Machine programming for laser cutting of tubes and metal profiles utilizes various automated processes converting 3D drawing provided by the customer to the finished part in just a few clicks. This is made possible by ArTube, our CAD/CAM programming software, which works in perfect harmony with our Lasertube systems and communicates the operations to be performed by the machine, preventing any internal collisions.
There are, however, metal profiles with more complex shapes that include flanges or other specific elements requiring greater attention during machining to prevent collisions between the laser head and the profile, or between the profile and other parts of the machine. These are known as special profiles.
Fields of application for special profiles
When people think of a tube, they often picture a round profile, but tubes can come in various shapes. Round, square, rectangular, and oval tubes, as well as certain open profiles such as “H” sections, have been standardized in Lasertube programming and can be processed on the machine without any additional adjustments, as they are considered standard profiles.
Standard profiles are used in many industries, from automotive, construction, plant engineering, light and heavy structures to furniture.
Some sectors, however, require special profiles that integrate into their product design to meet specific requirements. These sectors include, for example, the window and door industry, where special profiles are integrated into door and window frames, making them invisible in the finished product. Typically, these profiles feature tabs that allow for the attachment of other elements, such as screws or locks.
Window frame made from a special laser-cut profile
Another sector where special profiles are typically used is the energy sector. This is particularly true for photovoltaic panels, where aluminum profiles are used for panel installation, or in industrial cable trays.
Even the industrial machinery sector uses special profiles in addition to standard ones. The cabs of industrial machinery, such as tractors or forklifts, are made with special profiles resembling the shape of an hourglass, and are referred to in the trade as “cabin profiles.”
Vehicle cabin
Program special profiles using the “Parametric Special Sections”
ArTube’s Parametric Special Sections module allows for the integrated and fully parametric management of certain families of special profiles, thereby providing greater freedom in programming.
As with standard sections, dimensional parameters are automatically identified, and the part is oriented in a manner consistent with the expected bar layout on Lasertube machines, while giving the user full freedom to modify or correct any geometric characteristic.
Machining in the CAM environment is also more efficient, thanks to the optimized application of cutting paths based on the profile’s specific characteristics and automatic collision detection between the Tube Cutter head and the material surface.
There is no longer any need to request the section file for machining a specific profile, as this module covers the entire “profile family.”
Some special sections managed by the ArTube
Who is this module intended for?
The “Special Parametric Sections” module is designed for users who already have experience with ArTube CAD/CAM programming and wish to gain greater autonomy in programming special profiles, enabling them to tackle machining operations involving “complex” sections with greater confidence, precision, and design freedom.
