Andrés Villamarín, Project Engineer at AVIG, submitted a request for quotation for a fiber laser cutting machine dedicated to round stainless steel tubing. AVIG Tech specializes in technology integration, robotics, automation, and industrial equipment. The intended application is the fabrication of tubular assemblies requiring T-joint profiles: saddle cuts, fish-mouth intersections, angular miters, holes, slots, and perforations. The pipe specifications are:
- Diameter range: 1 inch (25.4 mm) to 4 inch (101.6 mm)
- Wall thickness: 3.2 mm to 6.08 mm
- Material: Stainless steel (assumed 304/304L or 316/316L)
- Pipe length: Adaptable to equipment capacity
The core technical requirement is a clean, dross-free cut edge suitable for immediate welding without manual grinding of the intersection profile. For T-joints, one tube end must be cut with a saddle profile that wraps precisely around the mating tube, with a joint gap below 0.5 mm to enable single-pass GTAW welding.
Proposed Equipment Configuration
Based on the pipe diameter range, maximum wall thickness of 6.08 mm, and the complexity of 3D intersection profiles, YIHAI LASER recommends the following configuration:
| Specification | Recommended Configuration | Justification |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment model | YC-T130 CNC Laser Pipe Cutting Machine | 3D tube laser with automatic chuck and tailstock |
| Laser source | IPG YLR-3000 single-mode fiber laser, 3 kW | Sufficient for clean cut on 6.08 mm stainless steel |
| Cutting head | Raytools BM114 3D bevel cutting head | Enables bevel cutting for weld preparation |
| Controller | CypTube CAD/CAM CNC | Direct import of 3D models, auto-generation of intersection profiles |
| Compatible pipe diameters | 10 mm to 130 mm (0.4″ to 5.1″) | Covers 1″ to 4″ range with margin |
| Maximum supported pipe length | 6,000 mm (6 meters) | Standard mill length; accommodates common stock |
| Chuck type | Pneumatic self-centering 3-jaw chuck | Quick clamping, runout ≤ 0.05 mm |
| Tailstock | Pneumatic, traveling, with steady rest | Supports long pipes, prevents whip |
| Assist gas | Nitrogen, 99.995% purity, 12–16 bar | Oxide-free, bright edge on stainless steel |
| Electrical requirements | 380 V, 3-phase, 50/60 Hz, 20 kVA | Standard industrial supply |
| Pneumatic requirements | 6–8 bar, dry, filtered compressed air | For chuck and tailstock actuation |
T-Joint Cutting Capability and CAD/CAM Workflow
The defining requirement for this application is the ability to cut T-joint saddle profiles automatically from a 3D CAD model. The CypTube software integrated with the YC-T130 imports standard file formats including STEP, IGES, and SolidWorks assembly files. The operator imports the tubular assembly model, and the software:
- Identifies each tube in the assembly by part number.
- Calculates the intersection curve between the branch tube and the main tube.
- Generates the cutting path including the saddle profile, any required bevel angle, and lead-in/lead-out geometry.
- Automatically generates the NC code.
The operator does not manually calculate intersection curves or develop templates. The software processes a design change—a different wall thickness or a revised pipe diameter—by regenerating the cutting path from the updated model.
Parameter set for 4 inch × 6.08 mm 304 stainless steel tube, saddle cut for T-joint (3 kW, nitrogen assist):
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Laser power | 3 kW (CW mode for cut, pulsed for pierce) |
| Cutting speed | 2.8–3.2 m/min |
| Assist gas | Nitrogen, 99.995%, 14 bar |
| Nozzle diameter | 2.0 mm |
| Standoff | 1.0 mm |
| Focus offset | –1.5 mm (waist inside tube wall) |
| Pierce method | 3-stage with preheat (0.8 s preheat, 1.2 s penetration, 0.3 s clean-up) |
| Bevel angle (if required) | 0–30°, interpolated along profile |
The resulting saddle profile has a joint gap of 0.2–0.5 mm to the mating tube, suitable for GTAW without filler addition or with minimal 0.8 mm 308L wire. The cut edge is bright, oxide-free, and requires no post-cut grinding.
Precision and Repeatability
The YC-T130 tube laser cutting machine delivers positioning accuracy of ±0.05 mm on the cut profile and a repeatability of ±0.03 mm. The self-centering chuck maintains a runout of ≤0.05 mm. The tailstock steady rest prevents tube whip on long lengths and at high rotational speeds. These precision metrics ensure that every saddle cut in a production batch mates to the main tube with a consistent joint gap, eliminating the fit-up variability that drives welding rework in manually cut tubular assemblies.
Warranty, Technical Support, and Spare Parts
YIHAI LASER provides a 2-year warranty on the machine and the laser source. The IPG fiber laser carries an independent warranty backed by IPG’s global service network. Consumable parts—protective lenses, ceramic rings, nozzle tips—are stocked in regional distributor warehouses and shipped within 48 hours to Ecuador. YIHAI LASER’s application engineers provide remote technical support via video call within 24 hours of a service request. On-site commissioning and operator training (3 days, at AVIG Tech’s facility in Ecuador) are included in the machine price.
Estimated Delivery and CIF Shipping
The machine production lead time is 30 working days from order confirmation. Sea freight to the Port of Guayaquil, Ecuador, including customs documentation, is estimated at 25–30 days in transit. Total estimated delivery from order to arrival at port is 8–9 weeks. CIF Guayaquil pricing will be provided separately in the commercial quotation.
Summary of Key Specifications
| Requirement | YIHAI LASER Solution |
|---|---|
| Pipe diameter 1″ to 4″ | Compatible range 10 mm to 130 mm (0.4″ to 5.1″) |
| Wall thickness 3.2 mm to 6.08 mm | 3 kW single-mode fiber laser, validated for 6.5 mm stainless steel |
| T-joint saddle cuts, holes, slots, angular cuts | CypTube CAD/CAM auto-generates intersection profiles from 3D models |
| Clean, weld-ready edge | Nitrogen assist, 99.995%, bright edge, no grinding required |
| System precision | ±0.05 mm positioning, ±0.03 mm repeatability |
| Pipe length | Up to 6,000 mm (6 meters) |
| Warranty | 2 years on machine and laser source |
| Technical support | 24-hour remote response, on-site training included |
| Spare parts | Regional distributor stock, 48-hour dispatch to Ecuador |
| Delivery time | 8–9 weeks to Port of Guayaquil (CIF) |
YIHAI LASER Application Note
For AVIG Tech’s evaluation, YIHAI LASER’s application laboratory offers to process a sample stainless steel tube (any diameter within 1″–4″, with the specific wall thickness AVIG Tech will use in production) at no charge. The sample will include a T-joint saddle cut, a straight cut, and sample holes/slots. A full process report—including cut quality micrographs, dimensional inspection data, and cycle time—will be returned with the sample. This enables AVIG Tech to verify the cut quality and precision against their assembly requirements before committing to the machine purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What laser power is required to cut 6 mm stainless steel tube?
A 3 kW single-mode fiber laser is sufficient to cut 6.08 mm wall thickness stainless steel tube with nitrogen assist, producing a clean, oxide-free, weld-ready edge at speeds of 2.8–3.2 m/min. Higher power (4–6 kW) would increase speed but is not required for this thickness range.
Can a CNC tube laser automatically cut T-joint saddle profiles?
Yes. The CypTube CAD/CAM software imports the 3D assembly model and automatically calculates the intersection curve between two tubes. It generates the saddle profile cutting path, including any bevel angle, without manual template development or manual programming.
What assist gas is recommended for laser cutting stainless steel tube?
Nitrogen at 99.995% purity is required for a bright, oxide-free edge on stainless steel. The recommended pressure is 12–16 bar depending on wall thickness. Compressed air can be used if edge oxidation (yellow to blue discoloration) is acceptable, but mechanical cleaning will be required before welding.
Does YIHAI LASER provide training and support in Ecuador?
Yes. YIHAI LASER includes 3 days of on-site operator training at AVIG Tech’s facility in Ecuador with every machine purchase. Remote technical support is available within 24 hours via video call. Consumable spare parts ship from regional distributors within 48 hours to Ecuador.
Other case: Fitness Equipment with a CNC Laser Pipe Cutting Machine
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