Originally Published MPMN March 2005

INDUSTRY NEWS

Water-Jet Guided Laser Precisely Cuts Tubing

Using laser equipment to cut tubing is a good idea, says Prejet Precision Techniques (Steffisburg, Switzerland; www.prejet.com). But the technology has its limits, adds the firm. This becomes especially apparent when tubing smaller than 0.5 mm diam is being processed. Prejet has developed a water-jet-guided laser-cutting system that can precisely process tubing as small as 0.2 mm diam. The TCS-100 is scheduled to be launched this spring.

The primary advantage of this technology is the cut quality that can be achieved without damaging the inner diameter of the tubing, says the firm. The water-jet guidance system prevents the formation of miniature cracks and other heat-induced defects. The cut edge is practically free of burrs, and the debris is continuously evacuated by the water, ensuring that no deposits collect inside the tubing. Consequently, postprocessing is minimized and can even be eliminated.

The TCS-100 is specifically designed to accurately cut tubing between 0.2 and 7 mm diam. The system can be easily changed over from a water-jet-guided to a conventional laser cutting device.

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