What is a common application of oxyfuel cutting?

Oxyfuel cutting is a widely used process for cutting through metals, particularly ferrous materials, by employing a flame produced from burning a fuel gas, typically acetylene, in combination with oxygen. This cutting method is effective for slicing through thick materials, thus making it particularly suitable for large metal sheets.

When oxyfuel cutting is applied, the metal is preheated to its ignition temperature, and then a steady stream of oxygen is introduced, which causes the metal to burn away at a controlled rate, resulting in a clean cut. The ability to cut through various thicknesses of metal with relative ease makes oxyfuel cutting preferable for applications where large sections of metal need to be divided or shaped.

In contrast, joining steel parts, fabricating metal structures, and repairing metal surfaces are tasks that usually involve different welding and fabrication techniques rather than cutting. Therefore, these alternatives do not align with the primary function served by oxyfuel cutting.