In industrial production, steel tubing is an essential product. It is ideal for many needs, from pipelines to structural applications. You can choose from a wide range of options to suit each application, including ERW tube or seamless. You need to think carefully about the characteristics, performance and costs here. The cutting method also affects the product quality and efficiency. Therefore, you need to decide what to use.
To obtain high precision, low cost seamless tube, and ensure high efficiency, it’s vital to pick an appropriate cutting method. We’re going to discuss common and proven techniques here. We’ll go over their advantages, disadvantages, and example applications.
Mechanical cutting
Firstly on the list is mechanical cutting. Standard methods here include grinding wheel and sawing. They work for smaller seamless tubes. Also, they need the cutting section to be smooth and flat. As such, they are not applicable for some large seamless steel tubes.
For applications, when crafting pup joints, mechanical cutting can offer higher surface quality and precision with small seamless tubes.
Flame cutting
This is a method using high temperature flames. It will involve a flammable gas such as acetylene or propane and oxygen. The flames heat the metal until it is molten, then a blast of air blows it away to finish the cut. One thing to keep in mind though is it only works for ferrous metals.
This method works for cutting huge seamless models. It has the benefits of low cost and fast speed. Saying this, it’s not difficult to cause oxidation and deformation.
In the oil and gas industry, flame cutting is a more practical and economical choice for the likes of casing and drill tubes. To eliminate the defects though, you will need to use subsequent treatments. If you need ERW tube or seamless, speak to us.
Laser cutting
Next is a method that utilises a high-energy laser beam to irradiate the exterior of the tubes. It quickly melts and vaporises the material, thus achieving cutting.
The method comes with high speed and precision. What’s more, it’s appropriate for all kinds of seamless tubing. While there are plenty of positives, there are also drawbacks. The cost of cutting equipment is greater and the skill demands for operators are also bigger.
In the aerospace and machine manufacturing fields, laser cutting can meet the strict surface and size quality demands for tubes with high precision needs.
High-pressure water cutting
This is an efficient and environmentally friendly method. It makes use of high-pressure water to cut through a massive range of materials.
Benefits include no pollution, no deformation, and decent incision quality. The cost of this method is rather high though.
In the pharmaceutical and food processing industries, high pressure water cutting is ideal for projects with high cleanliness and hygiene demands. This is because it doesn’t produce pollution and heat effects.
Plasma cutting
Finally, we have an interesting method that can be really useful for cutting electrically conductive materials like steel. It uses electricity to heat compressed gas (plasma). This creates an arc to the conductive workpiece. A jet then blows away the molten material to complete the cut.
Plasma cutting is a useful technique, especially for thick seamless and ERW tube. However, the cost can deter some people. It also creates a larger HAZ and kerf than laser cutting.
Which is the right choice?
For those who are unsure of which method to choose, there are factors that can help. One of them is cutting accuracy. If the dimensional accuracy and edge flatness demands are high, high-pressure water and laser cutting work best.
Another factor is processing efficiency. For large size steel tubes or large quantities, flame cutting offers an economical, fast solution.
Finally, there’s equipment cost and environmental protection needs. In situations with strict requirements and processing demands, high-pressure water cutting is a great choice.
Talk to us about ERW tube and seamless tubing
At Union Steel Tubes, we have no trouble supplying customers with quality tubing. We specialise in ERW, but also offer seamless tubes if they are necessary for your application. At the same time, we offer crucial services such as cutting. It ensures we can provide accurate lengths for clients.
So, if you’d like to order ERW tube or seamless, please get in touch. We can help you to choose the perfect products for your application and budget.
