A tube's very nature prevents the use of high-powered lasers. Flat sheet laser cutting machines can now be equipped with laser generators that are as powerful as 12kW. Tube laser cutting machines, however, only require 5kW. You must always consider the side you are cutting when you work with a tube. A stronger laser will simply cut through the tube from the opposite end. (Officially, you don't have any need to worry if you are cutting a beam or channel with the tube laser.
A job shop is only as diverse as the parts it produces. The same applies to those who operate a tube laser. Parts of different sizes can be found in one tube. Laser-cut parts as small as 2 inches must be unloaded by the machine. Each one can be as long as 15 feet. You must also be able unload the parts without damaging them. This can be difficult with soft metals like aluminum.