Fives pioneers innovative OTO plasma cutting technology for tube mills

Fives has partnered with a leading European tube manufacturer to develop a new OTO flying plasma cut-off system.

High precision and flexibility
Tube makers often face challenges in the cutting process due to stringent product standards that demand high quality, efficiency and versatility while maintaining low operating costs.

The OTO plasma cut-off is an innovative solution that uses a high-temperature jet of ionized gas to melt and remove material along the cutting path, creating a smooth and precise surface. Compared to conventional saw or blade cutting, the plasma solution enables fast, high-quality cuts on a wide range of tubes (CHS, RHS, SHS, SPECIAL). It significantly reduces mechanical stress and equipment wear, and eliminates the need for blade replacement.

Traditional and robotic technology
Fives is currently testing both a traditional and an automated system for its OTO tube mills.

The traditional fifth-wheel solution has a robust design. A plasma torch is attached to a rotating fifth wheel, allowing the plasma to follow a continuous path along the tube.

On the other hand, the advanced automation technology works with robots, making it particularly suitable for high-capacity production and complex cuts. The robots can perform curved, angled, and 45-degree cuts with high precision, even on irregular tubes. This allows maximum flexibility to adapt to different production formats, which minimizes operator intervention.

The innovative solution will soon be available on the market to meet customer needs.