method to cut 'clear PETG tubing'

[Speedy]

I am looking for a simple method to cut 'clear PETG tubing'. The manufacturer only supplies in standard length and will not custom-cut for us. Wall thickness is only 0.5mm. We will cut about 300 per week.

I have tried manually cutting with a sharp knife, small hacksaw and a hot blade. The cut has to be burr-free. The hacksaw produces burr while the hotknife produces excessive melting.

Any ideas?
What is the standard method in the industry?

Cheers!
Speedy

 

[funnelguy]

Lathe cut parts supported on a mandrel or try a small manual tubing cutter like plumbers use. Again, place a mandrel inside the tube.

 

[unclesyd]

There are many type cutters made to cut plastic tubing and such. The types, fly cutters and guillotine type cutters were the ones we used. I’ll try to see if I still have information on them.

You might try a search on the these types of cutters.

 

[funnelguy]

A used machinery dealer specializing in extruders and downstream equipment could help you with unclesyd's suggestion. The puller/cutter combos I am familiar with are similar to this unit....

http://www.rdnmfg.com/products/24pullcut.htm

These type units are set-up to deal with continuous length production.

300 parts per week is a couple of hours work the way I described in my first post. Length tolerances are not good, however. I can hold about +/-.06" A little creative fixturing should solve that though....

Alternatively, there are simple air powered guillotine fixtures used by some manufacturers. I can't seem to find them right now. I know I've seen them marketed in Medical Product Manufacturing News. Or perhaps a local extrusion house would be willing to cut your tubes to length for a fee?

Would you mind sharing the tube OD and length requirements with us?

 

[Reggie1968]

This may sound a little crazy. But why not try using something that cuts like an office paper cutter. it is basically a shear cut.

Hope this helps

 

[rnd2]

Rotate tubing about 20 rpm.
Drive in scapel blade that cuts upward about 4 o'clock . (Tool for this.)
Apply water drip, or if dry, air-jet, & aim directly at the incision point to keep incision cool.
Clean cut no burrs.