Cutting methods of 304 stainless steel pipes

When cutting 304 stainless steel pipes, it's essential to ensure that the process does not damage the pipes or tools. The standard length for 304 stainless steel pipes is 6 meters, and they must be cut before leaving the factory and during processing. Here’s how to cut 304 stainless steel pipes effectively without causing damage.

Cutting Methods for 304 Stainless Steel Pipes

1. Wire Cutting
Wire cutting involves using a moving metal wire (such as molybdenum, copper, or alloy wire) as an electrode. Pulsed electric sparks between the wire and the stainless steel generate high temperatures that melt or evaporate the metal, forming a slit. This method produces smooth, burr-free cuts but may cause slight discoloration, requiring further grinding. It is complex and inefficient, making it unsuitable for large-scale operations.

2. Laser Cutting
Laser cutting employs a focused high-density laser beam to melt, vaporize, or ablate the stainless steel. The molten material is then blown away by high-speed airflow, achieving precise cuts. Laser cutting offers rapid heating, high cutting speeds, and excellent quality, allowing for intricate shapes with minimal post-processing costs. However, the equipment is expensive and is generally used by large enterprises for mass production.

Precautions When Cutting 304 Stainless Steel Pipes

For pipes with a diameter greater than 40 mm, carbide tools can enhance efficiency due to slower cutting speeds in the industry. For pipes under 40 mm, high-speed steel tools are typically more effective.

When preparing materials, ensure 304 stainless steel pipes are placed face to face or back to back, checking for tool wear and burrs.

Minimize the roughness of the tool's front surface to reduce adhesive wear, cutting force, and speed. Tools with a ground front end tend to have a longer lifespan.

Avoid using an oxygen-acetylene flame for beveling 304 stainless steel pipes, as their ductility and wear resistance can lead to hardening.

Choose the cutting method based on pipe diameter:

For nominal pressure limits of DN < 25 mm, use a hand saw or CNC saw.

For nominal pressure limits of DN > 25 mm, utilize a grinding wheel cutter with a special polishing disc or a low-temperature plasma cutter.

By following these methods and precautions, you can effectively cut 304 stainless steel pipes while maintaining the integrity of both the pipes and the tools.