Flame Cutting

Flame cutting, also known as oxy-fuel cutting, is a method of cutting thick metals using oxygen and a fuel gas. This gas is usually either acetylene, propane, or natural gas.

The process involves heating the metal almost to melting point using a flame. Then using oxygen to burn the metal along the cut line.

Read our complete guide to Flame Cutting for more information.

Flame cutting can be used to cut a wide range of hard metals and a huge variety of mild steel grades.  

Compared to other thermal cutting methods, flame cutting is relatively low-cost and easy to do. That’s because the equipment needed is relatively inexpensive but can still be used to cut a wide range of materials across more cutting heads.

Although flame cutting can be used to cut thick metal, it leaves a rugged cut line edge and slag behind. This means that additional time is needed to work on improving the finish after cutting.

The maximum thickness that can be cut is around 270mm, depending on material and required tolerances.

The speed of cutting depends on the thickness of the material and the quality of the cut desired. To cut thicker metals, the heat of the flame and the oxygen stream will need to be adjusted.

Flame cutting is not suitable for precision cuts. The process typically leaves slag and a rough edge due to the molten melted being blown out of the cut line. Other methods like laser cutting or waterjet cutting are more suitable for precision cuts.