How Are Metal Tubes Cut? Sawing vs Roll Cutting and Chip-Free Tube Cutting

Cutting is usually the first tube processing step. The two common methods are sawing and roll cutting; they work differently and leave different cut ends.

Sawing vs roll cutting

ItemSawingRoll cutting
PrincipleA blade removes a strip of materialA cutting wheel rolls through the wall, removing no material
ChipsYesNo chips, no scrap
BurrsMore outside burrCleaner cut; a slight inside lip may form
Best forLarge sizes, solid bar, any sectionRound tube, especially when grooving or closing follows

When roll cutting fits

  • Round tube cut to length, clean, with no chips to clear.
  • Grooving, beading or closing follows the cut.
  • Steel, stainless, aluminium and copper round tube.

Cut and groove on one machine

The TD-41860 hydraulic cutting and grooving machine cuts and roll grooves on one machine; for more combined operations, see the TD-42001 custom roll forming machine. Small quantities can go to contract tube processing.

Why TONG DA

  • TONG DA has designed and built tube processing machines since 1989 and runs contract processing on its own machines.
  • Tooling is designed to your tube and drawing; sample trials available.
  • CE certified; machines sold to the USA, Germany, Turkey, the UK, India, China and more.

FAQ

Does a roll-cut end need further work?
It depends on the next step; for telescoping or closing, chamfering or rounding may be considered.

Can you make test cuts?
Yes, please send the tube specification and length requirements.

How do I request a quotation?
Send the tube OD, wall, material, cut length and quantity to sales@tdco.com.tw and we will reply promptly.