6 Types of Pipe and Tube Cutting Techniques

Pipe cutting and tube cutting are two of the important techniques in plastic and sheet metal fabrication. Often for applications like manufacturing refrigerant tubing, connecting flow transmission pipelines, etc. However, the pipes and tubes are made of various materials and therefore different tube and pipe cutting equipment and tools may be required. There are various pipe and tube cutting techniques employed and various tools are used for these techniques. This post discusses different pipe and tube cutting techniques and lists a few pipe and tube cutting tools used in the industries.

What are the Pipe and Tube Cutting Techniques?

Here are a few pipe and tube cutting techniques used in metal or plastic fabrication processes.

Abrasive Cutting: Abrasive cutting is the pipe cutting method suitable for metal pipes and tubes. In this technique, the abrasive pipe cutting equipment cuts the metal by using an abrasive saw. The rotary abrasive saw cuts through a metal tube or pipe by using shear and friction forces.

Band Saw Cutting: Band Saw is an electronic cutting technique where the cutting tool comprising a seamless band blade with tooth contours are used. The tooth contours rub against the pipe materials as the seamless band blade moves vertically or horizontally on two mounting wheels.

Cold Saw Cutting: Cold saw cutting includes a rotating cold saw. Generally, the cold saw is kept fixed at a location where the blade rotates. As the pipe or tube material comes in direct contact with the blade of the cutting saw, the pipe or tubes are cut. This type of cutting technique is only suitable for perpendicular cutting of pipes and tubes. This technique is highly popular because it leaves no heat-affected zones on the pipe and tube surfaces.

Laser Cutting: Laser cutting is a highly efficient cutting technique for pipes and tubes. This technique is ideally operated using computer numeric control (CNC) machines. In this technique, plastic or metal pipes or tubes are cut using a laser beam. The laser beam bombards the surface of pipe or tubes and cuts the material by generating heat on the spot. This technique is suitable for angular cutting, shapes cutting, or through the cutting of the pipes.
Shearing: Shearing or shear cutting is the process of cutting a tube or pipe under the sheer force of two plates and ID punches. The tube is sheared between the ID punches and plates to cut it.

Lathe Cutting: Cutting is one of the effective operations performed over a lathe machine. A single point cutting tool is mounted on the lathe spindle. As the spindle rotates and the cutting point comes in contact with the tube or pipe material, and the cutting takes place. This technique is suitable for through cutting or grove cutting.

Now that all the pipe and tube cutting techniques are discussed, let us offer a few guidelines for the effective selection of tube and pipe cutting equipment.

Ensure that the blade is aligned in the required direction.
Consider the material’s reaction towards friction and temperature so that cutting will be effective.
Ensure operators’ safety by using personal protective equipment such as gloves, helmets, etc.
Lubricate the pipe cutting tools, so that the heat generation is reduced.

Now that all the pipe and tube cutting techniques are discussed, it is essential to acknowledge that the quality of the cutting tool makes an impact on manufacturing. That is why you should buy high-quality pipe and tube cutting tools from trusted manufacturers and suppliers like Woodward Fab. The company offers a versatile range of cutting equipment, pipe and tube bending tools, and overall tools for metal fabrication.

Different Pipe and Tube Cutting Techniques and Equipment Discussed

What are the Pipe and Tube Cutting Techniques?

Related Metal Cutting Tools Blog Posts:

Related Post: