How to cut > How to minimize distortions from thermal cutting

Internal stresses released during thermal cutting

In some cases, high-strength steels may have higher internal or residual stresses compared to lower-strength steels. These stresses can vary depending on the manufacturing process and the material strength.

A steel with a yield stress of 355 MPa cannot have higher internal stresses than approximately 355 MPa, whereas a material with a yield stress of 700 MPa can have approximately 700 MPa in internal stresses. The internal stresses can be relieved during the cutting operation, leading to increased distortion. 

The higher the internal stress, the greater the distortion.

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