How CNC Oxy-Fuel Cutting Works

Step 1: Preheat

Before starting the actual cutting, the metal is heated to its kindling temperature (around 1800°F). This is done using preheated flames from the CNC oxy-fuel torch. The torch mixes fuel gas (like acetylene or propane) with oxygen and then the flame is concentrated into multiple jets to focus the heat on the specific area to be cut.

Step 2: Piercing

After the metal has reached the proper temperature, the preheated area is exposed to a fine, high-pressure stream of pure oxygen. This stream is called "cutting oxygen." The oxygen reacts with the heated steel, causing it to oxidize rapidly, turning it into molten slag. This slag is then blown away by the oxygen stream, allowing the oxygen to penetrate deeper into the metal.

Step 3: Cutting

After piercing, the CNC oxy-fuel torch moves steadily along the metal surface to continue the cutting process. As the cutting progresses, the molten slag is continually blown out, leaving behind a clean, precise cut edge.

Characteristics of a High-Quality CNC Oxy-Fuel Cut

To ensure your cuts are of the highest quality, look for these key characteristics:

• Square top corners with minimal radius
  
  
• Flat cut face with no undercut, from top to bottom
  
  
• Smooth surface with vertical drag lines
  
  
• Minimal slag on the bottom edge, which should be easily removed

Tips for Achieving Clean Cuts with CNC Oxy-Fuel Cutting

Clean the Metal: Clean metal cuts better. Remove dirt, rust, and oil before cutting. A clean surface ensures smoother edges and better-quality cuts.

Choose the Right Nozzle: Select the correct nozzle size based on the thickness of the material you're cutting. A nozzle that’s too small won’t be able to cut through thicker materials, while one that’s too large can create excessive heat and cause rough cuts.

Maintain the Right Distance: Keep the torch at the right distance from the metal. Too close can lead to an unstable flame, while too far may result in less precise cuts. The optimal distance ensures the flame remains steady and effective.

Control Cutting Speed:  CNC oxy-fuel cutting machines are designed to work at a consistent speed, but if you're using manual control, adjusting the speed is key. Moving too fast can lead to incomplete cuts, while moving too slowly can cause excessive heat and rough edges.

Practice Makes Perfect: If you are new to CNC oxy-fuel cutting, it is always a good idea to practice on some scrap metal first. The more you practice, the better you will get at managing the torch’s flame, speed, and cutting precision.

The Bottom Line

If you are an industrial worker looking for precise steel cutting services in Houston, whether you have a small or a big industrial job, you should always reach out to a professional oxy-fuel cutting provider in Houston. 

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