Oxy-fuel cutting and welding equipment melt areas with a torch, then uses gas to weld and make cuts. A high temperature torch melts the metal and creates a molten pool and then uses the molten pool to join work pieces. The pool is generally supplied with additional metal called filler. Filler material depends upon the metals to be welded. In oxy-fuel cutting, a torch is used to heat metal to its ignition temperature. A stream of oxygen is then directed at the cutting point on the metal, burning it into a metal oxide that the high-velocity stream of gas blows away from the work piece and severs the material.

Specifications

Two important values to consider when specifying your oxy-fuel cutting and welding equipment are output temperature and temperature stability:

• Output temperature — The output temperature is the temperature that the soldering iron, tip, pot, or bath reaches. 
• Temperature stability (+/-) — The temperature stability is the temperature control accuracy or the temperature.

Applications

Oxy-fuel cutting and welding equipment is often custom-configured for the end user according to the application where the equipment will be used. Some oxy-fuel cutting and welding equipment is used in metal working, switch gear construction, and part fabrication applications. Others are used in the manufacture of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Features

To achieve maximum productivity from oxy-fuel cutting and welding equipment, the following features might be considered: 

• Automated (Robot/CNC) — The machine has an integral or optional automation unit, such as a robot or CNC table. 
• Marine duty/Corrosion resistant — Machines are designed for applications that require resistance to water or corrosion. Examples include shipyards, mines, paper mills, chemical plants, oil fields, underwater welding, bridges, or offshore drilling platforms. 
• Multi-operator — The welder is capable of supplying multiple operators. 
• Programmable/Recall — The machine can recall settings or allow the operator to program specific sets or sequences of parameters. 
• Remote control — Machine can be controlled remotely with a pendant, foot pedal, or other remote control unit. This allows the operator to have an additional hand free for holding or positioning. 
• Water cooled — The machine can use a supply of water to maintain the welding, cutting gun, or other unit components at a lower temperature in order to improve the duty-cycle and reduce component over-heating or erosion. 

Oxy-fuel cutting and welding is one of the oldest welding processes used today. It is widely used for welding pipes, tubes, and other shapes in both new manufacture and repair work. The welder can exercise precise control over heat input and temperature, independent of the addition of filler metal. Oxy-fuel also has an advantage over electric welding and cutting process applications where electricity is not readily available. It is also self-contained and lends itself to portability.

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