, and profiles. The equipment has passed CE and ROHS certification, meeting European quality and safety standards. The machines achieve maximum precision when working with tubes of various diameters and metal sheets of different thicknesses, forming a smooth cut without jagged edges. Thanks to the universality and efficiency of the equipment, productivity can be increased, costs reduced, and manufacturing time shortened. If necessary, our company’s specialists will help you choose the optimal machine for your production needs.

Application of Laser Cutting for Sheets and Tubes

Universal laser machines for cutting tubes, profiles, and sheet metal are used in a wide variety of fields. Due to high precision and broad capabilities, the technology is in demand in industry, manufacturing, and design.

Where laser cutting of tubes and sheet metal is used:

• Mechanical engineering – manufacturing of parts and components, cutting of frames, supports, and various elements, processing of enclosures, tube preparation for welding;
• Shipbuilding and automotive industry – production of spare parts, assemblies, and mechanisms, cutting of body parts, steel panels, reinforced structures;
• Construction – processing of beams, manufacturing of railings, fences, structures, grilles, and decorative elements;
• Furniture production – manufacturing of frames, partitions, metal panels, various structures made of thin-walled tubes, etc.;
• Electrical engineering industry – creating holes for cables and wires, manufacturing of panels, switchboards, enclosures;
• Advertising and design – manufacturing of signs, billboards, banners, showcases, etc.

In general, a laser for cutting tubes and sheet metal is in demand in any field where the processing of thin or thick metal sheets is required, precise joint fitting is needed, the creation of non-standard shapes is necessary, precise cutting with complex geometry is required, and the manufacturing of small parts is involved. The technology is indispensable when high demands are placed on cut quality, in mass production, and when working with plastic, fragile, or expensive materials.

Furthermore, the capability of cutting tubes and sheets on a single piece of equipment expands the possibilities for enterprises without increasing floor space or incurring additional costs. Therefore, both large factories and small workshops can use combined machines.

Technical Maintenance of Laser Machines for Tube and Sheet Cutting

Technical maintenance (TM) is an important element of laser equipment operation. A machine for cutting tubes and metal sheets will operate stably, ensure cutting precision, and worker safety if its components are properly cleaned and the main assemblies are regularly diagnosed.

The integrity and cleanliness of protective glasses, the cooling system, the condition of the optical fiber, the tightness of gas hoses, the calibration of the focal distance, etc., should be checked. Additionally, diagnostics of the CNC system and replacement of worn-out components are necessary.

Recommendations for operating laser machines:

• The machine should be operated by an experienced operator;
• The equipment must be inspected daily for damage and contamination;
• Use only certified consumables suitable for the specific equipment;
• It is important to control the chiller temperature to avoid overheating;
• Take into account the technical characteristics of the machine and only cut materials of permissible sizes and thickness;
• Adhere to safety regulations;
• On closed-type machines, do not open protective covers during cutting;
• Cut metal in rooms with good ventilation;
• Plan and conduct equipment diagnostics regularly.

If malfunctions or damage are detected, the machine must not be switched on and started!

Any combined machine for cutting profile tube, round metal tube, and sheet metal requires regular technical maintenance. This allows timely detection and resolution of problems, avoiding more complex and expensive repairs, and minimizing downtime due to breakdowns.

Proper equipment operation and prevention ensure stable cutting quality and extend the service life of the machine.

LD LASER company offers powerful, high-precision machines for laser cutting of metal sheets and tubes, as well as equipment maintenance services in Dnipro. We provide professional consultations and help select the optimal machine for the requirements of a specific production facility. We set up the machines, conduct full technical inspection and diagnostics, update the software (SW) if necessary, and replace worn or damaged components so that the machines for cutting tubes and sheets operate stably and without failures. To receive a consultation, calculate the cost of TM, and submit a service request, call the phone number, contact us via WhatsApp, Viber, or Telegram, or fill out the short contact form on the website.

Planned equipment checks are the key to its stable, safe, and effective operation. Order technical maintenance for universal laser machines from our company to avoid low-quality cuts, breakdowns, and downtime due to unscheduled repairs.