Making The Cut How to perfect your pipe cutting job

The system of pipes varies according to their use; and the material used for manufacturing them creates considerable differences in flexibility, strength, etc., which makes it necessary to understand the dimension and structure of pipe and the environment of cutting. 


And to choose the right pipe cutting tools, you must first understand the various pipe cutting techniques.


Different Pipe Cutting Techniques



The methodology you choose to cut the pipe depends on various factors such as the material used in the pipe, the squareness at the ends, end-conditioning needs, wall thickness; along with other requirements such as overhead costs, production volume, cutting efficiency, etc.


  • Abrasive Cutting


Abrasive cutting is a rudimentary methodology to cut the product to length as specified using an abrasive saw that runs over a circular abrasive blade or wheel composed of resin. 


There are different abrasive cutting machines for various size requirements. However, these machines are not meant to meet the end-conditioning requirements. Since the process is quite basic, manual and involves heating, it is not as effective for thick-walled materials; it might even leave a heat-affected zone making the further processing of the product difficult. Also, to create square ends or tight tolerances, the process doesn't hold beneficial. 


  • Laser Cutting


The laser cutting method involves the application of laser beams ( using automation equipment i.e, CNC ) to cut materials with high precision and minimum distortion. The process requires little force as it operates by concentrating heat over a small area resulting in the narrow kerf, closer tolerances and minimal burrs. 


  • Cold Sawing


Cold sawing is a precision cutting methodology using a cold saw composed of a circular wheel blade and cutting fluid. The technique is used for thin-walled or smaller-diameter materials that demand tight tolerances. The cold saw can be operated for a diameter as small as 1.75 inches.


The technique doesn't involve heating and hence produces no heat-affected zones. Thus, the finishing costs stay minimal as no deburring is needed. Cold saws can create square or perpendicular ends only. 


  • Band Saw Cutting

The technique is effective for large volume cutting or bundle cutting. The band saw tool's blade comes in various tooth configurations to meet the industry specifications. The band saw tools comprise shuttles whose range lies between 20 inches to 24 inches that facilitate the cutting of materials to any desired length.


However, the process doesn't hold compatible with thin-walled materials and may cause burring.


  • Lathe Cutting


Lathe cutting is used specifically for thin-walled materials to produce square-cut ends. The machine works precisely with diameters as small as 0.25 inches to 8 inches. The only limitation it holds is that it operates only with round products and has the capability of handling one product at a time.


  • Shearing

The shearing technique makes use of a computerized shearing machine known as a tube shear; made using two shear plates and two ID punches. The technique can result in tight tolerances and a greater production volume and operates well with wide size ranges and wall thickness. It yields maximum limits. The technique can produce high output; almost 7,000 pieces within an eight-hour shift. 


Pipe Cutting & Pipe BevellingTools


After having known the various cutting techniques, one requires the knowledge of the best tools in the market. Here are some of them.


  • Tube Pipe Bevelling and Cutting Split Frame Machine SF 4048


SF 4048 is a clamshell lathe with a split frame design that can operate pipes and tubes in sizes ranging from 1016.0 mm to 1219.2 mm in external diameter. The machine holds the potential to execute heavy facing, cutting or bevelling. 


  • Pipe Cutting and Bevelling Machine Hydraulic CPC-B

The machine, driven by two hydraulic motors, is designed for thick-walled materials. The cutting blades with a speed of 76 RPM and 1KW motor moves the pipe around the machine. Pipes with an OD of more than 36 inches or 48 inches are suitable. 


  • Pipe Facing Machine Flange Facer-FF-4000


The machine comes with pneumatic or electric drive to provide precise results. The ideal speed for the pneumatic drive is 70 RPM whereas that for the electric drive is 75 RPM. The machine can operate materials ranging from 1.38 inches to 14 inches in diameter.


  • Tube/Pipe Bevelling Machine FM-24000


The rugged FM-24000 is a power pack machine that serves the required range along with being lightweight and portable. of power and range in a light and portable design. It is suitable for tubes or pipes that have an internal diameter in the range of 180 mm to 609 mm.


  • Exact Pipe Bevel 220E


The machine's beveller comes with 3 cutting tips where each of them are conjectured with 4 cutting edges to rotate in different bevel angles (30°, 37.5°, and 45°).  The stopper in the machine lets add additional bevels to the same outer diameter.


Conclusion


Various tools and pipe cutting techniques are common amongst the engineers and manufacturers of the industrial products. Thus, to meet the customers' specifications, the industries and other concerned members need to keep themselves acquainted with the developing technologies or machines in the market. New tools keep flooding the markets. It's advisable to make decisions keeping in mind the necessities.



Content Sources :- ABSGroup

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