In oxyfuel cutting, which part of the process involves the actual cutting action?

The actual cutting action in oxyfuel cutting occurs during the piercing phase. In this phase, the flame heats the metal until it reaches its ignition temperature, allowing the cutting oxygen to react with the molten metal. This reaction generates a significant amount of heat that helps to sever the material. The piercing phase is critical as it marks the transition from simply preheating the metal to actively cutting through it.

During the heating phase, the metal is brought to a temperature suitable for cutting, while in the oxidizing phase, the focus is on maintaining the reaction once the cutting has started. The cooling phase is simply when the metal is allowed to cool down after cutting has been completed, and it does not contribute to the cutting action itself. Understanding these distinct phases is essential for mastering techniques in oxyfuel cutting, as each plays a specific role in the overall process.