At National Tube Processing (NTP), we specialize in delivering precision tube processing services. Our advanced tube laser cutting machines are designed to provide quick, efficient, and accurate cuts, catering to a wide variety of industry needs.
However, we understand that the specifics of tube cutting, particularly the effects on subcomponent dimensions, can sometimes cause confusion. This guide aims to clarify these aspects of our process.
Perpendicular Cuts and Miter Cuts
Our tube lasers are not 7-axis machines, which means all cuts are made perpendicular to the tube's outer surface. This technique offers numerous benefits, including consistency in cuts and simplified processing. However, it also has certain implications for the final dimensions of the cut tubes, especially when it comes to miter cuts.
In traditional tube cutting scenarios, a miter cut would be angled, cutting through the tube at a diagonal. This type of cut does maintain the tube's end length as depicted in the customer's drawing. However, the sharp points created by the angled cut often need to be beveled as a secondary operation before welding to achieve full weld penetration.
Interference Points and Adjusted Tube Length: Weld Compensation
Because our machines make perpendicular cuts, we do not create true miter cuts. Instead, we use a specialized tube cutting software to remove the interference points that would emerge if a true miter cut was attempted with a perpendicular cut. This process is known as "Weld Compensation".
Interference points are areas of material that would overlap if a true miter cut were attempted with a perpendicular cut. Removing these points, or "Weld Compensation", ensures a clean, effective cut and eliminates the need for a secondary beveling operation, enabling full weld penetration.
However, Weld Compensation results in the tube's end being slightly shorter than the length shown in the customer's drawing. This adjustment, while necessary to achieve the desired cut and weld, may cause some confusion when comparing the final subcomponent to the original design.
Our Commitment to Transparency and Quality
At NTP, we believe in transparency and aim to ensure that our customers fully understand our processes. While these adjustments may slightly alter the dimensions of individual sub-components, the final assembly, when all subcomponents are put together, will match the original design's specifications. These adjustments are essential for achieving high-quality, efficient cuts and welds, and they ultimately contribute to the successful completion of the final product.