CUT-OFF APPARATUS FOR NON-CIRCULAR TUBES

A cut-off apparatus for non-circular tubes includes an axially movable carriage supporting one or more cutter assemblies and a drive system for driving the carriage synchronously with an advancing tube. The advancing tube is received over a cutting mandrel mounted for movement with the carriage. The one or more cutter assemblies are disposed within the mandrel and comprise radially movable knives that are extended outward so as to cut the tube from the inside. The knives are urged radially outwardly by a cam moved by a control rod disposed within the mandrel. A clamp assembly is mounted on the carnage radially outwardly of the tube aligned with a cutter assembly, and includes clamp members that move inwardly to clamp the tube from the outside to restrain the tube against radially outward movement when being cut. The carriage drive system includes a motor for driving the carriage, a controller connected with the motor, and a sensor for detecting advancement of the tube so that the controller can drive the carriage in synchronism with the tube.