3D laser tube cutting problem

[Bidoowee]

Hello All,

I have a problem with some laser-cut tube that I sent out.
The part is 6” diameter 316L tube, 8” long with about a dozen 3/4 and 1 3/8” diameter holes.
I got a test piece back from my regular service and the inside of the tube is severely contaminated with spatter.
The part is for the food industry and the contamination just won’t cut it.
I spoke to the rep and he insisted that this was “normal” and “unavoidable”.
I find this a little hard to believe, which brings me here for some sage advice.
So my first question is whether the company is out to lunch, or that my expectations are too high.
If the spatter is preventable, how is this done? Adjusting the process? Some kind of sacrificial tube liner? Coatings?

Many thanks for the help,

Thomas

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[Dtcrafts]

just a thought
you could try spraying the inside of the tube with anti-spatter spray the sort they use in mig welding etc for this very reason

Dave

[fixtureman1]

Fill the tube with sand before cutting

[Bidoowee]

Thanks for the replies.

I was told by the company that the anti-splatter spray doesn’t work. But I don’t see why it wouldn’t. Perhaps there is just too much spatter.

Fill the tube with sand before cutting

That is an interesting idea. It is a bit tricky logistically though - 6” dia x 8” long pieces cut from a 20’ length full of sand?

[fixtureman1]

You wouldn't need the whole tube filled just enough to absorb the laser beam