What Size Metal Tubes Can Be Processed in a Rotating Head Cutoff Machine?

A rotating head cut off machine can save a great deal of time and effort when working with metal tubing, particularly when you are dealing with finishing processes. Tube Cutting and Chamfering is easier with a rotating head system than with typical, old-fashioned lathe-based machines. However, processors are sometimes concerned about the size of metal tubing that can be processed with such a machine. What are the limits of a rotating head machine, and does it make sense to incorporate this piece into your production lineup?

How Does a Rotating Head Machine Differ From Other Machines?

In order to understand how a rotating-head machine can increase production, it is important to understand how they work. These machines are one of the most advanced ways possible to cut metal tubes as well as finish them with facing or chamfering. These systems are superior to most conventional cutters in that they do not leave sharp edges or burrs, but maintain very close tolerances. Further, rotating head machines can even process bent or bowed tubing, unlike most traditional lathes.

The secret to this process is that the tube is held stationary while the cutting blade rotates around. This means that vibration, which often causes errors, is eliminated. The chucks that hold the tube also position it for finishing with chamfers or other specialty cuts.

What Size Tubes Can Be Cut With A Rotating Head Machine?

Most rotating head cutoff systems are very versatile and can handle a wide range of metal tube sizes and types. Hautau, a leading manufacturer of rotating-head cutoff machinery, builds systems that will handle tubes up to 9 inches in diameter and with wall thickness of up to one inch. In addition, some of Hautau’s machines can handle short cut lengths for gear blanks or bearing slugs, as well.

When a fully automated tube loading system is added to one of Hautau’s rotating head machines, full tube bundles can be loaded, cut, finished and off-loaded with a touch of a switch. The automatic changeover for diameter allows the raw material to be sorted by width, and length can be sorted as well for maximum optimization in cuts. Precise cuts are completed with the servo-driven head, and the built-in nesting software helps maximize efficiency of cut lengths.

Because these programs can be altered, almost any size or type of tubing can be processed. Hautau’s systems will handle lengths up to 60 feet, making these workhorse machines the perfect addition to any production floor for a wide range of applications.

At Hautau, we have spent years developing tube cutting and finishing machines that automate most or all of the process, making your workplace more efficient and safer. You can produce better quality final products faster with a rotating-head cutoff machine. Give us a call today to speak to one of our professionals and let us help you decide how to integrate a rotating-head system into your current plan.