current Home > Events > Blog > Common orbital cutting machine faults and troubleshooting methods

May 22,2025

Common orbital cutting machine faults and troubleshooting methods

In the field of industrial manufacturing and pipeline processing, orbital pipe cutting machine has become an important equipment for pipe processing with its efficient and precise cutting ability. However, after long-term use, any mechanical equipment will inevitably have various faults, affecting production efficiency and processing quality. Mastering common faults and their troubleshooting methods is crucial to ensure stable operation of equipment and extend its service life. This article will focus on common faults of orbital pipe cutting machine, and introduce the cause analysis and corresponding troubleshooting measures in detail to help enterprises quickly solve equipment problems and reduce downtime.

1. Introduction to orbital pipe cutting machine

Orbital pipe cutting machine is an automated equipment for cutting pipes. It usually uses a rotating track to drive the cutting head to rotate 360 degrees around the pipe to achieve no dead angle and high-precision cutting. Its advantages include fast cutting speed, smooth cutting surface and high dimensional accuracy. It is widely used in pipeline manufacturing and maintenance in industries such as petroleum, chemical, electric power, and construction.

Although the equipment structure is relatively advanced, its complex mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems also have multiple potential failure points.

orbital pipe cutting machine

2. Common faults and troubleshooting methods

2.1 The device cannot start

Fault manifestation

The device does not respond after pressing the start button

The motor does not rotate and there is no display on the control panel

Possible causes

The power is not connected or the circuit is broken

The fuse is blown or the circuit breaker is tripped

The control system is faulty or the wiring is loose

The emergency stop button is pressed or faulty

Troubleshooting methods

Check whether the power plug and switch are connected

Check the fuse or circuit breaker in the equipment distribution box, and replace or reset it if necessary

Check the control panel circuit to confirm that there is no loose or broken wiring

Release the emergency stop button to ensure that the safety system is normal

If the above measures are ineffective, contact professional maintenance personnel to repair the control system

2.2 Abnormal or stuck track rotation

Fault manifestations

Abnormal sound when the track rotates, the rotation is not smooth or stops

Slow track movement, or even stuck

Possible causes

Lack of oil lubrication on the track guide rail or bearing

Foreign objects blocking the track

Wear or deformation of mechanical parts

Motor or reducer failure

Troubleshooting methods

Regularly add lubricating oil to the track guide rail and bearing

Clean up foreign objects on the track surface and in the guide rail groove

Check whether the mechanical connection parts are loose or deformed, and replace damaged parts in time

Check the operation of the motor, and replace or repair the motor and reducer if necessary

2.3 The cutting head cannot work properly

Fault manifestation

The cutting head does not rotate or the rotation speed is unstable

Poor cutting effect, rough cutting surface or burn marks

Possible reasons

The cutting tool is worn or improperly installed

The cutting head drive motor is faulty

Cutting parameter settings are wrong, such as too fast or too slow speed

Cooling system failure, too high temperature during cutting

Troubleshooting methods

Regularly check the cutting tool and replace the passivated blade in time

Check the cutting head motor circuit and electrical components

Adjust the cutting speed and feed speed according to the type and thickness of the material

Check whether the coolant is sufficient and whether the cooling pipeline is blocked to ensure the normal operation of the cooling system

2.4 Abnormal alarm of the control system

Fault manifestation

Alarm prompt appears during equipment operation and automatically stops

The control panel displays an error code

Possible reasons

Sensor failure or abnormal wiring

Program software error or parameter setting error

Electrical component damage

Troubleshooting methods

Check the equipment manual according to the alarm code to locate the specific cause of the fault

Check whether all sensors and signal lines are firmly connected, and clean the sensor

Restore or reset equipment parameters

Software upgrade or reset the control system

Replace electrical components that meet the specifications

2.5 Hydraulic system pressure is insufficient or leaking

Fault manifestations

Hydraulic cylinder moves slowly or weakly

Hydraulic oil leaks, hydraulic oil level drops

Possible causes

Insufficient hydraulic oil or poor oil quality

Damaged hydraulic pipes or loose joints

Hydraulic pump failure or damaged seals

Troubleshooting methods

Regularly check the hydraulic oil level and quality, and replace the oil in time

Check the hydraulic pipes and joints, and repair the leaks

Maintain the hydraulic pump and replace the seals in time

Avoid overloading the hydraulic system

2.6 Equipment cutting accuracy decreases

Fault manifestations

Cutting size deviation exceeds the allowable range

The cutting surface is not vertical or the cutting line is discontinuous

Possible causes

Track deviation or loosening

The fixture is not fixed firmly, and the pipe slides

Cutting tool wear or installation deviation

Equipment calibration is inaccurate

Troubleshooting methods

Check the track installation accuracy and fixtures, and adjust the track position

Ensure that the clamping force is sufficient to prevent the workpiece from moving

Replace worn tools and ensure that the tools are installed correctly

Calibrate the equipment regularly to ensure cutting accuracy

III. Daily maintenance and prevention suggestions

In order to minimize orbital pipe cutting When a machine fails, daily maintenance is essential:

Lubrication maintenance: Regularly add lubricating oil to guide rails, bearings, gears and other parts to reduce wear.

Cleaning work: Keep the rails and mechanical surfaces clean to prevent dust and iron filings from affecting the movement of the equipment.

Tool maintenance: Check and replace cutting tools in time to avoid cutting quality affected by tool passivation.

Electrical inspection: Regularly check electrical lines and connections to prevent poor contact and short circuits.

Cooling system maintenance: Ensure the normal operation of the cooling system to avoid overheating and damage to the equipment.

Equipment calibration: Regularly calibrate the equipment to ensure accurate cutting dimensions.

Operation training: Strengthen operator training to avoid equipment failures caused by improper operation.

Orbital pipe cutting machine, as a high-precision cutting equipment, plays an important role in pipeline processing. In the face of common faults such as abnormal startup, track jamming, cutting head failure, control system alarm, hydraulic system problems and reduced cutting accuracy, timely and accurate diagnosis and elimination are the key to ensuring production continuity and processing quality.

Enterprises should pay attention to daily equipment maintenance and personnel operation training, and establish a complete fault diagnosis and emergency response mechanism. Only in this way can we maximize the performance advantages of orbital pipe cutting machines and improve overall production efficiency.

If you have more specific questions about orbital pipe cutting machine failures, please feel free to contact us. As a professional orbital pipe cutting machine company, we can provide you with comprehensive and timely technical support and solutions.

Related News
lyLeave a Message
Contact us for a free quote and more expertise on pipe welding. You will get the right solution for your project with NODHA.