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Laser Tube Cutting Services

Xometry provides tube laser cutting for metal and non-metal tube and pipe of various geometries.

Laser Tube Cutting Overview
Tube Cutter Types
Wall Thickness
Structural Shapes / Profiles
Tolerances
Materials
Advantages & Disadvantages
Why Xometry

Laser tube cutting is the process by which tube stock material is selectively cut to form various shapes, holes, designs, and/or channels using a controllable precision laser. The stock material (tube/pipe) is held in a controllable lathe, where the tube will rotate in line with the design specifications as the laser makes cuts. Laser tube cutting can create through-holes of any shape as small as the wall thickness of the material, and is also often used to cut channels that allow for easy bending and welding of the tube for angled tubing. 


Xometry offers an extensive range of laser tube cutting services on both metal and non-metal materials (plastics, specialty materials, etc.). Laser types utilized include fiber laser or CO2 lasers depending upon the material and application, allowing for very tight tolerances (plus or minus 0.005” or less) and the ability to cut through wall thicknesses up to 3/16 “. Using Xometry’s online quote engine, it is simple to start a quote for your next laser tube cutting project.


Our project managers and experts personally review and manually quote each laser tube cutting project to ensure we meet your unique needs while providing a fast and easy manufacturing experience. 

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    Types of Laser Tube Cutters

    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. 

    Wall Thickness

    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 

    Structural Shapes / Profiles

    It is essential to note the difference between pipe and tubing when discussing structural shapes; pipe is measured in schedule (i.e., ½’ schedule 80 pipe, useful in standardized applications) while tube is measured by its wall thickness (i.e., outer diameter + inner diameter). In either case, laser tube cutting systems typically have settings for both measurement standards and offer custom setups for unique or non-standard structural shapes. 


    Xometry can provide laser pipe cutting on tube and pipe profiles including:

    • Rectangular tube
    • Round tube
    • Square tube
    • Square tube with a radius corner
    Anodized tubes with different profiles
    Isometric illustration of the laser tube cutting process.

    Ready to start your laser tube cutting quote?

    Tolerances

    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:

    Summary of Tube Laser Cutting Nominal Tolerances
    ParameterTolerance
    Parameter

    Facet-to-feature

    Tolerance

    ±0.005”

    Parameter

    Feature-to-feature

    Tolerance

    ±0.003”

    Parameter

    Hole/Slot diameter

    Tolerance

    ±0.003”

    Parameter

    Minimum feature size

    Tolerance

    No smaller than wall thickness

    Materials

    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.

    Laser Tube Cutting Material Options

    Profile and Material Options for Laser Pipe and Tube Cutting Services
    MaterialRound TubePipeRectangular TubeSquare Tube
    Material

    Aluminum

    Round Tube
    • 6061
    • 6063
    • 2024
    Pipe
    • 6061
    • 6063
    • 6101
    Rectangular Tube
    • 6061
    • 6063
    Square Tube
    • 6061 **
    • 6063 **
    Material

    Steel

    Round Tube
    • A4130
    Pipe
    • Mild Steel A500
    Rectangular Tube
    • Mild Steel A500
    • Mild Steel A513
    Square Tube
    • Mild Steel A500
    • Mild Steel A513
    Material

    Stainless Steel

    Round Tube
    • SS 304
    • SS 316
    Pipe
    • SS 304
    • SS 316
    Rectangular Tube
    • SS 304
    • SS 316
    Square Tube
    • SS 304
    • SS 316
    Material

    Brass

    Round Tube
    • General Purpose Brass Tubing*
    Pipe
    • Brass 230
    Rectangular Tube
    • Brass 272
    • Brass 385
    Square Tube
    • Brass 272
    • Brass 385
    Material

    Copper

    Round Tube
    • Copper 101
    • Copper 122
    Pipe
    Rectangular Tube
    Square Tube
    Material

    Titanium

    Round Tube
    • Titanium Grade 2
    Pipe
    Rectangular Tube
    Square Tube
    Material

    Plastics

    Round Tube
    • Clear Extruded Acrylic
    • Clear Cast Acrylic
    Pipe
    Rectangular Tube
    Square Tube

    * General purpose round tubing may include any of the following brass alloys: 260,270,272,330.
    ** Rounded corner tube variant also available.
    For special alloys or custom materials, contact us directly for personalized assistance and selection recommendations.

    Advantages and Disadvantages

    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. 

    Why Choose Xometry for Tube Laser Cutting?

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    Easy to Use

    Connect directly to hundreds of tube laser cutting suppliers through our easy-to-use platform.

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    Vetted Network

    We are ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100D certified. Only the top shops that apply to become network suppliers make it through our qualification process.

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    Expert help

    Our team of Application Engineers and Process Specialists are available to support you and provide answers to all of your fabrication and manufacturability questions.

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    Ready to get started with your Laser Tube Cutting Quote?

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