Oxygen Arc Cutting
Oxygen arc cutting is a process of severing metals. It is processed at high temperatures through the chemical reaction of oxygen with the base metal.
This cutting method is quite similar to the oxy-acetylene cutting process, except that the heat is supplied by the electric arc
The required temperature is maintained through an arc between a consumable tubular electrode and the base metal. The tubular electrode is a covered electrode with a small diameter hole down through the center through which oxygen is blown.
Principle of Operation
In this method, a specially designed electrode holder is used to hold the tubular electrode and pass oxygen flow through the electrode.
Here, an arc is generated between the metal and the electrode to be cut, then the oxygen valve and electrode holder are opened, the oxygen passes through the electrode hole and impinges over the area of the metal to be cut and heated by the arc action than the cutting begins as in the oxy-acetylene cutting process.
The point to note here is that, in the oxy arc cutting process, the current value is up to a maximum of 30–45 volts, and during cutting, the electrode is slowly consumed at the cutting site due to intense heat.
Equipment used in oxygen-arc cutting
- Power source
- Electrode holder
- Tubular electrode
- Oxygen cylinder, Pressure regulator, Hose pipe,
- Safety equipment
Applications of oxygen-arc cutting
The oxygen arc cutting process is primarily used in underwater cutting applications,
Advantages of oxygen-arc cutting
it can cut, pierce and gouge the metals,
The disadvantage of oxygen-arc cutting
It is not suitable for cutting non-ferrous metals.
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