Oxyfuel cutting is best suited for which type of material?

Oxyfuel cutting is specifically designed for materials that are conducive to the combustion process, primarily ferrous metals like steel. When oxygen is combined with acetylene in a high-temperature flame, it produces a reaction that can effectively cut through steel. This method relies on the oxidation of the metal, which is most efficient in steel due to its composition.

Steel has a relatively high melting point compared to materials like aluminum or plastic, and the oxyfuel cutting process is capable of generating the temperatures necessary for cutting through this robust material. Steel's ability to oxidize readily during the process allows for a clean and efficient cut, which is essential in many industrial applications. In contrast, aluminum can melt and warp under the oxyfuel flame, plastic is unsuitable for cutting with this method due to its low melting point and potential for combustion, and wood cannot be cut effectively with the high temperatures generated, as it would simply burn rather than cut cleanly. Thus, steel is the ideal material for oxyfuel cutting, making this choice the most appropriate.