How to minimize distortions from thermal cutting

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How to minimize distortions from thermal cutting

There are several ways to minimize distortions from cutting operations.

If the material doesn’t require preheating, cutting submerged in water will minimize the distortion.
For materials requiring preheating or postheating, using submerged cutting followed by postheating is recommended over preheating to minimize distortion.
Switching to a cutting method that generates less heat can reduce distortion. Oxy-fuel cutting is the most heat-intensive, followed by plasma cutting, and finally laser cutting, which introduces the least amount of heat.
Make nesting so that parts are cut out at different locations of the plate. Strategically nesting parts on the plate ensures uniform heat distribution and reduces distortion.
If cutting long slender parts cut both sides of the part simultaneously with to torches. This if of course only possible in certain cases.
Simultaneously cutting both sides of long, slender parts with two torches can mitigate distortion, although feasible only in specific cases.
Non-thermal processes like abrasive water jet or sawing can be alternatives to thermal cutting, eliminating heat-induced distortions altogether.

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How to cut How to minimize distortions from thermal cutting

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