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Glossary

Tube Laser Cutting

A 3D CNC laser process that cuts round, square, and rectangular tube profiles to produce complex copes, notches, holes, and end geometries.

Definition

What is Tube Laser Cutting?

Tube laser cutting is an automated CNC process that rotates and indexes a structural tube or pipe under a fiber laser cutting head, enabling complex cuts to be made on all faces in a single setup. The process replaces traditional sawing, drilling, and manual notching — producing ready-to-weld tube ends, accurate saddle joints, holes, slots, and custom profiles with no secondary operations. ATS Metal Fabrication's CNC tube laser handles round, square, and rectangular hollow sections in steel and aluminum, delivering dimensionally precise tube components that reduce assembly labour and improve weld fit-up quality.

Types & Variants

  • • 3D tube profile cutting (copes, saddles, compound miters)
  • • Tube piercing and slotting
  • • End processing (square cuts, angled ends, complex end profiles)

Common Applications

  • • Structural steel space frames and trusses
  • • Handrail and guardrail systems
  • • Agricultural equipment frames
  • • Automotive chassis and roll cages
  • • Furniture and architectural tubing

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What tube sizes can be processed by a tube laser?
Tube laser machines typically handle round tube from 15mm to 250mm OD, square section from 15×15mm to 200×200mm, and rectangular section with similar dimension ranges. Maximum length varies by machine — typically 6m to 12m. Contact ATS for your specific tube size.
What is a cope cut and why does it matter?
A cope cut is a curved profile cut at the end of a tube that matches the outside radius of the intersecting member, allowing two tubes to meet flush with a tight gap. Coped joints dramatically improve weld quality and reduce the amount of filler required. Tube laser cutting produces perfectly fitted copes in a single automated step.
Can tube laser cutting replace manual notching?
Yes. Tube laser cutting eliminates manual notching, angle cutting, and drilling for most structural tube work. The result is faster production, tighter dimensional control, and better weld fit-up — all of which reduce downstream assembly labour and improve finished assembly quality.

Related Terms

See Also

CNC Laser Cutting Fiber Laser Cutting Structural Steel Fabrication MIG Welding (GMAW)

Need Tube Laser Cutting for Your Project?

ATS Metal Fabrication provides professional tube laser cutting services across Toronto and the GTA.

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