Below are the most commonly used thermal cutting methods:
Oxy-Fuel Cutting
This method relies on two sources of energy. First, a fuel gas is burned in the presence of oxygen to produce a flame that heats the steel to its ignition temperature. Once the steel is hot enough, a stream of pure oxygen is directed at the material. This triggers an exothermic oxidation reaction, essentially burning the steel. The pressure of the oxygen jet then blows away the molten metal and combustion products (oxides) from the cut zone.
Plasma Cutting
Plasma cutting begins when an electric arc is formed between an electrode and the workpiece. A compressed gas—usually air, oxygen, nitrogen, or argon—flows through this arc and becomes ionized, forming plasma, the fourth state of matter. This high-temperature plasma melts the steel, and the high-velocity gas stream expels the molten metal from the kerf, completing the cut.
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a precise method that uses a focused beam of high-energy light to cut materials. The laser concentrates energy into a small spot on the surface of the steel, causing it to melt or burn. An assist gas (such as oxygen or nitrogen) then blows the molten or vaporized material out of the cut, resulting in a clean and accurate edge.
Each of these thermal cutting methods is suited to different applications and material thicknesses, and their use depends on factors like precision requirements, speed, and cost.
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