At Buckley Systems, we have recently upgraded our fabrication capabilities with the installation of the HSG T3 6000 laser tube cutting machine. This powerful tool, capable of handling materials up to 350mm (14”) square, will be a significant asset for our fabrication department. Equipped with a 6 kW fibre laser, it can easily cut mild steel and stainless steel up to 12mm (1/2”) thick and aluminium up to 10mm (3/8”) thick.
A standout feature of the HSG T3 6000 is its three-moving chuck system. This automated setup clamps, supports, and manipulates materials such as tubes, box sections, and I-beams with ease, dramatically reducing manual handling. The machine can process stock lengths up to 9 meters (30 ft) and cut pieces as long as 6 meters (20 ft). The three independent chucks can unclamp, move and reposition themselves automatically, allowing precise profiling of both ends of the material without any manual intervention.
The laser head can pivot to create bevelled cuts, meaning parts are ready for welding immediately, with no need for time-consuming grinding or additional machining. Material is loaded using pneumatic rams, and finished parts are unloaded onto elevated trays that lower and tip the parts into an output tray ready for the next operation.
The HSG T3 6000 brings significant advantages over traditional methods with its ability to cut interlocking tags on materials, making it easier to precisely locate joins during assembly. This not only streamlines the process but also enhances the overall strength and stability of the join, meaning fewer welds may be required to satisfy design requirements. Fewer welds mean less heat distortion, faster fabrication, and a more efficient workflow.
The machine can also etch part numbers and alignment marks directly onto the materials, improving assembly efficiency and providing greater traceability through part serialisation.
While the HSG T3 6000 is primarily being used for fabricating stands, supports, frames, and fixtures, its capabilities extend beyond these applications. It has the potential for beamline and flight tube fabrication, where precision is critical. Whether cutting holes for ports or profiling angled connections, the precise fit-up will significantly reduce setup time and minimise the risk of distortion and weld porosity.
Talk to our Design Team today to find out how our ever-expanding capabilities in precision manufacturing can help you achieve the results you are after.
