5-Axis CNC Tube Plasma Cutting Machine
Round pipe, square and rectangular tube, channel and angle
One machine for the pipe and sections in a steel structure. The pipe turns in the chuck while a 5-axis plasma torch cuts it to length and cuts branch holes, saddles, intersections, mitres and slots, with the weld bevel in the same pass. Round pipe Ø40-600 mm, profiles up to 450 mm wide, 6-15 m long.
- Free test cut on your pipe
- 3-year machine warranty
- Installed in 80+ countries
- Factory direct since 2005
- Axes
- 5, with bevel tilt
- Round pipe
- Ø40-600 mm
- Profiles
- up to 450 mm wide
- Length
- 6-15 m
- Wall thickness
- plasma ~50 mm, oxy-fuel 6-200 mm
What is a 5-axis tube plasma cutting machine?
A 5-axis tube plasma cutting machine, also called a 5-axis plasma cutter for pipe, 5-axis CNC pipe plasma cutting machine, CNC plasma tube cutting machine or multi-axis pipe cutter, holds a pipe or profile in a rotating chuck while a CNC plasma torch cuts it. Five coordinated axes move the torch along and around the part and tilt it, so the machine cuts not only the shape but also the weld bevel. Joints that take hours to mark, cut and grind by hand, such as saddles and intersections, come off the machine ready for fit-up.
One cut for tubes, channels and angles
| Section | Typical cuts |
|---|---|
| Round pipe Ø40-600 mm | Bevelled ends, saddles, intersections, branch holes, mitres, slots |
| Square and rectangular tube (square tube plasma cutting) | Mitres, notches, holes and slots on any face, bevelled ends |
| Channel | Copes, notches, holes and angled ends |
| Angle | Angled ends, notches and bolt holes |
The tilting torch cuts the weld bevel with the profile, so tube ends, saddles and branch holes are ready for welding. Each cut type is explained in pipe profile cutting: 12 types of cuts.
5-axis tube plasma cutter specifications
- Axes
- 5 CNC axes, torch tilt for bevels
- Round pipe
- Ø40-600 mm
- Profiles
- square and rectangular tube, channel and angle up to 450 mm wide
- Length
- 6-15 m
- Plasma source
- Hypertherm or LGK, sized to the wall thickness
- Wall thickness
- plasma up to about 50 mm carbon steel, by plasma current
- Oxy-fuel (flame) cutting system
- optional, carbon steel 6-200 mm
- Joints
- intersections, saddles, mitres, branch holes, slots, bevels
- Programming
- parametric joints; IGES, DXF, SAT and STL import
Pipe length, plasma source and chuck size are configured to your parts. Send the largest section, wall thickness and length and we confirm the configuration in the quotation.
Get the price and a free test cut
The price depends on the largest section, the length and the cutting system. Send those, or a drawing, and we reply with a configuration and quotation. We can also cut a sample on your tube and send the video.
Why plasma for pipe and profiles
- Range of sections: round, square and rectangular tube, channel and angle on one machine.
- Speed: plasma cuts thick carbon steel quickly, much faster than marking and cutting by hand or with a saw and drill.
- Accuracy: CNC paths give repeatable joints, so parts fit up without grinding or rework.
- Bevels in one pass: the tilting torch cuts the weld bevel with the profile, including bevels that change around a saddle.
- Complex shapes: intersections, saddles and multi-branch joints that are hard to make by hand are routine on the machine.
5-axis tube plasma cutting video
What it is used for
Steel structures
Tube trusses, space frames, columns and bracing with intersecting joints.
Pipe fabrication
Bevelled pipe ends, tees and laterals for process piping and pipelines.
Shipbuilding
Pipe spools, rails and structural tubes.
Bridges and cranes
Tubular chords and braces, crane jibs and booms.
Construction machinery
Frames and booms from tube, channel and angle.
Agricultural and equipment frames
Square tube and channel frames with notches and holes.
Is this the right machine for your parts?
| Your parts | Recommended machine |
|---|---|
| Pipe Ø40-600 mm, tube, channel, angle | This 5-axis tube plasma cutting machine |
| Pipe Ø600-2000 mm, up to 10 t | Large diameter pipe cutting machine |
| Pipe plus H-beam and large open sections | 8-axis pipe and beam plasma cutter |
See all models on the CNC pipe cutting and beveling machine page.
Before you order: what to check
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Section types and sizes | Sets the chuck size and whether channel and angle need to be cut |
| Longest part | Sets the bed length (6-15 m) |
| Thickest wall | Sets the plasma current; above about 50 mm, add the oxy-fuel cutting system (6-200 mm) |
| Joint types | Plain ends and holes, or saddles and bevels in 3D |
| Cut quality and budget | Hypertherm for best edge quality, LGK for lower cost |
Why buy from PCL
Since 2005
Factory in Jinan, China, building cutting machines.
80+ countries
Machines installed worldwide.
3-year warranty
On the machine; consumables excluded.
Free test cut
On your section before you order.
On-site installation
With operator training.
Remote support
By WhatsApp and video.
Some dealers copy our photos and videos to sell look-alike machines. Buy direct from the manufacturer.
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View machine →Frequently asked questions
What is a 5-axis tube plasma cutting machine?
A CNC machine that turns a pipe or profile in a chuck while a plasma torch, moved and tilted by five coordinated axes, cuts it. The tilt lets it cut weld bevels together with the profile, so pipe ends, branch holes, saddles and intersections come off ready for welding.
What sizes can it cut?
Round pipe from Ø40 to 600 mm, plus square and rectangular tube, channel and angle up to 450 mm wide, in lengths of 6 to 15 m.
Can it cut channel and angle as well as pipe?
Yes. The same machine cuts round, square and rectangular tube, channel and angle, so one machine covers most of the sections in a steel structure or frame.
What is the difference between 5-axis and 8-axis?
The 5-axis machine is built for pipe and tube, with channel and angle as a bonus. The 8-axis machine adds axes for H-beams and large open sections, with copes and bolt holes, so it suits shops that cut beams and pipe on one machine.
When do I need the large diameter pipe cutter instead?
Above Ø600 mm, or for very heavy pipe. The large diameter pipe cutting machine takes Ø600-2000 mm and up to 10 t.
What wall thickness can it cut?
The limit is set by the plasma source you choose. Small sources suit thin-wall tube and keep running costs low; the largest sources pierce carbon steel up to about 50 mm. For thicker walls, an optional oxy-fuel (flame) cutting system cuts carbon steel from 6 to 200 mm. Send your thickest section and we size the source to it.
Can it cut bevels?
Yes. The torch tilts to cut V and other weld bevels together with the profile, including bevels that change angle around a saddle or branch joint.
Which plasma sources can be fitted?
Hypertherm or LGK plasma sources, sized to your thickest wall. Hypertherm gives the best cut quality and consumable life; LGK keeps the machine price down.
How is it programmed?
Common joints such as intersections, saddles, mitres, holes and slots are built from parameters: enter the sizes and angle and the software draws the path. Paths can also be generated from IGES, DXF, SAT and STL files.
Why plasma and not a tube laser?
Plasma cuts thick carbon steel pipe and sections at a lower machine cost and bevels in the same pass. A tube laser is the better choice for thin-wall tube, stainless steel and fine detail at high speed.
What industries use it?
Steel structure and space frames, pipe fabrication and pipelines, shipbuilding, bridges, cranes and construction machinery.
Can I get a test cut?
Yes. Send a drawing or the section size and joint type and we cut a sample at our factory in Jinan and send photos or a video.
What is the warranty?
Three years on the machine. Consumables such as nozzles and electrodes are excluded.
Get a quote and a test cut
Send your parts and we reply with the machine configuration and a price, and can cut a sample on your section.
What happens next
- An engineer checks your sizes and parts.
- You receive the recommended configuration and a quotation.
- If you want, we cut a sample and send you the video.