EXHIBITIONS
Is laser cutting the light at the end of the tube?
industries, and the rise in usage of these innovative machines is showing no sign of slowing down. The tube and metal pipe sectors are no exception to this – relying on incredibly precise cutting methods to create products for a host of different uses. Bradley McBain, managing director of leading laser cutting and metal fabrication equipment supplier, MBA Engineering, discusses how laser technology has helped boost a range of industries by offering a number of unique benefits, specifically focusing on those which utilise metal tubes. The laser cutting industry has
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gone from strength to strength. And constant developments mean there’s always something bigger and better heading to the market – so what does this mean for companies that rely on accurate cutting methods? Some of the best laser cutting equipment offers accuracy of 0.03mm, making it the go-to method for projects requiring precise machining. This can apply to a range of industries, from food and drink to automotive and aerospace, but it is also incredibly sought after within the tube and pipe industry. With pipes being used to
transport gasses or fluids it’s vital that they are manufactured to the most stringent specifications. For example, it’s imperative pipes used within the oil industry, including top tensioned and steel catenary risers, export lines and coiled line pipes, are cut very precisely to perform to maximum potential, making precision cutting to exact measurements a must.
34 IMT March 2018
aser cutting machines are now being used for a wide range of projects across a number of
Another key example of the importance of accuracy when cutting tubes and pipes can be found within the nuclear industry for heat exchangers. These clever devices allow heat from a fluid to pass onto a second fluid, without the two mixing together or coming into direct contact. Usually, a hot fluid flows through a tube coiled inside a larger shell, with a colder fluid running through in the opposite direction. These must be manufactured accurately to ensure no contamination of fluids. Not only is it essential that tubes and pipes are cut accurately in terms of measurements, tubes requiring cut-outs also need to be produced to precise specifications. If there is a need for a metal tube with cut-outs, frequently used in the medical world, companies need to source a laser cutting machine that effectively create slots, scallops, V notches and tabs exactly where they’re needed without compromising the rest of the product. When it comes to accurate, precision metal cutting, industry professionals will struggle to identify a laser cutting solution that outperforms Kimla technology.
Kimla laser cutting machines offer consistency – something invaluable to manufacturers everywhere, providing a reliable service where uniformity is key. A large quantity of uniform parts is a common order placed with metalwork manufacturers and these parts must be exactly the same.
Compared to conventional tube cutting methods such as sawing, drilling or milling, which can leave a harsh or jagged edge, there is usually no additional finishing processes needed
when laser cutting as the cuts are clean. By removing these secondary finishing processes, manufacturers can generate huge savings in production costs, as well as potentially providing valuable extra floor space thanks to replacing separate laser cutting and finishing machines with one piece of equipment. Automation is another factor
playing a huge part in assisting the tube world and forms a major part of Kimla technology. An automatic feed and offload system within a hybrid machine is a big step for the laser cutting industry and one that provides endless possibilities for tube and pipe cutting. Kimla’s
advanced control
systems also make the machines ideal for the tube and pipe industries. While the majority of competitor laser cutting systems only allow the user to control the speed and position of the laser head, Kimla’s control systems are much more sophisticated. They allow users to edit, correct, make geometrical changes, alter distribution and generate a laser path, all while continuing to work. Alongside this, the lasers use precision control technology
www.internationalmetaltube.com
to reduce inaccuracies, even at very high speeds. With all this in mind, what lies in
the future for tube and pipe cutting? Kimla is already developing a new, innovative method of cutting tubes and pipes – a tube hybrid laser, which will combine flatbed lasers with the ability to cut tubes. These cutting methods will be shaping the way for tube and pipes, as they become more precise with even more intricate designs. The demand for these materials could increase as more uses are found for these metal shapes within a wider range of industries.
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