A Guide to Gas Welding and Cutting Techniques

Have you ever wondered how gas welding works and why it’s so crucial in mechanical engineering? This article breaks down the principles, types of gas flames, and materials used in gas welding. By the end, you’ll understand how different gases and welding wires impact the quality and safety of welding processes.

Table Of Contents

Gas flame

1. Gases that produce gas flames

(1) Oxygen

Oxygen is a gas at normal temperature and pressure, with the molecular formula O2.

Oxygen itself is not combustible, but it can help other combustible substances to burn, and has a strong combustion-promoting effect.

The purity of oxygen has a direct impact on the quality, productivity, and oxygen consumption of gas welding and gas cutting.

The higher the purity of oxygen, the better the quality of gas welding and gas cutting.

(2) Acetylene

Acetylene is a colorless hydrocarbon compound with a special odor, obtained by the interaction of calcium carbide and water, with the molecular formula C2H2.

Acetylene is a combustible gas, and the flame temperature generated when it is mixed with air is 2350°C, while the flame temperature generated when it is mixed with oxygen and burned is 3000-3300°C.

Acetylene is a dangerous gas that is explosive under certain pressure and temperature conditions.

(3) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

Liquefied Petroleum Gas is mainly composed of hydrocarbons such as propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), and propylene (C3H6).

It exists as a gas under normal pressure, but can be liquefied at a pressure of 0.8-1.5 MPa for storage and transportation, hence the name Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

Like acetylene, LPG is explosive when mixed with air or oxygen, but it is much safer than acetylene.

2. Types and properties of gas flames

(1) Oxy-Acetylene Flame.

The structure and shape of Oxy-Acetylene flame:

a) Neutral flame b) Carburizing flame c) Oxidizing flame

1- Flame center 2- Inner flame 3- Outer flame

Flame typeMixing ratio of oxygen and acetyleneMaximum flame temperature/℃Flame characteristics
Neutral flame1.1-1.23050-3150Oxygen and acetylene are fully burned, with neither excess oxygen nor excess acetylene. The flame core is bright, with clear contours, and the inner flame has a certain degree of reducibility
Carbonization flame<1.12700-3000Acetylene is surplus, and there is free carbon and hydrogen in the flame, which has a strong reduction effect and also has a certain carbon effect. The entire flame of carbonization flame is longer than that of neutral flame
Oxide flame>1.23100-3300There is an excess of oxygen in the flame, which has strong oxidizing properties. The entire flame is short, and the layers of the inner and outer flames are unclear
  • Oxygen-Liquefied Petroleum Gas Flame

The structure of the Oxygen-Liquefied Petroleum Gas flame is basically the same as that of the Oxy-Acetylene flame, and also can be classified into oxidizing flame, carburizing flame, and neutral flame.

The flame center undergoes partial decomposition reactions, but with fewer decomposition products.

The inner flame is not as bright as acetylene and appears slightly bluish, while the outer flame is clearer and longer than the Oxy-Acetylene flame.

Due to the higher ignition point of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, it is more difficult to ignite than acetylene and requires a direct flame for ignition.

Gas Welding

1. Principles, Characteristics, and Applications of Gas Welding.

(1) Principles of Gas Welding.

Gas Welding Process Diagram

1 – Gas mixing tube; 2 – Workpiece; 3 – Weld joint; 4 – Filler wire; 5 – Gas welding flame; 6 – Welding torch.

(2) Characteristics and Applications of Gas Welding

The advantages of gas welding are that it requires simple equipment, is easy to operate, has low costs, and has strong adaptability. It can be used in places without electricity supply for convenient welding.

The disadvantages of gas welding are that the flame temperature is low, heating is scattered, the heat-affected zone is wide, the workpiece is easily deformed and overheated, and the quality of gas welding joints is not as easy to ensure as with electrode arc welding.

The productivity is low, and it is difficult to weld thick metals. It is also challenging to achieve automation.

2. Gas Welding Materials

(1) Gas Welding Wire

Table 3-2 Grade and Usage of Common Steel Welding Wires.

Carbon structural steel welding wireAlloy structural steel welding wireStainless steel welding wire
GradepurposeGradepurposeGradePurpose:
H08Welding of general low-carbon steel structuresH10Mn2Same purpose as HO8MnH03Cr21Ni10Welding ultra-low carbon stainless steelJoining 18-8 type stainless steel
H08Mn2Si
H08AWelding of important low and medium carbon steel and certain low alloy steel structuresH10Mn2MoAWelding ordinary low alloy steelH06Cr21Ni10Welding 18-8 type stainless steel
H08ESame purpose as H08A, with good process performanceH10Mn2MoVAWelding ordinary low alloy steelH08Cr21Ni10Welding 18-8 type stainless steel
H0SMnWelding important carbon steel and ordinary low alloy steel structures, such as boilers, pressure vessels, etcHO8CrMoAWelding of chromium molybdenum steel and other HO8Cr19Ni10TiWelding high-strength structural steel and heat-resistant alloy steel, etc.
H08MnASame purpose as H08Mn, but with good process performanceH18CrMoAWelded structural steel, such as chromium molybdenum steel, chromium manganese silicon steel, etcH12C24Ni13Welding high-strength structural steel and heat-resistant alloy steel, etc.
H15AWelding medium strength workpiecesH30CrMnSiAWelding chromium manganese silicon steelH12Cr26Ni21Welding high-strength structural steel and heat-resistant alloy steel, etc. 
H15MnWelding medium strength workpiecesH10CrMoAWelding heat-resistant alloy steel
Welding wire modelWelding wire gradenameMain chemical componentsMelting point/℃purpose
SCu1898
(CuSnl)
HS201Pure copper welding wireω(Sn) ≤ 1.0%
ω(Si)=0.35% -0.5% 
ω(Mn)=0.35% -0.5%,
the rest are Cu
1083Gas welding, argon arc welding and plasma arc welding of pure copper
SCa6560
(CuSi3Mn)
HS211Bronze welding wireω(Si)=2.8%~4.0%
ω(Mn) ≤ 1.5%,
the rest are Cu
958Gas welding, ammonia arc welding and plasma arc welding of bronze
SCu4700
(CuZn40Sn)
HS221Brass welding wireω(Cu)=57% -61%
ω(Sn)=0.25% -1.0%, the rest are Zn
886Gas welding, argon arc welding and plasma arc welding of brass
SCu6800
(CuZn40Ni)
HS222Brass welding wireω(Cu)=56% -60%
ω(Sn)=0.8% -1.1%
ω(Si)=0.05% -0.15%
ω(Fe)=0.25% -1.20% ω(Ni)=0.2% -0.8%
The rest are Zn
860
SCu6810A
(CuZn40SnSi)
HS223Brass welding wireω(Cu)=58% -62%
ω(Si)=0.1% -0.5%
ω(Sn) ≤ 1.0.
The rest are Zn
905

Table 3-4: Common Types, Grades, Chemical Compositions, and Applications of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Welding Wires.

Welding wire modelWelding wire gradenameMain chemical componentsMelting point/℃purpose
SAl1450
(A199.5Ti)
HS301Pure aluminum welding wireω(Al)≥99.5%660Gas welding and argon arc welding of pure aluminum
SAl4043
(AIS)
HS311Aluminum silicon alloy welding wireω(Si)=4.5% -6%,
others are Al
580-610Welding of aluminum alloys other than aluminum magnesium alloys
SAB103
(AIMnl)
HS321Aluminum manganese alloy welding wireω(Mn)=1.0% -1.6%,
the rest are Al
643-654Gas welding and ammonia arc welding of aluminum manganese alloy
SAl5556
(AlMg5 MnlTi
HS331Aluminum magnesium alloy welding wireω(Mg)=4.7%~5.5%
ω(Mn)=0.3% -1.0%
ω(Ti)=0.05% -0.2
The rest are Al
638-660Welding of aluminum magnesium alloys and aluminum zinc magnesium alloys

Table 3-5: Types, Grades, Chemical Compositions, and Applications of Cast Iron Gas Welding Wires.

Welding wire model and gradeChemical composition/% purpose
ω
(C)
ω
(Mn)
ω
(S)
ω
(P)
ω
(Si)
RZC-I3.20-3.500.6-0.75≤0.100.5-0.752.7-3.0Welding repair of gray cast iron
RZC-23.5-4.50.3-0.8≤0.1≤0.053.0-3.8
HS4013.0~4.20.3-0.8≤0.08≤0.52.8-3.6
HS4023.0-4.20.5-0.8≤0.05≤0.53.0-3.6Welding repair of ductile iron

(2) Gas Welding Flux

Table 3-6: Grades, Performance, and Applications of Commonly Used Gas Welding Fluxes.

Welding Flux GradenameBasic PerformanceApplication
CJ101Stainless Steel and Heat-resistant Steel Gas Welding FluxIt has a melting point of 900℃ and has good wetting properties, which can prevent the melted metal from being oxidized. The slag is easy to remove after welding.Used for gas welding of stainless steel and heat-resistant steel
CJ201Cast Iron Gas Welding FluxIt has a melting point of 650℃ and has an alkaline reaction. It has deliquescence and can effectively remove silicates and oxides generated during the gas welding of cast iron. It also has the function of accelerating the melting of metals.Used for gas welding of cast iron parts
CJ301Copper Gas Welding FluxIt is a boron-based salt, which is prone to deliquescence and has a melting point of about 650℃. It has an acidic reaction and can effectively dissolve copper oxide and cuprous oxide.Used for gas welding of copper and copper alloys
CJ401Aluminum Gas Welding FluxThe melting point is about 560℃, it has an acidic reaction and can effectively destroy the aluminum oxide film. However, due to its strong hygroscopicity, it can cause corrosion of aluminum in the air. After welding, the slag must be cleaned thoroughly.Used for gas welding of aluminum and aluminum alloys

The gas welding flux grades are represented by CJ followed by three digits, and the coding method is: CJxxx.

3. Gas Welding Equipment and Tools.

The composition of gas welding equipment:

  • 1. Oxygen hose
  • 2. Welding torch
  • 3. Acetylene hose
  • 4. Acetylene cylinder
  • 5. Acetylene regulator
  • 6. Oxygen regulator
  • 7. Oxygen cylinder

1. Oxygen Cylinder

a) Appearance b) Structure
  • 1. Bottle bottom
  • 2. Cylinder body
  • 3. Bottle hoop
  • 4. Oxygen cylinder valve
  • 5. Bottle cap
  • 6. Cylinder head

2. Acetylene Cylinder

a) Appearance b) Structure
  • 1. Bottle mouth
  • 2. Bottle cap
  • 3. Cylinder valve
  • 4. Asbestos
  • 5. Cylinder body
  • 6. Porous filling material
  • 7. Bottle bottom

3. Liquefied Petroleum Gas Cylinder (LPG Cylinder)

a) Appearance b) Structure
  • 1. Protective shield
  • 2. Cylinder valve
  • 3. Cylinder body
  • 4. Base

4. Pressure Regulator

(1) Functions and Types of Pressure Regulators

The function of a pressure regulator is to reduce the high-pressure gas in the cylinder to the required pressure for operation and maintain a stable pressure during operation.

Pressure regulators can be classified into oxygen pressure regulators, acetylene pressure regulators, liquefied petroleum gas pressure regulators, etc. according to their uses.

According to their structures, they can be classified into single-stage and two-stage regulators. According to their working principles, they can be classified into direct-acting and reverse-acting regulators.

(2) Oxygen Regulator

Single-Stage Reverse-Acting Oxygen Regulator
a) Appearance b) Non-working state c) Working state
  • 1. High-pressure gauge
  • 2. High-pressure chamber
  • 3. Low-pressure chamber
  • 4. Pressure adjusting spring
  • 5. Pressure adjusting handle
  • 6. Diaphragm
  • 7. Passage
  • 8. Valve stem
  • 9. Valve stem spring
  • 10. Low-pressure gauge

(3) Acetylene Regulator

(4) Liquefied Petroleum Gas Regulator

The function of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Regulator is to reduce the pressure in the gas cylinder to the working pressure and stabilize the output pressure to ensure even gas supply.

Generally, regulators for household use can be slightly modified to be used for cutting general thickness of steel plate.

In addition, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Regulator can also be used directly with a propane regulator.

5. Welding Torch

(1) Functions and Types of Welding Torch

The function of a welding torch is to mix combustible gas and oxygen in a certain proportion and spray them out at a certain speed for combustion, thereby generating a flame with a certain energy, composition, and stable shape.

According to the different ways of mixing combustible gas and oxygen, welding torches can be divided into injection-type welding torches (also known as low-pressure welding torches) and equal-pressure welding torches.

(2) Structure and Principle of Injection-Type Welding Torch

Injection-Type Welding Torch
a) Appearance b) Structure
  • 1. Acetylene valve
  • 2. Acetylene conduit
  • 3. Oxygen conduit
  • 4. Oxygen valve
  • 5. Nozzle
  • 6. Injection tube
  • 7. Mixed gas conduit
  • 8. Welding nozzle pair

(3) Representation of Welding Torch Model

The welding torch model is composed of the Pinyin letter “H” followed by the serial number and specification that represents the structural form and operating mode.

6. Gas Hose

The gases in the oxygen cylinder and acetylene cylinder need to be transported to the welding or cutting torch through rubber hoses.

According to the national standard “Rubber hose for gas welding, cutting, and similar operations,” the oxygen hose is blue and the acetylene hose is red.

The length of the hose connected to the welding torch should not be less than 5 meters, but if it is too long, it will increase the resistance to gas flow.

Generally, a length of 10 to 15 meters is recommended. The rubber hose used for the welding torch must not be contaminated with oil, leak gas, and it is strictly prohibited to interchange hoses between different gases.

7. Other Auxiliary Tools

(1) Welding Goggles

(2) Ignition Gun

A pistol-style ignition gun is the safest and most convenient way to ignite the welding torch.

In addition, welding tools also include cleaning tools such as wire brushes, hammers, and files; tools for connecting and closing gas passages, such as pliers, wire, hose clamps, wrenches, and cleaning needles for welding nozzles.

4. Gas Welding Process

1. Form of Joint

Forms of joints in gas welding
  • a) Lap Joint
  • b) Butt Joint
  • c) Corner Joint

Table 3-7 Shape and Dimensions of Lap Joint and Butt Joint for Low Carbon Steel

Joint formPlate thickness/mmCurled and blunt edges/mmGap/mmGroove angleWelding wire diameter/mm
Crimping joint0.5-1.01.5-2.0  no need
I-shaped groove butt joint1.0-5.0 1.0-4.0 2.0-4.0
V-groove butt joint>5.01.5-3.02.0-4.0Left welding method 80 °, right welding method 60 °3.0-6.0

2. Gas Welding Parameters

(1) Welding Wire Type, Grade, and Diameter

Weldment thickness/mm1-22-33-55-1010-15
Welding wire diameter/mm1-2 or without welding wire2-33-3.23.2-44-5

(2) Gas Welding Flux

The selection of gas welding flux should be based on the composition and properties of the workpiece. Generally, carbon structural steel does not require gas welding flux for gas welding.

However, stainless steel, heat-resistant steel, cast iron, copper and copper alloys, and aluminum and aluminum alloys require the use of gas welding flux for gas welding.

(3) Properties and Efficiency of Flames

1) Properties of Flames

2) Efficiency of Flames

Table 3-9 Selection of Gas Welding Flames for Various Metal Materials.

Material typeFlame typeMaterial typeFlame type
Low and medium carbon steelNeutral flameAluminum nickel steelNeutral flames or slightly more acetylene neutral flames
Low alloy steelNeutral flameManganese steelOxide flame
Purple copperNeutral flameGalvanized iron sheetOxide flame
Aluminum and aluminum alloysNeutral flame or slightly carbonized flameHigh speed steelCarbonization flame
Lead, tinNeutral flameHard alloyCarbonization flame
BronzeNeutral flame or slight oxidation flameHigh carbon steelCarbonization flame
Stainless steelNeutral flame or slightly carbonized flameCast ironCarbonization flame
BrassOxide flameNickelCarbonization flame or neutral flame

(4) Nozzle Size and Tilt Angle of Welding Torch

The nozzle is the outlet for the oxy-acetylene mixed gas. Each welding torch is equipped with a set of nozzles of different diameters. When welding thicker workpieces, a larger nozzle should be selected.

Table 3-10 Selection of Nozzles for Weldments of Different Thicknesses.

Welding nozzle number12345
Weldment thickness/mm<1.51~32~44~77~11
The Relationship Between Tilt Angle of Welding Torch and Thickness of Weldment
Position of Welding Wire in Relation to Welding Torch and Weldment

(5) Welding Direction.

a) Rightward Welding Method
b) Leftward Welding Method

(6) Welding Speed.

Impact of Gas Welding Parameters on Welding Quality and Weld Seam Formation.

Welding speed:

  • Too fast, easy to cause weld fusion
  • Too slow, easy to cause overheating of the weldment

Welding wire diameter:

  • Too fine, easy to cause incomplete fusion of the weld seam
  • Too thick, easy to overheat the welded parts

Welding nozzle number:

  • Large number, high flame efficiency
  • Small number, low flame energy rate

Surface condition of base material:

  • Surface with paint or rust spots can easily produce porosity
  • Incomplete cleaning of welds can lead to inclusion of slag.

Distance from welding nozzle end to weldment:

  • If it is too large, the flame energy rate will decrease, which can easily lead to incomplete fusion of the weld seam
  • Too small, easy to cause overheating of the weldment

3. Gas Cutting

1. Principle, Characteristics, and Applications of Gas Cutting

1. Principle of Gas Cutting

Gas cutting is a cutting method that utilizes the thermal energy of a gas flame to preheat the cutting area of a workpiece to the ignition temperature, and then sprays a high-speed cutting oxygen stream, causing it to burn and release heat, thereby achieving the cutting process.

Gas Cutting Process
  • 1 – Kerf
  • 2 – Cutting Nozzle
  • 3 – Oxygen Stream
  • 4 – Workpiece
  • 5 – Oxide
  • 6 – Preheating Flame

2. Characteristics and Applications of Gas Cutting

(1) Advantages of Gas Cutting:

  • Superior cutting efficiency, particularly for steel, surpassing most mechanical cutting methods in speed.
  • Economically viable for complex cross-sectional shapes and thicknesses challenging for mechanical methods.
  • Lower initial investment compared to mechanical cutting equipment, with portable, lightweight tools suitable for field operations.
  • Exceptional maneuverability, allowing rapid direction changes when cutting small arcs or intricate patterns.
  • Versatility in both manual and mechanized cutting operations, offering flexibility across various applications.

(2) Disadvantages of Gas Cutting:

  • Reduced dimensional accuracy compared to precision mechanical cutting methods, with wider tolerances.
  • Safety hazards including fire risks, equipment damage potential, and operator burn dangers due to high-temperature preheating flames and ejected hot slag.
  • Necessity for robust dust control and ventilation systems to manage combustion gases and metal oxidation byproducts, ensuring workplace safety and environmental compliance.
  • Material limitations, primarily effective on ferrous metals that undergo exothermic reactions during cutting.

(3) Applications of Gas Cutting

Gas cutting maintains widespread industrial adoption due to its high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and operational simplicity. It excels in:

  • Cutting steel plates and fabricating complex-shaped parts across various orientations and positions.
  • Opening precise weld bevels for subsequent welding operations, crucial in structural steel fabrication.
  • Efficiently removing casting risers in foundry operations, improving post-casting processing.
  • Heavy-duty cutting applications, capable of severing steel thicknesses up to 300mm or more, making it indispensable in shipbuilding, heavy machinery manufacturing, and large-scale construction projects.

2. Conditions and Gas Cutting Properties of Metals

1. Conditions for Gas Cutting

(1) The ignition point of the metal in oxygen should be lower than its melting point. This is the most basic condition for the normal process of oxy-fuel cutting.

(2) The melting point of the metal oxide produced during the oxy-fuel cutting process must be lower than the melting point of the metal itself, and it must have good fluidity so that the oxide can be blown away from the kerf in a liquid state.

Table 3-11 Melting Points of Common Metal Materials and Their Oxides.

Metallic materialsMelting point of metal/℃Melting point of oxide/℃
pure iron15351300-1500
mild steel15001300~1500
high carbon steel1300~14001300-1500
aluminum12001300~1500
copper10841230-1336
lead3272050
aluminium6582050
chromium15501990
nickel14501990
zinc4191800

(3) Combustion of metals in the cutting oxygen jet should be an exothermic reaction. This is because the result of an exothermic reaction is the production of a large amount of heat from the combustion of the upper metal layer, which plays a preheating role for the lower metal layer.

(4) The thermal conductivity of the metal should not be too high. Otherwise, the heat released by oxidation during the preheating flame and gas cutting process will be conducted and dissipated, making it impossible for gas cutting to start or stop halfway.

2. Gas Cutting Properties of Common Metals

(1) Low carbon steel and low alloy steel can meet the requirements so that gas cutting can be carried out smoothly.

(2) Cast iron cannot be cut with oxy-fuel cutting.

(3) High chromium steel and chromium-nickel steel will produce high-melting chromium oxide and nickel oxide (about 1990℃), making gas cutting difficult.

(4) Copper, aluminum and their alloys have ignition points higher than their melting points and good thermal conductivity, making gas cutting difficult.

3. Gas Cutting Equipment and Tools

1. Cutting Torch

(1) Function and Classification of Cutting Torch

The function of a cutting torch is to mix combustible gas and oxygen in a certain proportion and manner to form a preheating flame with a certain energy and shape, and to spray cutting oxygen in the center of the preheating flame for gas cutting.

Cutting torches can be divided into two types: injection-type cutting torch and equal-pressure cutting torch according to the different ways of mixing combustible gas and oxygen.

According to the different types of combustible gas, they can be divided into acetylene cutting torches, liquefied petroleum gas cutting torches, and so on.

(2) Structure and Principle of Injection-type Cutting Torch

Structure of Injection-type Cutting Torch.

Injection-type Cutting Torch
a) Appearance b) Structure
  • 1. Cutting Nozzle
  • 2. Gas Mixing Pipe
  • 3. Injection Pipe
  • 4. Nozzle
  • 5. Preheating Oxygen Regulator Valve
  • 6. Acetylene Regulator Valve
  • 7. Acetylene Connector
  • 8. Oxygen Connector
  • 9. Cutting Oxygen Regulator Valve
  • 10. Cutting Oxygen Pipe.
Cutting Nozzle and Welding Nozzle
a) Welding Nozzle b) Circular Cutting Nozzle c) Plum-blossom Cutting Nozzle.

During gas cutting, first open the preheating oxygen regulator valve and acetylene regulator valve, and ignite to produce a preheating flame to preheat the workpiece.

When the workpiece is preheated to the ignition point, open the cutting oxygen regulator valve.

At this time, the high-speed cutting oxygen flow through the cutting oxygen pipe and is sprayed from the center hole of the cutting nozzle to perform gas cutting.

(3) Representation of Cutting Torch Model

The cutting torch model is composed of the Chinese Pinyin letter G and a number that represents the structure and operating mode, as well as the specifications.

(3) Representation method of the cutting torch model

The cutting torch model is composed of the Chinese Pinyin letter G plus a sequence of numbers and specifications that represent the structural form and operating method.

(4) Liquefied Petroleum Gas Cutting Torch

For liquefied petroleum gas cutting torches, due to the different combustion characteristics between liquefied petroleum gas and acetylene, the injector-type cutting torch used for acetylene cannot be used directly.

It is necessary to modify the cutting torch or use a special cutting nozzle for liquefied petroleum gas.

In addition to self-modification, liquefied petroleum gas cutting torches can also be purchased as specialized equipment.

(5) Equal Pressure Cutting Torch.

Equal Pressure Cutting Torch
a) Appearance b) Structure
  • 1- Cutting nozzle
  • 2- Nozzle joint
  • 3- Cutting oxygen hose
  • 4- Acetylene gas hose
  • 5- Cutting oxygen regulator
  • 6- Main body
  • 7- Oxygen joint
  • 8- Acetylene joint
  • 9- Preheating oxygen regulator
  • 10- Preheating oxygen hose

2. Gas Cutting Machine

A gas cutting machine is a mechanized equipment that replaces manual cutting torches for gas cutting.

(1) Semi-automatic Gas Cutting Machine.

(2) Profile Gas Cutting Machine.

(3) CNC Gas Cutting Machine.

1- Guide rail 2- Gantry 3- Carriage 4- Control mechanism 5- Cutting torch.

4. Gas Cutting Process

1. Gas Cutting Parameters.

Table 3-12: Relationship between Steel Plate Gas Cutting Thickness, Cutting Speed, and Oxygen Pressure.

Steel plate thickness
/mm
Gas cutting speed
/(mn/min)
Oxygen pressure
/MPa
4450-5000.2
5400-5000.3
10340-4500.35
15300-3750.375
20260-3500.4
25240-2700.425
30210-2500.45
40180-2300.45
60160-2000.5
80450-1800.6

(2) Gas Cutting Speed

a) Normal speed b) Excessive speed.

(3) Preheating Flame Properties and Efficiency.

The purpose of the preheating flame is to heat the metal cutting parts and maintain a temperature that can burn in the oxygen stream, while also causing the oxide skin on the surface of the steel to peel off and melt, making it easier for the oxygen stream to combine with the iron.

The preheating flame efficiency is expressed in terms of the amount of combustible gas consumed per hour, and should be selected based on the thickness of the cutting part.

Generally, the thicker the cutting part, the greater the preheating flame efficiency should be.

(4) Tilt Angle of Cutting Nozzle and Cutting Part.

Relationship between Tilt Angle of Cutting Nozzle and Cutting Part Thickness.

Cutting thickness
/mm
<66-30>30
Start cuttingAfter cutting throughStop cutting
Tilt angle directionTilt backVerticalForward tiltVerticalTilt back
Angle of inclination25°-45°5~10°5°~10°

(5) Distance between Cutting Nozzle and Cutting Part Surface.

The distance between the cutting nozzle and the cutting part surface should be determined based on the length of the preheating flame and the thickness of the cutting part, generally between 3 to 5 mm.

This heating condition is optimal and minimizes the possibility of carburization of the cutting surface.

When the cutting part thickness is less than 20mm, the flame can be longer, and the distance can be appropriately increased.

When the cutting part thickness is greater than or equal to 20mm, the flame should be shorter, and the distance should be appropriately reduced due to the slower gas cutting speed.

2. Tempering of Gas Cutting (Welding).

(1) The hose for transporting gas is too long, too narrow, or too twisted.

(2) Gas cutting (welding) time is too long or the cutting (welding) nozzle is too close to the workpiece.

(3) The end face of the cutting (welding) nozzle adheres to too many melted metal particles splattered out.

(4) Solid carbonaceous particles or other substances adhere to the gas passage inside the hose for transporting gas or the cutting (welding) torch.

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Shane
Author

Shane

Founder of MachineMFG

As the founder of MachineMFG, I have dedicated over a decade of my career to the metalworking industry. My extensive experience has allowed me to become an expert in the fields of sheet metal fabrication, machining, mechanical engineering, and machine tools for metals. I am constantly thinking, reading, and writing about these subjects, constantly striving to stay at the forefront of my field. Let my knowledge and expertise be an asset to your business.

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