LASER CUTTING OF PIPES AND PROFILES
Laser cutting and its application
Aside from cutting plates or sheets, laser cutting is frequently used to cut various pipes and profiles.
The main reason for this is that laser cutting is one of the most cost-effective cutting technologies with excellent cutting quality.
The unique application of laser cutting is in the performance of demanding 3D positions, which are increasingly being cut by laser due to the benefits already discussed.
Which are the forms that can be cut by a laser?
With the improvement and development of laser technology, nearly no metal profiles can no longer be cut with a laser. Beginning with pipes of various sizes and progressing to oval profiles. The working concept of the cutter is what distinguishes traditional plate or sheet cutting from laser cutting of profiles and 3D shapes.
How are the profiles cut then?
In most circumstances, profile cutting necessitates attachment to a properly designed head. In addition to being fixed on such a head, the profile rotates according to the cut being made. The laser cutter head, on the other hand, travels in tandem with the movement or rotation of the profile being cut, thus cutting.
What’s the difference between 2D and 3D laser cutting?
The laser cutter head is vertically positioned against the metal being cut in 2D laser cutting. Because of the position of the head, changes in material thickness have no influence on the laser beam.
Performing a 3D position, on the other hand, necessitates changes in the angle of inclination, i.e. the distance of the laser cutter from the metal being cut. This is also the root of issues such as:
- The laser cutter is too close to the metal being cut.
- Issues with the gases used, which may result in cut corrosion
- Reduced cutting speed
How about the quality?
The quality of laser cutting profiles and pipes is heavily dependent on their quality. As a result, in order to improve laser cutting quality, consider the following parameters:
- Metal wall thickness changes
- Torque loads
- Surface strength changes
- Surface quality (refers to corrosion and quality of the previous treatment)
Can the profiles be shaped by laser cutting?
They certainly can. The laser cutting of pipes and profiles equipment allows for the creation of intricate and difficult locations. Yet, when completing such 3D positions, it is important to be aware of the restrictions and complications that may arise.
Are there other limitations?
Limits are generally limited to the potential of a laser beam breaking on the opposite side of the tube. This is one of the most serious issues when executing slit cuts and necessitates further adjustments to cut parameters such as:
- Melted metal leakage on the pipe's opposite wall
- The previously described unwanted breaking with a laser beam on the opposite side of the tube
- A high temperature increase can cause damage.
