Cutting a cable tray at a specific angle involves measuring, marking, and making precise miter cuts on one or more tray sections, then joining them to form the desired bend.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Determine the Required Angle Decide the total bend angle needed for your installation. For example, a 45° bend is commonly achieved by cutting two pieces at 22.5° each . Smaller or larger angles can be calculated using the formula:

• Cut size (D) = Tray width (A) ÷ (90 ÷ Desired angle B) For instance, a 600 mm wide tray cut for a 22° angle: 600 ÷ (90 ÷ 22) = 146.7 mm . 2. Mark the Cut Lines
• Use a protractor or angle finder to mark the angle from a perpendicular line across the tray width.
• For compound or parallel offsets, calculate the cut size based on the offset distance and tray width to maintain smooth transitions . 3. Select the Cutting Tool
• Band saws or circular saws are preferred for clean, precise cuts with minimal burrs .
• Angle grinders can be used for flexibility but require careful handling to avoid sparks and injury .
• Avoid torches as they can damage surface coatings and weaken the tray . 4. Make the Cut
• Cut along the marked line, ensuring the tray is securely clamped.
• For a 45° bend, cut two pieces in opposite directions to form a miter joint . 5. Deburr and Smooth Edges
• Remove sharp edges using a file or deburring tool to prevent injury and protect cable insulation . 6. Assemble the Bend
• Join the cut pieces using appropriate cable tray connectors or hardware.
• Test-fit the assembly to ensure the angle is correct and the tray aligns with the planned route .

Safety Precautions

• Wear Kevlar gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection during cutting .
• Protect surrounding materials from sparks and heat.
• Do not mix cutting blades between different metals to avoid galvanic corrosion .

Tips for Accurate Installation

• For sweeping bends, divide the total angle into smaller segments (e.g., 90° bend as 2 × 45° or 3 × 30° cuts), .
• Use cable tray offset calculators to determine sloped section lengths and cut marks for complex layouts .
• Always consider cable bending radius and available space when choosing the bend angle . By following these steps, you can achieve precise, safe, and functional angled cuts for cable tray installations.