There are several methods to cut polished stainless steel tubes, including grinding wheel cutting, laser cutting, wire cutting, and lathe cutting. Each method has its own advantages and drawbacks, as well as its corresponding suitable production scenarios. And how does one choose the cutting method that best fits their needs? We'll delve into more detail in the following content.
Grinding Wheel Cutting:
Using a conventional abrasive wheel cutter can result in burrs and flying edges, requiring the use of an automatic stainless steel tube end burr remover for better results. Although cost-effective, the grinding wheel tends to wear out quickly, making it suitable for smaller production volumes.
Laser Cutting:
Laser cutting allows simultaneous cutting and drilling and offers advantages such as low cost, high efficiency, smooth cuts, universal shapes, flexibility, high precision and small tolerances (typically less than 0.03mm). However, the equipment is expensive and requires specialist programming skills to operate. Laser cutting is well suited to projects with high demands for precision and efficiency.
Wire Cutting:
Using fast wire cutting, this method meets high-quality requirements such as smooth edges, no burrs and high precision. However, it's important to note that discoloration can occur at the end of the cut, requiring polishing. The process is slower and the emulsion oil used during cutting leaves a sticky residue on the polished stainless steel surface, making it less easy to clean. Suitable for small production runs.
Lathe Cutting:
For extremely thin-walled polished stainless steel tubing (thickness 0.3~0.4mm), turning is recommended. High-quality high-speed steel or carbide tools are recommended, although they have a higher initial cost, they are durable and provide a smooth cut surface. This method is less automated and more labor intensive. Improvements in automation greatly improve efficiency, but there is a risk of damage to thin-walled tubing during high-speed rotation.