Automatic tube cut-to-length production from level wound spools, bulk spools, powered payoffs, non-powered payoffs, or straight lengths.
The Winton CTL-23PA is a CNC tube cutoff machine designed for manufacturers that need to automatically feed, measure, straighten, cut, and unload small-diameter tubing in a production environment. The machine is commonly used for copper and aluminum tubing in HVAC, refrigeration, heat-transfer, bending, end forming, brazing, and assembly applications.
Unlike many cutoff systems that rely primarily on hitch feed, the CTL-23PA uses Winton’s
powered roll drive feed system as the standard approach. Powered rolls help pull, guide,
straighten, and feed the tubing while an encoder measures the material before each cut.
CTL-23PA CNC Tube Cutoff Machine for Level Wound Spools or Straight Lengths
Model #: 21390
See the CTL-23PA CNC Tube Cutoff Machine in Operation
| Feature | CTL-23 PA Capability |
| Machine type | CNC tube cutoff / cut-to-length machine |
| Incoming material | Level wound spools, bulk spools, payoff systems, or straight lengths |
| Feed method | Powered roll drive standard; hitch feed optional |
| Measuring method | Encoder-based tube measuring |
| Cut style | Chipless-style rotary cutting |
| Available cut method | Pull-apart cut |
| Common materials | Copper and aluminum tubing; consult Winton for other materials |
| Common applications | HVAC, refrigeration, heat-transfer tubing, bending, end forming, brazing, and assembly |
Designed for Level Wound Spools and Straight Lengths
The CTL-23PA can process tubing from level wound spools, bulk spools, powered or non-
powered payoff systems, or straight lengths depending on the application. For coil-fed tube
cutting, using tubing from a level wound spool can help reduce handling and improve production flow. Winton can discuss payoff configurations based on tube diameter, spool orientation, and production requirements.
Chipless-Style Tube Cutting
The CTL-23PA uses a chipless-style rotary cutting process. The tube remains stationary while the cutter rotates around the tube. This cutting approach is commonly used for copper and aluminum tubing applications where repeatable cut lengths and controlled tube ends are important.
Powered Roll Drive vs. Hitch Feed Tube Cutting
One important difference in the CTL-23PA is Winton’s standard use of a powered roll drive feed system.
The powered roll drive helps pull, guide, straighten, and feed the tubing forward. As the material moves through the machine, an encoder rides on the tubing to measure how much material has been fed. When the programmed length is reached, the feed stops and the cut cycle begins.
This process supports repeatable cut lengths and helps reduce the need for manual measuring, marking, or layout.
A hitch feed option is also available. Hitch feed may be considered for shorter lengths or high- volume applications where that feeding method is preferred. A Winton sales engineer can help determine whether powered roll drive or hitch feed is the better fit for your application.
Pull-Apart Cut for Improved Tube End Quality
One available cut method on the CTL-23PA is a pull-apart cut.
With this method, the cutter blade cuts most of the way through the tube, then retracts. The pull-apart action completes the separation.
The benefit of the pull-apart cut is that it can help reduce rollover to the inside of the tube. This may be helpful when the next operation is mandrel bending because the mandrel can
be easier to insert into the tube after cutting.
How the CTL-23PA Works
Tubing feeds from a level wound spool, bulk spool, payoff system, or straight length.
Powered rolls pull, guide, and straighten the tube.
An encoder rides on the material to measure the tube.
The machine stops at the programmed cut length.
The tube is clamped during cutting.
The chipless-style cutter rotates around the stationary tube.
The cut part is unloaded.
The machine continues processing the programmed quantity.
Materials and Applications
The CTL-23PA is commonly considered for:
Copper Tubing
Aluminum Tubing
HVAC Tubing
Refrigeration Tubing
Heat-Transfer Tubing
Tube Parts Requiring Downstream Operations
Including end forming and brazing.
Additional Optional Features and Upgrades
- Powered or non-powered payoff — Supports tubing fed from level wound spools or bulk
spools depending on the application. - Dual-plane straightener — Used when the application requires straightening in more
than one plane. - Hitch feed option — May be considered for shorter lengths or high-volume applications.
- High-speed feed option — May be available for longer cut lengths or increased material
feed speed, such as 50-foot or 100-foot lengths. - Optional PC interface — Supports programming and production needs.
- Batch programming — Allows different tube lengths to be processed in sequence when the tube diameter is the same.
- Host interface option — Allows a central computer to control which jobs are sent to which machines and when they are produced.
- Black mark detection — Detects marked defect areas so the operator can inspect or discard that section.
- Ram-type end forming options — Single-hit or double-hit configurations may be discussed depending on the application.
Why Manufacturers Automate Tube Cutoff
Manual tube cutting can create production challenges, especially when operators are
measuring, marking, cutting, and handling repeated tube lengths by hand.
Manufacturers often consider CNC tube cutoff automation when they need to:
- Improve cut length consistency
- Reduce manual measuring and marking
- Reduce repetitive labor
- Improve production throughput
- Reduce downstream fit-up problems
- Prepare tube for mandrel bending
- Prepare tube for end forming
- Prepare tube for brazing or assembly
- Reduce bottlenecks in tube fabrication
- Move operators to higher-value work elsewhere in the plant
Automation is not always about eliminating people. In many production environments,
automation helps move skilled employees away from repetitive manual cutting and into areas
where hands-on work, inspection, assembly, training, or process improvement are more
valuable.
Best Fit for Manufacturers That Need To:
Cut copper or aluminum tubing from level wound spools or straight lengths
Improve cut length consistency in production
Reduce manual measuring, marking, and hand cutting
Prepare tube for bending, end forming, brazing, or assembly
Process HVAC, refrigeration, or heat-transfer tubing
Reduce bottlenecks in a tube fabrication process
Move operators away from repetitive manual cutting and into higher-value work
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a level wound spool?
The CTL-23PA can pull tubing from a level wound spool through a payoff system and into the
feed and cutting process.
Can the CTL-23PA cut straight lengths as well as tubing from a level wound spool?
lengths depending on the application.
How does the CTL-23PA measure tube length?
Once the programmed cut length is reached, the feed stops and the cutting cycle begins.
What is a pull-apart cut?
retracts before the tube is separated. This can help reduce inside rollover and may be helpful
when the next operation is mandrel bending.
Can the CTL-23PA cut different lengths automatically?
same tube diameter in a sequence.