Oxy-Fuel Cutting Machines | Eng Mach Ireland | Machinery

Information on Oxy-Fuel Cutting and How it Works

For over 100 years industry have used oxyfuel as a cutting process. Today however , it’s still used today, and it’s still an important aspect and process of many industries.

Below , you’ll learn more about oxy-fuel cutting, what it is, how it works and how it compares to other cutting technologies.

What is Oxy Fuel and How Does it Work?

Oxy fuel cutting use a combination of fuel gases and oxygen to cut metals. A variety of different fuels may be utilized, although the most common is acetylene. Other gases utilized include natural gas, propane, hydrogen,  propylene, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), and combinations of these gases. Oxy-fuel cutting begins by using a torch to heat a metal to its kindling temperature. This is the lowest temperature at which the metal in question will spontaneously ignite. At this point, a stream of oxygen is trained onto the metal, in turn burning it into a metal oxide. This new metal oxide then flows out and away from the intact material being utilized. Any leftover slag can be wiped or tapped away. It’s actually the heat produced by the metal oxide and its contact with the rest of the material which actively continues the cutting process. The torch itself only heats the metal to begin the process.

Versatility from Machines which do Both

Now (today) , the need to choose between oxy fuel and plasma cutting can be in some ways eliminated. That’s because all our CNC cutting machines perform both operations . This provides a great convenience to your business, as you are able to cut down on overhead and cost for buying both types of machinery , and you are able to reduce usage of physical space and other resources.

They’re able to manage a full range of jobs which could call for either or both of these different systems, all conveniently from the same location . If you have a machine which can provide both oxy-fuel and plasma cutting improves their overall capabilities immensely , furthermore – efficiency, productivity and profitability, hence sometimes a key characteristic and deciding factor when comparing different types of cutting systems and CNC machines.

Comparing Oxy Fuel to Other Methods

Other popular choices to oxy-fuel cutting include plasma cutting and waterjet cutting and also Laser cutting. With plasma cutting, the plasma torch blows an inert gas at high speeds and through an electrical arc, turning some of the gas into plasma and providing the means for cutting.

When we use  waterjet cutting, a mixture of water and other abrasives is utilized to cut the metal depending on the material. This method provides no heat or heat affected zone as one of its key benefits.

But each specific method works better depending on materials that the end user is cutting, specific needs for cutting and applications, and many other circumstances / specifications.

If you’re interested in learning more about CNC machines or CNC plasma tables, feel free to contact us to discuss with a member of staff in greater detail.