Flame cutting machines range from early manual cutting tools (commonly known as oxy-fuel cutting) to semi-automatic, profile-following, and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) models. With societal and technological advancements, these machines have become increasingly sophisticated and powerful in their cutting capabilities.
Common machine configurations include: manual tools; profile-following cutters; and various CNC models-such as portable, cantilever, gantry, and tabletop units-as well as specialized CNC machines for cutting intersecting lines on steel pipes. All these configurations can utilize the flame cutting method.
From a process perspective-considering the metal material and thickness-flame cutting is generally recommended for carbon steel plates thicker than 5mm, as these plates experience minimal thermal deformation. Flame cutting is unsuitable for stainless steel and non-ferrous metals. Stainless steel forms a dense oxide layer upon heating that inhibits heat transfer, thereby hindering the melting and cutting process; non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminum have high thermal conductivity, causing rapid heat dissipation from the cutting zone, which also interferes with the melting process.
