Tube & Sheet Hybrid Workflow Solutions

Flexible machinery combinations for fabricators producing both tubular components and flat sheet-metal parts.

Many fabrication workshops no longer specialise exclusively in either tube or sheet-metal work; instead, they produce a mixture of brackets, plates, frames, tubular structures, covers, and architectural or structural components. Managing both workflows efficiently requires machinery that can adapt to frequent changeovers, varying materials, and diverse part types.

This page explores the challenges of hybrid tube/sheet workflows and the machinery combinations that support accurate, reliable, and cost-efficient production.

Flatbed Fibre Lasers

Flatbed lasers remain essential for cutting:

• brackets

• base plates

• panels and covers

• gussets and stiffeners

• decorative or architectural sheet components

Their speed and nesting efficiency make them ideal for high-volume sheet work within a hybrid environment.

Tube & Section Lasers

Tube lasers support hybrid workflows by delivering:

• precise mitres and notches

• clean, consistent cuts on tube and box section

• slots, holes and features cut in a single operation

• reduced preparation and finishing time

• accurate joints for weld-up with flat components

They dramatically improve consistency in assemblies that include mixed materials.

Combination Sheet & Tube Lasers

Combination lasers are designed specifically for hybrid workshops, offering:

• both flat-sheet cutting and tube/section cutting in one footprint

• reduced machine investment vs owning two separate systems

• quick switching between sheet and tube operations

• clean, accurate edges on all materials

• excellent for small-to-medium fabrication shops

These machines minimise material handling and maximise efficiency across diverse workloads.

Press Brakes

Hybrid fabrication frequently requires forming:

• brackets

• panel components

• folded structural parts

• custom shapes

• welded assemblies including tubular frames and sheet elements

CNC press brakes deliver accurate, repeatable bends across varied thicknesses and part types.

Guillotines

Hydraulic guillotines support:

• straight cutting of sheet and plate

• preparing blanks for bending or assembly

• rapid trimming and resizing

• clean, distortion-free shearing

A strong complement to flatbed or combination lasers.

H-Frame Presses, Horizontal Bending Machines and Box & Pan Folders

These machines support flexible hybrid environments by enabling:

• simple forming operations

• straightening and pressing tasks

• bending of brackets and flat bar

• low-volume or prototype work

• quick folded components

They are practical, low-cost systems for varied general-purpose bending operations.

Steelworkers

Steelworkers enhance hybrid fabrication by allowing:

• punching of holes and slots

• shearing of bar, angle and plate

• cropping and notching

• quick preparation of structural components

Ideal for workflows involving both sheet and section materials.

Bandsaws

Bandsaws provide versatile preparation cutting for tube and section:

• simple straight cuts

• material preparation for tube laser or fabrication

• accurate cutting of thicker profiles not suited to laser processing

They remain cost-effective and reliable for day-to-day production.

Laser Welding

Laser welding is increasingly used in hybrid environments for:

• joining tube to flat components

• producing low-distortion welds

• visible architectural seams

• stainless steel and aluminium work

• small-batch or precision assemblies

Its accuracy and low heat input improve finish quality and reduce rework.

• tubular frames with sheet-metal panels

• brackets and mounting plates

• structural and architectural assemblies

• guards, covers and protective housings

• rolled sheet components fitted to tube frames

• fixtures, supports and custom assemblies

• mixed-material welded structures

These components highlight how tube and sheet workflows naturally overlap.

1. Material Preparation – bandsaw cutting, sheet trimming

2. Laser Cutting – tube, section, and flat sheet components

3. Forming – press brake bending, rolling, or folding

4. Drilling & Secondary Ops – holes, countersinks, tapping

5. Finishing – deburring, cleaning, weld prep

6. Welding & Assembly – tube-to-sheet assemblies, structural frames

7. Final Processing – adjustments, polishing or finishing

This workflow supports both one-off tasks and consistent batch production.