In the manufacturing of steel structures, boilermaking and welded construction, edge preparation for welding is a critical operation traditionally carried out after cutting, in a separate process. Laser bevel cutting changes the rules of the game: it allows you to prepare the part for welding directly during cutting, in a single operation. The result is a much faster order-to-delivery process, with less handling and real cost savings.
At Talleres Feudo we have incorporated this technology as a new capability on our thick-plate laser cutting equipment, becoming one of the few suppliers in Spain offering double bevel 360° on plates up to 30 mm.
What exactly is bevel cutting?
Bevel cutting consists of cutting the plate at an angle instead of the conventional 90° straight cut. This angle creates an edge preparation that facilitates weld penetration.
There are several types of edge preparation for welding:
- V bevel: an angle on one face of the plate
- X bevel (double V): angles on both faces of the plate
- K bevel: an asymmetric combination
- Y bevel: bevel with a straight root face
Traditionally, these preparations were carried out by manual grinding, machining or with bevelling machines after cutting. This means an additional operation, more time, more handling of heavy parts and more cost.
With laser bevel cutting, all this is done in a single pass on the cutting machine.
Double bevel 360°: what it means and why it matters
Our laser cutting equipment doesn't just do simple bevels. It can deliver double bevel (on both faces of the plate) in 360°, that is, in all directions and contours of the part, including curves, corners and complex geometries.
This means:
- ✅ The entire perimeter of a part can be bevelled, not only straight edges
- ✅ Different bevel angles can be combined on different areas of the same part
- ✅ Parts come off the machine fully prepared for welding
- ✅ No directional limit: the head rotates 360° to follow any contour
This capability is something very few laser-cutting suppliers currently have. Most workshops can only do straight cuts, and bevelling is performed as a downstream operation. At Talleres Feudo, we integrate it directly in the cutting process.
How much does laser bevel cutting save?
Savings happen in several stages of the process:
Eliminates downstream bevelling
In a conventional process, after cutting you have to:
- Move the parts to the bevelling area
- Position and clamp each part
- Bevel with grinder, mill or bevelling machine
- Verify angle and depth
- Move the parts to the welding area
With laser bevel cutting, steps 1 to 5 disappear. The part comes off the cutting machine ready to weld.
Shorter lead time
By eliminating an entire intermediate operation, the total time from order to delivery is significantly reduced. On projects with many bevelled parts (structures, beams, profiles), this reduction can be several days.
Less handling = less risk
Thick plates are heavy and difficult to handle. Each additional operation involves crane movements, risk of bumps and deformations. Fewer operations = less risk of damage and lower internal logistics cost.
Higher precision and repeatability
Laser bevels have far higher precision and repeatability than manual or mechanical bevelling. This translates into:
- Better fit-up between parts at assembly
- More uniform, higher-quality welds
- Less rejects and rework
Which sectors benefit most from laser bevel cutting?
Laser bevel cutting adds value especially in sectors where welding of thick plates is common:
- Steel construction and structures: beams, columns, structural nodes, anchor plates. Welded joints require edge preparation that is now integrated in the cut.
- Cranes and lifting equipment: booms, towers, frames. Heavy plates with multiple welded joints.
- Energy sector (wind, solar, hydraulic): wind towers, support structures, pressure ducts.
- Rail and transport sector: frames, chassis, wagon structures, with strict weld quality requirements.
- Industrial boilermaking and pressure vessels: shells, heads, flanges. Weld preparation is mandatory by code.
- Industrial and agricultural machinery: machine frames, articulated arms, implement structures.
- Naval and offshore: hull plates, structural reinforcements with high welding quality requirements.
Technical specifications of bevel cutting at Talleres Feudo
| Parameter | Capability |
|---|---|
| Maximum thickness for bevel | Up to 30 mm |
| Bevel type | Single, double (V, X, K, Y) |
| Bevel angle | Configurable as needed |
| Direction | 360° — in all contour directions |
| Materials | Carbon steel, stainless steel, special steels |
| Angle precision | High repeatability under CNC control |
| File formats | DXF, DWG, STEP, IGES, PDF with bevel indication |
💡 Tip: When sending us your drawings, indicate which edges require bevelling and the desired angle. Our engineering team will check feasibility and optimise the programming.
How does the order process work?
- Send us your files (DXF, DWG, STEP, PDF) indicating which edges need bevelling and the required angle
- Technical review: our team checks feasibility and confirms lead time and price
- CAD/CAM programming: the cut is programmed with bevel angles in each area of the part
- Laser cutting with integrated bevel: the part is cut and bevelled in a single operation
- Dimensional check: quality control of the cut and the bevel angle
- Delivery: parts ready for welding, with no need for intermediate operations
The result: you receive parts ready to weld directly. No additional waiting times, no outsourced bevelling, no extra handling.
A real differentiator
In today's laser-cutting subcontracting market, most suppliers offer standard straight cutting. Laser bevel cutting with double bevel 360° capability is a technology very few workshops have adopted.
At Talleres Feudo we have invested in this capability because we believe it delivers real value to our customers: fewer operations, shorter lead time, lower cost and better quality. Combined with our bending, boilermaking and assembly services, we can deliver fully finished parts and assemblies from a single source.
If your project includes parts that need weld preparation, laser bevel cutting can save you time and money. Request a no-commitment quote and we'll advise you on the best solution.