Welding
Non-Ferrous
Metals
Treating
Welding
Cast Iron
Welding
Ferrous
Metals
1
INTRODUCTION Although
oxyfuel cutting is generally viewed as a mature uncomplicated process, those who
work with it realize all too
well that making it perform properly is no simple matter. Experienced operators
can achieve a level of cut quality
that rivals a machined surface, and do it in a fraction of the time and at a fraction
of the cost of hard tooling. Consistently
reaching that quality, however, requires an understanding of the many factors
that are at work, their direct
effect on quality, and their interaction with each other. For many operators that
can only be achieved through years
of hands-on experience. The
information presented in this booklet is intended to reduce the learning time
for less experienced operators and
new trainees by providing an understanding of the ”hows” and ”whys”
of oxyfuel cutting. We believe even the most
experienced operators will benefit as well. We will show how some die hard habits,
which are viewed by some
to improve cut quality and performance, actually do the opposite.
Supervisors who spent much of their
careers burning, possess much process know-how, although we believe they
too will benefit from this program.
Unfortunately those supervisors who weren’t burners cannot afford to spend
the time to learn
how now. This
program is for them also. We will divide the process into several key elements
and study their effect on quality and
their interaction with each other. By understanding these fundamental relationships,
supervisors can reason the
causes of various defects and then take corrective action to prevent them.
