For this reason, it is recommended that high-performance machines with a high degree of precision be used for the cutting operation. 

 

Another aspect to be taken into account when cutting aluminium profiles is the need to lubricate and cool the area where the blade comes into contact with the profile; furthermore, to ensure a constant feed rate of the blade through the profile during cutting, it is recommended that the pneumatic pistons driving the cutting blades be fitted with a hydraulic brake. This process is known as ‘hydro-pneumatic feed’ of the blade (‘hydro-check’ or ‘hydraulic brake’).

 

Furthermore, in workshops that manufacture both aluminium and PVC joinery, two different sets of cutting equipment should be used; or, if this is not feasible, at least the blade should be changed depending on the type of material being cut (PVC or aluminium). For example, if PVC is cut after aluminium has been cut, the blade remains coated with lubricant which is then transferred to the PVC profile; this will compromise the quality of the weld because the pneumatic pistons acting as clamps that hold the profile in place during melting and welding may slip on the profile, thus resulting in poor weld quality. 

 

As a rule, blades for cutting aluminium have negative teeth, whilst those for PVC have positive teeth.