Stainless steel oxygen cutting is the most widely used of all oxy-fuel cutting processes. It is a reliable, economical and highly productive process suitable for cutting many alloys including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, manganese and chrome molybdenum alloys.
Stainless steel oxygen cutting involves the oxidation of the base material with an oxygen torch. The cutting process takes place by heating the work piece to its ignition temperature and then introducing a stream of pure oxygen. The oxygen reacts with the stainless steel and raises its temperature to a level where it reacts with the oxygen to form Iron oxide (Fe2O3) and a Carbon-monoxide (CO) gas.
The cutting process works best when the material is preheated and then cut with the oxygen jet. This preheating increases the oxidization rate allowing for a cleaner and faster cut. Furthermore, higher cutting speeds can be achieved as the preheating reduces the area in which the thermal stress is present.
The accuracy of stainless steel oxygen cut parts is greatly affected by the material selection and cutting parameters that are used. It is important to understand the material properties and how they will affect the cutting process in order to get the best results. Many of the material properties that influence the cutting process include the alloying elements (Chromium, Molybdenum), oxidation rate, the type of torch and its transport pressure, the working temperature, the travel speed and gas flow rate. Detailed information about these properties should be obtained from the manufacturer prior to cutting in order to ensure uniform burning and high cutting accuracy.
In order to obtain the desired degree of accuracy and quality when cutting stainless steel with an oxygen torch, it is imperative that the cutters use the appropriate parameters for each application such as the torch velocity, distance, gas flow rate and preheating temperature. It is essential for the cutters to follow the recommended parameters to ensure that the desired accuracy and quality is achieved.
For stainless steel oxygen cutting, it is also important to use a clean cutting tip. This will help to reduce slag buildup, thereby improving the quality of the cut parts. It is also important to ensure that proper personal protective equipment is worn while cutting in order to reduce the risk of fire and health hazards.
In conclusion, stainless steel oxygen cutting is a highly efficient and cost-effective process when the right parameters are used. The cutters should have a thorough understanding of the material properties and cutting parameters in order to ensure the highest quality cuts. It is also essential that the right personal protective equipment is worn while cutting and a clean cutting tip is used to ensure the desired accuracy and quality of the parts.