O corte a laser de um tubo envolve a fixação do tubo em um máquina de corte a laser para tubos, centralizando-o automaticamente, ajustando os parâmetros de corte e utilizando um feixe de laser focalizado para cortar o tubo com precisão ao longo de um percurso programado.

O processo combina controle CNC, movimento rotativo e tecnologia a laser para obter cortes precisos e sem rebarbas em tubos e canos metálicos.

O que é o corte a laser de tubos?

O corte a laser de tubos é um processo que utiliza um feixe de laser focalizado para cortar, ranhurar, perfurar ou moldar tubos e canos metálicos. Diferentemente do corte de chapas planas, o corte a laser de tubos requer:

  • Fixação e rotação precisas do tubo
  • Centralização automática para compensar a deformação do tubo
  • Sincronização precisa dos eixos lineares e rotativos

Uma máquina de corte a laser para tubos pode processar tubos redondos, quadrados, retangulares e perfis de formatos especiais com alta repetibilidade e desperdício mínimo de material.

1. Preparação antes do corte a laser de tubos

Proper preparation is critical for safety, accuracy, and cutting quality.

Check the Work Area

  • Ensure the working area is clean and free of obstacles

  • Confirm all safety guards and protective covers are in place

Inspect the Machine

  • Check the laser source, chiller water temperature, and gas pressure
  • Inspect the cutting nozzle and focusing lens for contamination or damage
  • Confirm all electrical and pneumatic connections are normal

Prepare Materials and Tools

  • Verify tube material, diameter, thickness, and length
  • Prepare drawings or cutting programs in advance

2. Power-On and Machine Startup

Correct startup order protects the machine and ensures stable operation.

Standard Startup Sequence

  1. Main power switch
  2. Voltage stabilizer
  3. Emergency stop reset
  4. CNC control system
  5. Servo system
  6. Water chiller
  7. Fonte de laser

Once the control system finishes initialization, perform a homing operation to reset all axes to their reference positions

3. Drawing and Programming for Tube Laser Cutting

Create or Import Tube Cutting Drawings

Using professional tube cutting software (such as TubesT):

  • Draw parts directly or import existing CAD files
  • Define tube type (round, square, rectangular, etc.)

  • Enter tube dimensions and wall thickness

Define tube type

Process and Nesting Setup

  • Define cutting paths, pierce points, and lead-ins
  • Apply cutting technology parameters
  • Perform automatic nesting to optimize material usage

Export the completed task as a cutting program for the machine.

4. Machine Calibration and Debugging

Before cutting, accurate calibration is essential.

Capacitive Calibration

With the tube clamped in the chuck:

  • Perform nozzle capacitance calibration
  • Ensure stable height control during cutting

B-Axis and Chuck Calibration

  • Calibrate the B-axis center
  • Check chuck clamping force and support alignment
  • Ensure smooth tube rotation without slipping

5. Loading and Centering the Tube

Tube Loading

  • Load tubes manually or using an automatic loading system
  • Clamp the tube securely with the chuck

Automatic Centering

  • Run the automatic tube centering function
  • The system detects tube deformation and calculates offset values
  • This ensures the laser cutting head stays aligned with the tube center

Accurate centering is a key advantage of modern tube laser cutting machines and directly affects cutting precision.

6. Set Laser Cutting Parameters

Laser cutting parameters must be adjusted according to material and thickness.

Key Parameters Include:

  • Cutting speed (m/min)
  • Nozzle height (mm)
  • Assist gas type (air, oxygen, nitrogen)
  • Gas pressure (BAR)
  • Peak power (%)
  • Duty cycle (%)
  • Focus position (mm)

Tip for beginners: Always start with recommended parameters and perform a short test cut before mass production

7. Start the Laser Tube Cutting Process

Trial Cutting

  • Click the “Start” button to begin cutting
  • Perform a short test cut
  • Check edge quality, burrs, and dimensional accuracy

Batch Production

Once the result is confirmed:

  • Enable cycle processing mode
  • Set production quantity and interval time
  • Monitor the cutting process in real time

During cutting, observe:

  • Stability of cutting sparks
  • Smooth removal of scrap
  • Gas pressure and machine status

8. Unloading and Shutdown

After cutting is completed:

Unloading

  • Use the unloading system to remove finished parts
  • Avoid direct contact with hot materials

Shutdown Procedure

  • Turn off the laser source
  • Close assist gas valves
  • Power down the machine in the correct sequence
  • Clean residual scrap from the work area

Safety Tips for Laser Tube Cutting

  • Never place hands or body parts inside the protected cutting area
  • Press the emergency stop immediately in case of abnormal conditions
  • Do not modify parameters without proper training
  • Contact technical support if issues cannot be resolved

Final Thoughts

Compreender como cortar um tubo a laser corretamente é essencial para alcançar alta precisão, qualidade estável e produção eficiente. Ao seguir um processo padronizado de corte a laser de tubos e utilizar uma máquina de corte a laser de tubos confiável, os fabricantes podem reduzir significativamente os custos de mão de obra e melhorar a produtividade geral.

As modernas cortadoras de tubos a laser de fibra tornam possível o processamento de formas de tubos complexas com rapidez e consistência, tornando-as uma ferramenta indispensável na indústria atual de fabricação metalúrgica.