The Oxyfuel process is the most widely applied industrial thermal cutting process because it can cut thicknesses from 0.5mm to 250mm. The equipment is low cost and can be used manually or be mechanised. There are several fuel gas and nozzle design options that can significantly enhance performance in terms of cut quality and cutting speed.
The cutting process is illustrated in oxyfuel torch. A mixture of oxygen and fuel gas is used to preheat the metal to its 'ignition' temperature which, for steel, is 700°C - 900°C (bright red heat) but well below its melting point. A jet of pure oxygen is then directed into the preheated area instigating a vigorous exothermic chemical reaction between the oxygen and the metal to form iron oxide or slag. The oxygen jet blows away the slag enabling the jet to pierce through the material and continue to cut through the material.
Manufactures will frequently try to use their existing cutting equipment, rather than purchase new equipment. If it is necessary to purchase new equipment, manual oxy-gas or air-arc equipment is the cheapest (approximately 1k/unit), whereas laser cutting systems can require considerable capital expenditure (e.g. £100k to £500k).
TWI can provide you with technical support, including:
- Welding Engineering Helpdesk: call our qualified welding engineers or metallurgists free of charge
- Consultancy on fabrication problems
- Technology audit: TWI can review your welding procedures impartially; can assess your workshop layout and quality management system and can improve your quality and reduce your costs
- Visit TWI to take advantage of the latest technical developments and discuss your business needs
- Re-appraise your products and be offered recommendations on alternative designs, materials and innovative joining processes
TWI is also noted for its experience on Health and Safety about fume (and hazards) emanating from cutting processes.
TWI can help your company developing, supervising/implementing and providing guidance on specialist cutting procedures for a wide range of applications across all industry sectors.
For more information, please contact us.
