Manufacturing services · Chapter D · Method 25

Laser tube cutting

A laser head cuts holes, slots and end profiles in round, square and rectangular tube while a rotating chuck turns the tube.

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Automated fibre-laser cutting lines in a modern factory. Representative process photo · YIHAI LASER · Pexels

How it works

Laser tube cutting, step by step.

A labelled schematic of the process (not to scale), and the four steps every job goes through.

Labelled diagram showing how laser tube cutting works — Schematic · not to scale. Drawn by TCI Group.

STEP 01

Load tube

Bundle loader feeds tube into the chuck.

STEP 02

Rotate

The chuck rotates and advances the tube.

STEP 03

Cut

Laser cuts holes, slots, mitres and tabs.

STEP 04

Unload

Parts are cut off and sorted.

Reference figures

What to expect.

Typical industry values to help you plan. We agree the figures for your part on the drawing.

Tolerance±0.25 mmEdge to edge, inner face

ProfilesRound, square, rect.Plus open sections

JointsTab-and-slotSelf-locating weldments

Small HolesØ ≤ 2.5 mmMay be slightly larger

Materials	Mild steel, stainless and aluminium tube and open sections.
Finishes	As cut, with light heat tint; large burrs removed.
Design guidance	Use tab-and-slot features to self-jig frames. Keep holes clear of seam welds. Cuts are normal to surface by default.
Best suited to	Furniture frames, racks, guards, mould-tray frames and handrails.
Watch-outs	Wall thickness follows raw stock tolerance; seam position may vary.

Other methods in Sheet & tube

Previous: Punching Next: Tube bending

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Send a sketch, photo, sample or CAD file with your quantity and target date. We will recommend the most sensible route and explain the trade-offs before quoting.

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Reference figures are typical published industry values for planning, not a guarantee; final tolerances, materials and finishes are agreed in writing for each project.