How to cut small radiuses or sharp corners?
When cutting—whether using thermal or cold cutting methods—it is important to be aware of stress concentrators. These are areas where residual stresses become localized and intensified, which can significantly increase the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking.
In summary, when cutting SSAB high-strength steels, always keep the following in mind:
- Avoid sharp inward-facing corners whenever possible
These shapes act as strong stress concentrators and increase the likelihood of crack initiation. - Use smooth and continuous geometries
Gentle transitions and flowing contours help distribute stress more evenly across the cut edge. - If sharp corners are unavoidable, add a circular loop around outward-facing corners
This technique reduces sudden changes in direction and helps relieve stress during the cutting process. - If the cutting process must be interrupted (e.g., overnight), finish with a clean cut
Removing any partially cut sections helps eliminate stress risers and prevents crack formation during the pause.
The information in this report is only applicable to SSAB’s products and should not be applied to any other products than original SSAB products.
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