Cutting Stainless Pipe
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a mixture of multiple metal alloys for the purpose of rust resistance. The main ingredient is a mixture of at least 12% chromium. When combined with Oxygen it forms a passive film layer resistant to rust and stains.
Stainless Steel Pipe
Stainless pipe is often used in corrosive process systems. It is used in chemical applications, or where rust is a possibility. Its resistance to chemicals and corrosion make it perfect for applications like chemical processing. Stainless pipes have a polished appearance externally for clean installations. Stainless steel pipes can be created with internal surfaces that are highly polished for sanitary applications.
Stainless pipe is composed of a nonferrous metal. This makes the tube difficult to cut and drill with conventional tools. Different pipe grades and thicknesses increase these difficulties.
When stainless steel pipe saws contact a stainless tube hardening occurs thus making it difficult to cut. If the stainless tube overheats while cutting the tube may discolor or possibly distort the pipe.
Conventional Steps To Cut Stainless Steel Pipe Straight and Burr-Free
Burr-free, straight cuts are traditionally accomplished as described below:
1. Cut the stainless steel pipe
2. Using a bench grinder stone wheel remove all burrs
3. With wire wheel on bench grinder clean the edges of the tube
4. Sand the tube with a sander until its flat
5. Clean with a wire wheel
6. TIG weld it to the other pipe
Repetition of some of the above steps may be required to make sure the cut is flat and burr free. Very time consuming.
Cutting Stainless Pipes – Two Recommended Methods
Orbital Pipe Saw
Using an orbital pipe saw is a recommended method to cut and bevel stainless steel tubes. The saw blades are small, rotate at high speed, inexpensive, and available in different versions for different materials and wall thicknesses. The cold cutting nature of the orbital saw reduces thermal distortion and deformation. It is easy to operate and requires almost no training.
Cutting is executed by manually rotating the machine housing 360 degree around the pipe. Next, with a circular toothed blade, the pipe is cut with a single rotation. The cutting action takes seconds and the end result is a straight and clean cut.
The cutting process takes seconds and is easy to set up. It cuts and bevels with one pipe rotation.
An orbital pipe saw is a preferred mwthof of stainless pipe cutting for sanitary or high-purity industries like pharmaceuticals, dairy, food, beverage and beer making.
Saw Guide combined with Portable Band Saw
The portable Band Saw cutter must have sufficient power and be sturdy. The Saw Guide eliminates most vibration. Steady feeds are most important to prevent tool riding on the stainless pipe.
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