Plate Processing Company
Common Flame Cutting Defects and How to Avoid Them
Common Flame Cutting Defects and How to Avoid Them
Flame cutting is a strong and reliable way to cut thick steel. It’s used when you need heavy plates cut to size. But sometimes, things don’t go as planned. The cut may not be clean. The steel may bend. Or the edges may come out messy.
If you're working with a provider for flame cutting service in Houston, it helps to know what can go wrong. That way, you know what to look out for, and how to make sure the results turn out right.
Here are 4 most common problems that occur when flame cutting. See how you can avoid these defects for your project.
1. Rough or Jagged Edges
The edge of the cut should be smooth. If it’s rough or sharp, it usually means something was off during the cutting.
Sometimes the machine moved too fast. Other times the torch was too far away. A dull nozzle can also cause this.
How to avoid it:
The torch should be clean and set to the right height. The speed needs to match the steel thickness. A good flame cutting service in Houston will already know how to set this up. You can also ask for a test cut if you’re unsure.
2. Warping
Steel gets hot during cutting. If one side gets hotter than the other, the plate can bend or twist. This is called warping.
It happens more often with thin steel. But thick plates can warp too if they’re not supported right.
How to avoid it:
The steel needs to sit flat. The cutting speed should be steady, not too slow. For some jobs, preheating the steel helps. A trusted flame cutting service in Houston will know which method to use to stop the plate from bending.
3. Slag Buildup
Slag is the melted metal that sticks to the bottom of the cut. A small amount is normal. But if there’s too much, it becomes a problem.
It means more cleanup time. It can also affect welding or painting later.
How to avoid it:
Most of the time, slag comes from using the wrong gas pressure or cutting too slowly. The torch angle matters too.
The cleaner the cut, the less slag you’ll have to deal with. A skilled flame cutting service in Houston will leave you with parts that need little to no extra cleanup.
4. Heat-Affected Zones
The metal near the cut gets hot too. This part is called the heat-affected zone. When it gets too hot, the metal can become weak or get small cracks.
Too much heat can weaken the part or cause small cracks.
How to avoid it:
Use heat focused and controlling method. Operator should use the right speed and clean gas. A sharp torch tip helps too. Make sure to get a strong cut without damaging the area around it.
Final Thoughts
Flame cutting service in Houston by a reliable provider means half the battle is already won. Professionals know how to do the job right and avoid these mistakes.
If you want your steel parts to come out clean and ready to use, it’s a good idea to go with a professional flame cutting service in Houston.