Laser Tube Cutting Services

The main types of laser tube cutting machines vary based on application and laser type. Combination tube/flat sheet laser cutters are one of the most common machines used for laser tube cutting, but are generally used for smaller jobs and are multipurpose machines (i.e. they can also cut flat sheet parts). Self-contained laser tube cutters are dedicated tube cutting systems that are only specified for tube cutting applications, where they can work with nearly any tube shape (round, rectangular, octagonal, etc.) in long stock lengths (3+ feet or more).

Laser tube cutters can use fiber lasers or CO2 lasers based on the needs of a project. Fiber lasers are compatible with a variety of materials and are generally considered the most versatile laser type, while C02 lasers are designed to be an upgrade from plasma cutters, and are best for niche materials such as titanium due to their enhanced gas coverage over fiber lasers. Both laser types offer comparable power levels. In either case, both cutting processes are well suited for metal fabrication and can eliminate the need for secondary operations. 

Lasers are specified based on their wattage, where a higher wattage offers deeper and more sustained cuts. Laser tube cutters are also specified based on the size of material they can handle (max sheet/tube size, max material weight), the assist gas required (nitrogen, CO2, etc,) the motor electrical requirements (3-phase VAC, etc.), repeatability, and other model-specific criteria. Some laser tube cutters come with built-in conveyors or stock handling machinery which automatically feeds the tube into the cutting portion of the system, providing semi-to-fully automated operation. 

Generally speaking, all laser tube cutting services with Xometry can achieve standard cuts up to 3/16”; however, deeper cuts up to ⅝” can be achieved using a WAC (water-assisted cutting) system alongside the laser tube cutter. Kerf sizes vary based on the specific material, laser type, laser power, and operation parameters, but are overall much thinner than traditional cutting methods, reducing material waste.

For laser tube cutters that offer cut head angles (i.e., 5-axis laser tube cutters), note that angled cuts will change the effective wall thickness of the tube, so it is important to choose a tubing thickness that will not exceed maximum wall thickness when angled. 

See the quick list of wall thickness parameters below for laser tube cutting services: 

• Standard machines can cut to 3/16”
• WAC systems can achieve up to ⅝” in depth
• Angled cuts will influence wall thickness 

Xometry's tube laser services can hold tight tolerances: from a quadrant of a tube (known as a facet) to feature, tube laser cutting can achieve tolerances of ±0.005”. This ±0.005” value also holds for feature-to-feature cuts. Hole or slot diameter tolerances can be held tighter at ±0.003”. Minimum feature size depends on material and material thickness, but generally, the minimum feature size will be no larger than the wall thickness (i.e., a through-hole can have a diameter no smaller than the wall thickness). 

Below are the nominal tolerances achievable by Xometry’s manufacturing partners when performing tube laser cutting, summarized in table form:

Xometry's laser tube cutting services are compatible with a range of pipe and tube material options, including:

Metals:

• Aluminum
• Brass 
• Copper 
• Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Titanium

Plastics:

• UHMW 
• ABS
• Acrylic, Extruded PMMA, Clear
• Acrylic, Cast, Clear
• PC
• Polyoxymethylene POM

NOTE: Xometry ensures complete safety for operators and users in our manufacturing processes and, therefore, will not laser cut plastics that can off-gas toxic fumes or catch fire when heated. This includes materials such as acetal, PVC, fiberglass, polystyrene, polypropylene foam, etc. Should you have a need to cut materials such as these, please contact us so that we can review your requirements and provide you with a recommended manufacturing process that can be used to safely fabricate your part from these materials. 

See the table below for a list of the profiles and alloys that are available for laser tube cutting. Our instant quote engine will allow you to select specific sizes and specifications for your chosen material.

Here are the advantages of the laser tube cutting process:

• Semi-to-fully automated process with high throughput
• Low/no material wastage 
• Offers highly complex, clean, and repeatable cuts
• Works with nearly every metal and a variety of non-metallic materials 
• Most/nearly all tube stock accepted

The disadvantages or limitations of laser tube cutting include the following:

• Cannot be used with flammable or fuming materials (acetal, PVC, etc.)
• High power consumption
• Laser operation is delicate and requires the use of trained operators
• The process is generally reserved for thin (less than ½-1” thick) materials.