A few words about cutting with acetylene-oxygen, plasma and electric torches

Who among us has never watched a film featuring a mechanic in a protective suit and face mask, with sparks flying all around him? There was certainly a blowtorch in his hand. Pretty impressive, right? In this blog post you will learn what cutting with a torch is all about, what applications torches have and how working with this tool looks like in short.

Curious? Have a read!

  • Oxy-acetylene cutting

This type of cutting is known as gas cutting or oxygen cutting. It is a commonly used method of separating metals. This method is most commonly used to cut unalloyed steels and low alloy steels.

WHAT IS IT?

In essence, the process involves heating the material to ignition temperature using a flame, followed by combustion and subsequent blasting of the liquid metal with a pressurised oxygen jet. The method makes it possible to cut sheets up to 30 cm thick.

Known as a metal cutting technique, the essence of which is to melt metal and eject it from the cutting slot. The whole process is carried out by means of a special plasma arc, acting under the influence of high kinetic energy.

WHAT IS IT?

During the plasma cutting process of metal sheets, the material to be processed melts and is then blown out of the slit. This process is made possible by the cutting technology using high temperatures at the core of the plasma arc, as well as high jet speeds.

  • Electrical cutting

This type of cutting provides a better cut surface quality and increased productivity compared to manual cutting. By using oxygen to cut structural carbon and low alloy steels.

WHAT IS IT?

Cutting is performed in two directions, either perpendicular to the base or at an angle of 0 ÷ 45°. It can be driven manually directly on the material to be cut, on a rail guide, according to an angle or with a circular saw. However, forward travel is recommended.

 Application

OXY-ACETYLENE CUTTING PLASMA CUTTING ELECTRIC CUTTING
  • is used in situations where thicker materials made of ordinary steel need to be cut.
  • The most common applications for plasma cutting are the treatment of conductive materials such as aluminium, stainless steel and black steel.
  • The main applications of electric cutting include cutting machine parts and structural components in steel construction companies and craft workshops.

 How do I obtain a torch cutting licence?

Thinking about torch cutting work? By law, in order to do cutting work, you must first try to obtain a licence, which is issued by an accredited body. It's not that easy to get accredited, as quite a few training companies have found out. As a result, only a few centres can train and examine welders and cutters. Such companies include ODK ERGON - Convince yourself of this now and check out the company's offer.