Planetary Pipe Cutting Machine
Planetary pipe cutting machines for 5-330mm OD pipes. Flex and Metabo series offer cold cutting with optional beveling capability for stainless steel and carbon steel pipes.
Watch the Planetary Cutter achieve clean burr-free cuts on thin-wall stainless tubing
Overview
The Planetary Pipe Cutting Series delivers clean, cold cuts on pipes from 5mm to 330mm OD. Using orbital cutting technology, a crenellated blade rotates 360° around the pipe, cutting from outside-in without generating heat. This makes planetary cutters the preferred choice for stainless steel and other materials where heat-affected zones are unacceptable.
Key Advantages
- Cold cutting - No heat-affected zone, weld directly after cutting
- Clean edges - Burr-free cuts reduce secondary finishing
- Dual capability - Flex series cuts and bevels in one operation
- Fast cycle - Complete cuts in seconds, not minutes
Which Model Should You Choose?
For sanitary tubing and small HVAC work (5-78mm):
The Metabo 3.0 is compact enough for tight spaces and handles the most common small tube sizes. If you only do cutting (no beveling), this is your everyday workhorse.
For general HVAC, plumbing, and light industrial (20-170mm):
The Flex 6.5 is our best-seller for a reason—it covers the sweet spot of commercial and industrial pipe sizes, and the beveling capability means one tool for cut-and-prep work. If you’re buying your first planetary cutter, start here.
For larger process piping (59-220mm):
Choose the Flex 8.5 when you regularly work with 3” to 8” piping. The extra capacity justifies the additional investment for fabricators handling medium-bore process lines.
For main headers and large diameter work (140-330mm):
The Flex 13.5 handles the big stuff. If you’re doing large-bore stainless fabrication—food processing, pharmaceutical, or chemical piping—this is the model.
For high-volume production:
The Automatic Planetary Cutter adds motorized rotation for shops doing repetitive cuts all day. Reduces operator fatigue and maintains consistent speed across hundreds of cuts.
Flex vs Metabo: The Real Difference
Don’t overthink this. Flex = Cut + Bevel. Metabo = Cut only.
If your next step after cutting is welding, get Flex—you’ll prep the bevel in the same operation. If you’re just cutting to length and the pipe goes to another process, Metabo is lighter and cheaper.
Cutting Speed by Material
| Material | Speed Setting | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | High (5-6) | Standard cutting |
| Stainless Steel | Low (1-2) | Prevents work hardening |
| Copper | Medium (3-4) | Soft material |
| Aluminum | Medium-High (4-5) | Adjust for alloy |
Customization Options
- Blade Type — Standard or heavy-duty blades for specific materials
- Voltage — 220V/50Hz standard, other configurations on request
- Capacity Range — Extended jaw sets for non-standard pipe diameters
- Beveling Capability — Flex series includes beveling attachment
Model Comparison
Quick comparison of key specifications. For complete technical data, see full specifications .
| Model | Cutting Range (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) | Beveling | Power (W) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metabo 3.0 | 5-78 mm | 0.5-4 (SS) / 0.5-4 mm | No | 1300 W |
| Flex 4.5 | 19-120 mm | 0.5-8 (SS) / 0.5-8 mm | Yes | 1300 W |
| Metabo 4.5 | 19-120 mm | 0.5-4 (SS) / 0.5-4 mm | No | 1300 W |
| Flex 6.5 | 20-170 mm | 0.5-8 (SS) / 0.5-8 mm | Yes | 1300 W |
| Metabo 6.5 | 20-170 mm | 0.5-4 (SS) / 0.5-4 mm | No | 1300 W |
| Flex 8.5 | 59-220 mm | ≤7 mm | Yes | 1300 W |
| Metabo 8.5 | 59-220 mm | ≤4 mm | No | 1300 W |
| Flex 13.5 | 140-330 mm | ≤7 mm | Yes | 1300 W |
| Metabo 13.5 | 140-330 mm | ≤7 mm | No | 1300 W |
| Automatic Planetary | 20-170 mm | ≤7 mm | Yes | 1600 W |
View all parameters including dimensions, tolerances, and downloadable datasheets.
Key Features
Planetary Orbital Cutting
Blade orbits 360° around the pipe, cutting from outside-in for clean, burr-free edges every time.
Cold Cutting Technology
No heat-affected zone—ideal for stainless steel pipes that require direct welding after cutting.
6-Speed Motor Control
Adjustable cutting speed optimizes for different materials: low speed for stainless, high speed for carbon steel.
Optional Beveling
Flex series models can cut and bevel simultaneously, preparing pipe ends for welding in one operation.
Universal Blade System
Quick blade replacement with blades compatible with major imported pipe cutter brands.
Multi-Point Clamping
4-point concentric clamping ensures perfect centering and prevents pipe deformation during cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Flex and Metabo series?
Flex series (4.5, 6.5, 8.5, 13.5) can perform both cutting and beveling. Metabo series (3.0, 4.5, 6.5, 8.5, 13.5) is cutting-only but lighter weight. Choose Flex if you need beveling capability.
Can it cut stainless steel?
Yes, planetary cutting is ideal for stainless steel. Use low speed setting and the appropriate blade. The cold cutting process preserves corrosion resistance—you can weld directly after cutting.
How long does a cut take?
A complete 360° rotation cut takes only seconds. Total cycle time including setup is typically under 1 minute for most pipe sizes.
What wall thickness can it handle?
Standard wall thickness range is 0.5-8mm depending on model. Flex 4.5/6.5 handle 0.5-8mm on stainless steel. Larger models handle up to 7mm on standard materials.
Is there an automatic version?
Yes, the Automatic Planetary Pipe Cutting Machine provides motorized rotation for production environments, reducing operator fatigue on high-volume work.
What blades are compatible?
Our blades are compatible with most major imported planetary pipe cutter brands. Quick-change blade system allows fast replacement without tools.
What power supply is required?
All models use 220V single-phase AC power with 1300W motor. The powerful 1600W motor provides consistent cutting performance across the full speed range.
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