NUM AG, a provider of advanced CNC control solutions, has announced its latest collaboration with Lone Star Cutting Solutions, a manufacturer of cutting machines, to enhance the capabilities of the Magnum pipe cutting machine. This partnership, supported by software from PypeServer, underscores the companies' commitment to innovation and precision in the field of industrial cutting.
Based in the heart of Texas, Lone Star Cutting Solutions manufactures high-performance cutting machines tailored to meet the needs of various industries, including construction, oil and gas and manufacturing. The 6-axis Magnum pipe cutting machine is one of Lone Star's flagship products.
NUM brings its expertise in CNC control systems to the Magnum pipe cutting machine, providing advanced controls that enhance its performance. Central to this collaboration is the integration of NUM's sophisticated height control interface for cutting systems, helping ensure precise and consistent cutting depths. This feature is particularly critical for maintaining the high-quality standards that Lone Star Cutting Solutions is known for, especially when working with complex pipe geometries and cutting angles.
In addition to height control, the Magnum machine now benefits from NUM's advanced Rotation Tool Center Point (RTCP) function, which is specifically designed for multi-axis machining applications. The RTCP function allows for precise control of the tool tip in relation to the workpiece, ensuring that the desired bevel angle is maintained consistently, even when the orientation of the A/B bevel head changes. This is crucial for applications requiring high-precision beveling, such as those found in pipe cutting, where the accuracy of the cut can have significant implications for subsequent welding processes.
Moreover, the Magnum pipe cutting machine now benefits from NUM's capability to connect seamlessly with the machine's plasma power module directly over EtherCAT. This advanced connectivity not only simplifies integration, but also provides real-time communication and control, leading to improved efficiency and reduced downtime due to the enhanced diagnostics it provides. The EtherCAT interface allows for high-speed, deterministic communication, which is essential to achieve the precise cut process control required in demanding cutting applications. NUM's data transfer over EtherCAT is compatible with a variety of plasma cutting systems, giving the OEM flexibility to quickly adapt to any customer's preferred power source.
To further elevate the capabilities of the Magnum pipe cutting machine, NUM and Lone Star worked closely with PypeServer, a provider of pipe profiling software. PypeServer can bring in pipe designs from a wide variety of software, including Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD (Plant 3D, CADmep, Advance Steel), Inventor, SDS2, Tekla and any software package that can export STEP, PCF, PCD, CSV, FIX and other industry standard formats. PypeServer also includes its own easy to use part designer, a nesting feature that saves time and material, and flexible label printing capabilities for parts and drops. As parts are cut, PypeServer automatically updates their status to the PypeServer Cloud service that is included with the software.
In conjunction with NUM's Flexium 3D simulation software, PypeServer provides an intuitive and efficient workflow that optimizes material usage, reduces labor and consistently achieves high-quality cuts, making the Magnum pipe cutting machine an even more valuable asset in commercial construction and industrial applications.
Customer Spotlight: Ainsworth Inc.
Ainsworth Inc., a major player in pipe fabrication, recently implemented the Lone Star Magnum pipe cutting machine in combination with NUM CNC controls and PypeServer software-and the results have been impressive.
Ainsworth took delivery of the Magnum in late 2024 and had it up and running by January 2025. Even though the team had no prior CNC programming experience, the system quickly became an integral part of their workflow. Due to clear support from Lone Star, NUM and PypeServer, initial set-up challenges were addressed efficiently, with on-site tech assistance extended at no extra cost.
Steve Whitehaus, Fab Shop Manager at Ainsworth, said: "With PypeServer, we are able to easily create designs and send NC programs to the NUM controller. Our CAD department sends drawings directly to the PypeServer computer, which cuts our programming time significantly."
The Ainsworth team uses the Magnum to cut carbon steel pipe from 3" Schedule 40 to 8" Schedule 80. Cuts range from straight ends for Victaulic grooves to 37.5° bevels for butt welds. They plan to expand to stainless steel pipe cutting soon.
The system's auto-nesting feature reduces material waste by optimizing cuts on each pipe. Combined with the precision and reliability of NUM controls and the design flexibility of PypeServer, the trio of technologies streamlines operations.
"The speed and accuracy of the system is a huge time saver for our workflow. The Lone Star Magnum, PypeServer and NUM controls work well with each other. All three companies are very responsive in resolving issues," said Whitehaus.
For more information contact:
Steve Schilling
NUM Corporation
603 East Diehl Road, Suite 115
Naperville, IL 60563
630-505-7722
sales.us@num.com
www.num.com
FABTECH Booth B12015
Lone Star Cutting Solutions
140 County Road 2840
Mineola, TX 75773
903-569-3190
www.lonestarcuttingsolutions.com
PypeServer
425-333-7736
www.pypeserver.com