Oxy-fuel cutting — material best suited to oxygen cutting Which material can be most effectively and cleanly cut using the oxy-acetylene (oxygen cutting) process?

Introduction / Context:
Oxy-fuel cutting relies on a chemical reaction: rapid oxidation of hot iron releases heat that sustains the cut and blows away iron oxides with an oxygen jet. The process favours materials that form oxides with low melting points and support exothermic oxidation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Cutting torch with preheat flames and oxygen jet.
• Base metals considered: mild steel versus non-ferrous alloys.
• Goal: steady cut with narrow kerf and reasonable speed.

Concept / Approach:
Mild steel (low-carbon steel) is the ideal candidate because iron oxidises exothermically and the iron oxide (FeO/Fe2O3/Fe3O4) melts at a temperature lower than the steel, allowing the jet to eject slag. Non-ferrous metals like copper, aluminium, and brass form refractory oxides or conduct heat away too rapidly; their oxides either melt at very high temperatures or do not support the exothermic reaction well, causing stalling and a ragged kerf.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Preheat the steel edge to ignition temperature with the torch.Press the oxygen lever; the iron rapidly oxidises and the jet expels molten oxides.The reaction sustains itself along the cut path in mild steel: clean, continuous cutting.

Verification / Alternative check:
Shop practice confirms that stainless steels and non-ferrous metals require plasma or mechanical cutting, while carbon steels are routinely oxy-fuel cut on site and in fabrication shops.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Brass/copper/aluminium: high thermal conductivity and oxide behaviour impede oxygen cutting.
• Austenitic stainless steel: chromium oxide layer resists rapid oxidation; oxy-fuel is ineffective.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing oxy-fuel cutting with oxy-fuel heating or brazing; the cutting mechanism is oxidation, not melting alone.

Final Answer:
mild steel