There are several ways to cut through metal, and oxy-fuel cutting is one of them. Used by welders to cut through steel, it is a popular cutting method that is extremely popular - for plenty of reasons. If you’re interested to learn more about oxy-fuel cutting, here are ten interesting facts about it.
The purpose of oxy-fuel cutting is to cut through mild steel. It’s an effective method for doing this due to its precision. When it comes to cutting through the steel, oxy-fuel can take on a range of projects, from small-scale and large-scale projects.
Due in part to the perfect cutting tip, oxy-fuel cutting is accurate. It can cut very small areas precisely, which is part of why it’s such a popular part of welding equipment.
Oxy-fuel uses oxygen to cut, but it doesn’t work without preheating. It takes an ignition temperature of around 960 degrees Celsius for the metal to be hot enough, which is reached with oxygen and a fuel gas (often acetylene). The ignition temp must always be lower than the melting point temp.
One of the best things about oxy-fuel cutting is how much metal it can cut through. To be specific – it can cut through up to a 24” thick wall, which is much thicker than plasma cutting. That is why you can take on such big projects with this method.
When pure oxygen bursts through with high pressure, it creates an exothermic reaction that forms iron oxide. It changes the steel, making it so you can cut straight through as precisely as possible.
Oxy-fuel cutting isn’t some new metal-cutting method that has taken over the welding industry – it has been used for decades. It may have been tweaked here and there, but the process is still the same. It hasn’t changed much due to its effectiveness.
Oxy fuel processes require fuel. Oxy-acetylene welding is most common, but you can use an alternative fuel, such as propane or propylene. Propylene can even produce faster cuts and is considered a safer alternative.
You might think oxy-fuel systems would have extortionate prices, but compared to other metal cutting systems, it is very affordable.
When you are using steel cutting oxygen, fuels, heat, iron, and all the other components that go into oxy-fuel cutting, protection is a must. Whether you’re turning the oxygen valve or using the oxy fuel cutting torch, you must wear proper protective gear. If you don’t, there are serious health and safety risks.
At Kerf Developments, our oxy-fuel cutting machines are state of the art, boasting excellent oxy fuel torches that precisely cut through your metal projects. With our machines, the oxy-fuel cutting process becomes much quicker and easier. If you’re interested in oxygen acetylene welding, our machines are for you. Contact us if you have any questions about our products.
At Kerf Developments, our oxy-fuel cutting machines are state of the art, boasting excellent oxy-fuel torches that precisely cut through your metal projects. With our machines, the oxy fuel cutting process becomes much quicker and easier.
