In today’s fast-paced manufacturing industry, tube laser cutting machine has developed into an essential tool for businesses across various industries like metalworking, vehicle production, kitchenware and sanitary ware. These machines can offer high precision, fast speed and full automation, making them ideal for cutting tube metals. However, with a wide range of options available on the market, selecting a proper tube laser cutting machine can be a daunting task. To help you make an informed decision, here are 10 key factors to consider when choosing a tube laser cutting machine for you.
1.Tube Type and Size
The first and foremost consideration is tube type and size you intend to cut. Different machines are designed to handle different materials, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy and copper. Additionally, please think about your tube size like diameter, side length, length, wall thickness and weight. These factors will directly affect your laser power. Generally speaking, the higher your power, the larger and wider range of your tube cutting.
2. Cutting Precision and Speed
Cutting precision and speed are critical factors that directly impact your machine quality. High cutting precision ensures that your products meet strict tolerances, while high cutting speed allows you to produce more parts in less time. When evaluating a tube laser cutting machine, check the machine’s accuracy specifications and cutting speed capabilities. We recommend paying attention to the machine’s positioning/repositioning accuracy, max no-load speed, max acceleration, rotating speed of chucks, etc.
3. Overall Cutting Capacity
A factor that novices are easy to ignore when purchasing is tailing length of pipe and whether the laser machine can cut into bevels, among which, the tailing length is related to material utilization rate, and then determines the user’s costs of purchase. The beveling can facilitate the subsequent welding, greatly lessening work flows and improving work efficiency.
4. Lasers Brand and Power
The lasers is the heart of a tube laser cutting machine, and its quality and laser power have a direct influence the machine’s performance. Common lasers include fiber lasers, CO2 lasers and diode lasers, with fiber lasers being the most popular choice for metal cutting due to their efficiency and low maintenance requirements. Some well-known lasers are from IPG, Raycus, TRUMPF, MAX, etc. Please prefer to lasers of big brands and laser power that matches with your demands.
5.Level of Automation
Automation is a key feature in modern tube laser cutting machines, and it can significantly improve your production efficiency and lower labor costs. Features like automatic loading and unloading devices, autofocus, automatic following and automatic nozzle cleaning reduce the need for manual intervention and minimize downtime. You need to choose highly automatic machines to boost your production.
6. Control System and Software Capabilities
The control system and software that come with your tube laser cutting machine play a crucial role in overall cutting. Advanced software can offer features such as automatic typesetting, automatic nesting, cutting path optimization and failure diagnosis. Ensure that the machine’s software is capable of integrating with your existing design and production systems for a seamless workflow.
7. Main Configurations
To keep your cutting stable for a long time, you also must highly value the brand of core components (such as, lasers, laser cutting head, control system, machine tool bed and accessories, electrical and pneumatic system, servo motor and drives, water chiller and transmission system) outfitted by your tube laser cutting machine. Generally speaking, the quality of parts produced by companies with advanced technology and a long history is guaranteed, so we advise you to purchase laser cutting machines that use international brands of parts.
8.Machine Footprint and Workshop Space
The physical size of tube laser cutting machine is another important consideration, particularly if you have limited floor space in your facility. Different machines have different space requirements, so it is essential to measure your available space and ensure that the machine you choose will fit comfortably. Additionally, consider the layout of your production line and how the new machine will integrate with your existing equipment.
9.Power Supply and Voltage
As we all know, the industrial power supply and voltage differ from country to country. According to number of phases, it is classified as single-, two- and three-phase. The voltage range is usually 110-380V. So if power supply and voltage of machine provided by manufacturers is different from that of your area, please contact the manufacturer to confirm the right wiring method and make your electrical operation professional.
10.Energy Consumption and Operating Costs
Energy consumption is an important factor to consider, especially in high-volume production. Machines with high energy efficiency can significantly reduce your operating costs over time. Fiber lasers, for example, are known for their low energy consumption compared to other types of lasers. Be sure to check the energy consumption specifications of the machine and factor this into your total cost of ownership calculations.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tube laser cutting machine is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on your production efficiency and product quality. By considering the 10 factors outlined above, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and production goals. Whether you are looking to improve precision, increase speed or reduce costs, selecting the right machine will ensure that your investment pays off in the long run.
