Operation details of cutting 12Cr1MoV seamless steel pipe

Cutting 12Cr1MoV seamless steel pipe is indeed a technical job, especially for this kind of high-strength, high-temperature-resistant alloy steel. If you don’t pay attention, cracks, burrs, and even tool loss may occur. Today, we will teach you how to complete cutting efficiently and safely from three perspectives: tool selection, operation skills, and common problems!

First, understand the relevant pain points of cutting 12Cr1MoV seamless steel pipe.
- High material hardness: 12Cr1MoV contains chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium, and ordinary saw blades are easy to break;
- Easy to produce thermal cracks: high temperature during cutting may cause local embrittlement of steel;
- High incision requirements: In industrial scenarios, it is often necessary to keep the incision flat to avoid subsequent welding or turning troubles.

Second, the selection of tools for cutting 12Cr1MoV seamless steel pipes: matching materials is the key
Recommended solutions:
- Plasma cutting machine: suitable for fast cutting of thick-walled pipes (>10mm), the cut is relatively smooth, but attention should be paid to ventilation (the smoke contains chromium compounds);
- Grinding wheel cutting machine: economical and practical, choose special alloy steel cutting blades (marked “Cr-Mo steel special”), the speed is recommended to be below 3000rpm;
- Laser cutting: the highest precision, but high cost, suitable for batch processing of thin-walled pipes.
Tips for avoiding pits:
Ordinary tungsten carbide saw blades are prone to heat and deformation. It is recommended to choose cobalt-based alloy saw blades (such as M42 material), which can increase the durability by more than 3 times.

Third, the operation steps of cutting 12Cr1MoV seamless steel pipe: details determine success or failure
Take grinding wheel cutting as an example:
1. Fix the steel pipe: double fix it with a V-shaped clamp + rubber pad to avoid rolling (scratching the surface);
2. Marking + pre-cutting: use a scriber to mark accurately, and first lightly cut a 2mm deep guide groove;
3. Push at a uniform speed: apply pressure evenly with both hands and stop the knife immediately when you hear a harsh sound;
4. Cooling treatment: spray coolant every 30 seconds of cutting (can be replaced by water-soluble cutting fluid).
Advanced skills:
It is recommended to cut thick-walled pipes in sections (cut 1/3 depth-first, rotate 120°, and then cut) to reduce heat concentration.

Fourth, first aid guide for common problems in cutting 12Cr1MoV seamless steel pipes
- Many burrs: use a file to trim the edges in one direction at 45°, and never rub back and forth;
- The cut is blue: it means overheating, reduce the speed or increase the cooling frequency next time;
- The saw blade is stuck: turn off the power immediately, and tap the side of the saw blade in the opposite direction to release the stress.

Finally, remind you:
After cutting, remember to use a magnetic particle flaw detector to check the edge of the cut. Hidden cracks are hard to find with the naked eye! If it is a pressure-bearing pipe, be sure to anneal it to eliminate stress. If you have the conditions, you can try cutting with waste materials first to understand the characteristics of the tool before actual practice.


Post time: Jun-05-2025