Professional GBC pipe cutters and pipe bevelling machines can be powered by compressed air (pneumatic), electrically (with brushed or brushless motor), by battery, or via hydraulic system. Electric power is ideal for workshop operations on diameters up to 36 inches. Pneumatic power ensures maximum safety in explosion-risk environments and in locations without access to the electrical grid. Battery power offers high portability and is particularly suitable for maintenance work on boilers and heat exchangers. Hydraulic power, finally, is recommended for large diameters and heavy wall thicknesses, typical of oil & gas applications.

Pneumatic power supply: when compressed air is the only option

Pneumatic drive represents the mandatory solution in ATEX-classified environments, where the risk of explosive atmospheres makes the use of electric tools impractical. Directive 2014/34/EU regulates equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, classifying zones from 0 to 2 for gases and from 20 to 22 for dust.

Pneumatic machinery does not generate sparks or dangerous overheating and is therefore indispensable in sectors such as offshore, petrochemical and refineries. GBC pneumatic pipe cutting machines operate on offshore platforms and subsea pipelines, where electricity would pose an unacceptable risk.

The main disadvantage is the need for a dedicated compressor. Companies that do not already have a pneumatic system must also consider energy costs: according to FIRE – Italian Federation for the Rational Use of Energy, the electricity consumed accounts for approximately 75% of the total lifecycle cost of a compressed air system.

Electric drive: control and precision in the workshop

Electric power ensures precise speed control, low operating costs and reduced maintenance. It is particularly suitable for workshop use, where the electrical grid is available, and is optimal for medium-small diameters up to 36 inches, as indicated in GBC pipe cutter specifications.

The GBC2700 pipe cutting saw, available in both pneumatic and electric versions, demonstrates this versatility: the pneumatic version develops 1 HP (740 W) with a consumption of 1600 L/min, while the electric version delivers 1400 W of power. The choice depends on the availability of compressed air or electrical supply at the worksite.

The limitations of electric drive concern dependence on the power grid and the impossibility of use in high explosion-risk areas or remote sites without power supply. To overcome these constraints, battery-powered versions and brushless motor solutions are available.

Brushless technology represents the evolution of traditional electric drives: the absence of brushes reduces mechanical friction and heat dispersion, enabling higher efficiency levels compared to conventional motors.

Battery power supply: maximum portability for quick interventions

GBC battery-powered pipe bevelling machines ensure complete operational autonomy, without the need for cables or compressors. The Mini K and Boiler series are also available in battery-powered versions and are particularly effective for boiler maintenance, heat exchanger servicing and operations in hard-to-reach areas.

The main limitation is autonomy: operating time depends on battery capacity and machining intensity. For prolonged operations on thick materials, battery power is less suitable than corded or pneumatic solutions. However, for quick interventions on small-diameter pipes, portability largely compensates for this limitation.

Hydraulic drive for large diameters

Hydraulic power is specifically recommended for large-diameter pipes with significant wall thickness. Unlike electric and pneumatic solutions, it ensures constant torque even under prolonged stress, without performance drops on tough materials such as duplex and Inconel.

GBC Hypercutter pipe cutters, equipped with hydraulic motors, process pipes from 60 to 100 inches in nuclear applications and large oil & gas pipelines, where the required torque exceeds the capabilities of electric or pneumatic motors

Power and torque: which drive for heavy wall thicknesses

The ability to machine heavy wall thicknesses and complex materials such as duplex and Inconel directly depends on the torque delivered by the motor. For pipes above 36 inches with high thickness, hydraulic power is often the only solution capable of ensuring the necessary torque. Pneumatic and electric solutions cover most medium-diameter applications, while battery power is recommended for quick operations on small-diameter pipes.

GBC Supercutter pipe cutters, available with pneumatic, hydraulic, brushless and electric drives, demonstrate this application versatility. The choice mainly depends on the diameter range: up to 36 inches all drive options are available; beyond this threshold, hydraulic power generally becomes necessary

Working environment: the decisive factor in selection

The operating context determines the most appropriate drive solution:

• In a workshop with available electrical supply, the choice falls on electric or brushless solutions to ensure precise control and low operating costs
• On-site with available electrical supply, electric power maintains the same advantages as in the workshop.
• On-site without electrical supply, pneumatic drive is chosen (if a compressor is available) or battery power for short interventions.

ATEX-classified zones require exclusively machinery certified in accordance with Directive 2014/34/EU. In offshore, underwater environments and oil platforms, pneumatic or hydraulic solutions represent the only viable options for safety reasons.

How to choose: practical criteria

The optimal choice must simultaneously consider several factors: pipe diameter to be processed (up to 36″ all options are available, beyond that only hydraulic), energy availability (electrical grid, compressed air, none), working environment (ATEX requires pneumatic, workshop favors electric, remote site requires battery), frequency of use (intensive use favors corded solutions, occasional use justifies battery) and required mobility (battery for maximum portability, corded for fixed stations).

Professional GBC pipe cutters and pipe bevellers cover the full range of requirements thanks to pneumatic, electric, battery-powered, brushless and hydraulic solutions. Contact GBC for personalized advice on the most suitable drive solution for your operational needs.