Oxy-fuel cutting technology processing

Gas cutting technology processing utilizes the flame heat generated by the combustion of a mixture of combustible gas and oxygen to preheat the workpiece cutting area to a certain temperature. Then, a high-speed cutting oxygen stream is ejected, causing the metal to undergo intense oxidation and release heat. The molten metal oxides are blown away by the cutting oxygen stream, thereby achieving the cutting of metal materials. The following is a brief description:

Working Principle

- Preheating stage: Open the acetylene (or other combustible gas) valve and the oxygen valve of the cutting torch to allow the two to mix and combust at the cutting nozzle, producing a high-temperature flame to preheat the area of the workpiece to be cut. When the metal reaches the ignition temperature, the conditions for gas cutting are met.

- Combustion stage: Open the high-pressure oxygen valve on the cutting torch to eject a high-speed oxygen stream. The metal undergoes intense oxidation with oxygen at high temperatures, generating metal oxides. This process releases a large amount of heat, further sustaining the combustion of the metal.

- Slag removal stage: The high-speed oxygen stream blows away the molten slag of metal oxides produced by combustion. As the cutting nozzle moves, a continuous cut is formed on the metal material, completing the cutting process.

Equipment Components

- Cutting torch: The main tool for gas cutting, which mixes combustible gas and oxygen in the correct proportion to form a stable flame and directs the cutting oxygen stream.

- Oxygen cylinder: Provides the oxygen required for gas cutting. The oxygen inside the cylinder is under high pressure.

- Acetylene cylinder (or other fuel gas cylinder): Stores combustible gases such as acetylene, providing the energy source for combustion in gas cutting.

- Pressure reducer: Reduces the high-pressure gas from the oxygen and fuel gas cylinders to a suitable working pressure and maintains stable pressure.

- Hose: Used to connect the cutting torch to the oxygen and fuel gas cylinders, transporting oxygen and combustible gas.

Applicable Scope

- Mainly suitable for cutting ferrous metal materials with greater thickness, such as carbon steel and low-alloy steel, including structural steel and thick plate cutting in machinery manufacturing.

Advantages and Disadvantages

- Advantages: Simple equipment, low cost, easy operation, capable of cutting thick metal materials, good verticality of the cut surface, and effective for cutting irregularly shaped workpieces.

- Disadvantages: Relatively slow cutting speed, lower precision compared to advanced technologies like laser cutting, and certain limitations on materials.