TECHNICAL BLOG

Over the past 12 months, we’ve covered a range of topics related to custom tube bending and laser cutting. From weld seam detection to deburring, the subjects were many and varied. Here is a recap of some of the most popular reads:

1. Common shapes in laser cutting: Fiber-optic laser cutting is the go-to for creating shapes or “features” in round, square or rectangle tube or pipe. Round holes are the most common, followed by flat-sided oval, square and rectangular cuts. Typical applications include fasteners, vents, outlets, or mounting holes. Fish-mouth notches or copes and basic and compound miters are easily achieved with laser cutting. Nearly any 2D shape can be laser cut on a tube with the right programming software. Read on.
2. Design for manufacturing: When developing products with components that require custom tube bending. it is helpful to understand how the parts will eventually be manufactured. This can inform product design, and give better visibility to costs, options, and timelines. Specific things to consider are tooling, bend radius, machine technology, tolerances, and materials. More here.
3. The importance of a parts drawing: The part drawing is one of the most critical elements in custom tube bending and laser cutting. This file provides the key pieces of information needed to manufacture the part, showing all dimensions, measurements, material type, tolerances required, revision information, part number and relevant notes. These details are used to determine costs, to set up how a part will be manufactured, and in some cases, how the full order will be handled or shipped. Learn more.
4. Multi-radius tube bending: Multi-radius bending is commonly used for complex parts with two or more center line radii. With this process, changeovers between left-hand and right-hand bending heads can be repeated multiple times, allowing the operator to complete numerous bends in one cycle. Get the details.
5. Weld seam detection: Many manufacturers specify welded tubing for their tube bending or tube lasering projects. Because a weld seam impacts the structural and physical properties of the tube, the operator must use some form of weld seam detection to identify the location of the weld seam on the tube so that it can be correctly oriented in the machine prior to tube bending or tube laser cutting. Find out why.