Gas cutting of metal - types and features of the process

Metal products are indispensable elements of modern buildings and structures, various metal structures, without which it is difficult to imagine industry and infrastructure. Rolled metal is represented by a wide range of sheet and long products, pipes, fittings, and other items. With increasing production volumes, expanding infrastructure, and increasing energy needs, the demand for cast iron, ferrous metal, and stainless steel is growing. One of the key stages when working with metal is cutting, which is carried out both at the production stage and during assembly, construction, installation and dismantling of various metal structures and communications. Due to its high productivity and versatility, as well as cost-effectiveness, the technology of gas cutting of steel is very popular.

• Gas cutting on CNC machines
• Gas cutting of steel
• Gas cutting of fittings
• Gas pipe cutting
• Manual gas cutting
• Gas cutting of cast iron
• Gas cutting with propane
• Gas cutting of metal sheet
• Gas cutting of stainless steel

Technology and physics of the process

Metal cutting with gas is one of the types of processing based on thermal effects. For this purpose, a two-component medium is used. The gas is intended for heating and preparing the surface. With the help of burning gas, steel is heated to a threshold, which averages 1100 Cº. A necessary condition for cutting any metal is the ability to heat up without exceeding the melting point, at which the material changes state from solid to liquid. The cutting functions are performed by an oxygen jet. The flow is supplied to the working area under pressure and, when ignited, causes an exothermic reaction. In this case, the top layer of metal is oxidized by water under the influence of an oxygen jet, which displaces liquid oxide products. Melting occurs until complete separation, after which the cutting tool moves in the required direction. The cutting speed depends on criteria such as the thickness of the metal, the chemical composition of the alloy, the type of gas used and the technique used to carry out the operation.

Special moments in cutting

Metal cutting technology says that there is no need to rush to open the valve of a propane cutter, because in this case, you expose yourself to the danger that may arise due to the interaction of oxygen with heated metal. To prevent the flame from flashing back, it is necessary to release the oxygen stream, strictly following the angle of the burner.

At first it is equal to 90 degrees, after which a small deviation is made, about 6 degrees, in the opposite direction to the movement. If thick metal is being cut, the deviation can increase up to 70 degrees.

It is important to remember that the process of cutting metal must occur at the same speed, which is selected by a visual method, for example, you can estimate the speed of the scattering of sparks.

At optimal speed, a stream of sparks flies out at an angle of 90 degrees. If sparks fly in a direction other than the direction of movement of the cutter, then the cutting speed is very low. A spark angle of less than 80 degrees indicates high speed.

The thickness of the metal plays an important role, because if the thickness of the metal is quite large, then you cannot move the cutter monotonously until the sheet is cut across its entire thickness. Towards the end of the cut, you need to increase the bevel angle by about 15 degrees.

There should be no long pauses during the procedure. If the work was stopped at some point, then cutting must be started from the very beginning and a new starting point must be selected.

The end of cutting should be accompanied by the following actions, in this order:

• cut-off oxygen supply;
• cessation of supply of regulating oxygen;
• Propane shutdown.

Tools and accessories

To cut metal with gas, equipment is used in the form of a cutter, which includes the following elements:

• mixing chamber;
• lever;
• valves for supplying and controlling the pressure of consumables;
• hoses and two cylinders;
• injector (ejector);
• nozzles (tips) – nozzle, nozzles.

By power, cutting is divided into low, medium and high power, allowing the separation of metal with a thickness of 100, 200 and 300 mm, respectively.

Preparing cutting equipment

Place the metal to be processed in a comfortable position, preference is always given to the lower one.

Types of gas cutting

Gas cutting of metal can be carried out in manual and automatic modes. At the same time, manual technology is characterized by low accuracy and quality of the cut, which has unevenness, slanting and roughness. The automated metal cutting technique is implemented using numerically controlled machines. The controller carries out the technological process of controlling the cutter, adjusting its location along two axes in the plane of the working field. To do this, the cutter is fixed on a movable beam with the ability to move. During the gas cutting process, the electronic unit determines the exact specified coordinates, generates the necessary parameters of the working environment, maintaining the required temperature in the exothermic reaction zone. At the same time, the machine ensures smooth running of the cutter, and the cutting speed is determined automatically based on the parameters of the metal. The actual cutting accuracy is ±1 mm. The dimensions of the cut products depend on the size of the working field. The machines are equipped with check valves and pressure sensors for consumables inside the system. In this regard, the quality of the cut is not affected by such negative factors as reverse impacts and attenuation as a result of the complete consumption of gas or oxygen in the cylinders. Automatic gas machines are used as the main technological equipment in workshops of the existing production of steel products, in the manufacture of parts, assemblies, and metal structures.

One of the types of gas cutting is arc cutting using a gas environment.

Advantages and disadvantages

This processing method has positive and negative sides. Let's take a closer look.

Pros:

• cutting of various levels of complexity;
• carrying out operations with metal products of almost any thickness;
• possibility of surface cutting;
• Excellent value for money and quality;
• versatility;
• high speed of work.

Minuses:

• the need for experience and skills;
• low degree of security;
• low accuracy of operations.

Despite the disadvantages, such metalworking is often used due to its low financial costs.

Consumables

One of the advantages of gas cutting of metal is the availability of materials and the low cost of implementation of the work. Oxygen and various flammable gases are used as a two-component medium, which to varying degrees can affect the efficiency and cost of cutting. To heat and maintain the temperature of a metal surface, gases such as acetylene, propane, methane and other types of substitutes are used. The most effective of these is acetylene. its combustion temperature reaches 3100 Cº. At the same time, the mixture has a high cost and is used only when it is necessary to use a full set of technical characteristics. Cutting with propane is economical due to the affordable price of gas, even despite the increased consumption required to achieve the goal. At the same time, the combustion temperature of propane is only 2800 Cº.

Metalworking ordered from our company is carried out in the shortest possible time!

Why do you order oxy-fuel cutting from us:

• Creation of products from 1 hour
• Deferred payment to regular customers
• Payment upon delivery is possible
• Product quality complies with GOSTs, TUs and is confirmed by certificates

Classification

There are several types of cutting, which differ in the gas used. Each of them is relevant for carrying out certain tasks.

gas cutting methods are widely used :

1. Propane. It is considered one of the most commonly used methods. Requires oxygen and propane to operate. Applies only to certain metals, namely titanium alloys, specific steel (low alloy, low carbon). It is also possible to use other gases, such as methane.
2. Oxygen-flux. With this method, auxiliary components - flux in powder form - are supplied to the workplace. It makes the processed material pliable. When cutting, a thermal effect is created, which allows all work to be carried out quickly. It is used for alloy steels, cast iron, copper, etc.
3. Air-arc. Melting of the material occurs due to an electric arc, and a stream of air effectively removes residues. Among the disadvantages, the formation of shallow cuts is noted.
4. Oxygen-spear. Used for cutting steel masses, as well as industrial waste. It is characterized by high speed and the ability to process a large volume of material in a short time.

Gas consumption depends on the type used, so some options will require more volume than others.

Area of ​​use

Gas cutting is relevant for heat treatment of a number of rolled metal products. The technology allows for the separation of low-alloy and carbon steel grades and alloys with an impurity content of up to 5%. At a high concentration of additives, impurities create refractory oxidation products that are not removed from the cutting zone and interfere with the normal implementation of the technical process.

Gas equipment can be used when cutting stainless steel. At the same time, the presence of chromium, molybdenum, tungsten and titanium creates many difficulties for the formation of an even and high-quality cut. In most cases, work with “stainless steel” using gas equipment is carried out only when forming blanks for stamping or subsequent machining.

In some cases, a cutting torch is used when working with cast iron. Products containing carbon, manganese and silicon have their own specific characteristics, which are reflected in the properties of the material. Cast iron is a hard and brittle metal, for cutting which two technologies are used: oxy-lance and oxy-fuel processing. To separate high-alloy alloys using gas technology, flux additives are actively used.

Oxygen gas cutting of metal

One of the most popular types of metal cutting, both previously and today, is oxy-fuel cutting. This type has gained such high popularity due to its high productivity coefficient. This high rate is ensured due to the fact that the method has a completely different operating principle than other types of metal cutting - this is the principle of heating, melting and burning metal.

Oxygen cutting is as follows. Before you start cutting a metal workpiece, you must first preheat the place where the cutting will be done to a temperature at which the metal will ignite. This is done using the preheating flame of the cutter, without the inclusion of cutting oxygen.

Depending on how thick the metal is, what type of metal is used, and the condition of its surface being processed, the heating will also be different. In general, it can last from 5 to 45 seconds. As soon as sufficient heating is achieved, oxygen is supplied to the work. After the plasma jet cuts through the entire thickness of the metal, the tool (cutter) begins to move evenly along the cut line. In operation, oxygen performs several functions - first of all, it cuts heated metal, and, secondly, it removes oxides that form on the surface of the cutting metal. Also, due to the large amount of heat released, the metal being processed heats up its adjacent layers.

It is worth noting that during operation, the cutter nozzles must be at the same distance from the metal, or rather its surface. It is impossible to say for sure what this distance should be exactly, because it depends on many factors. Therefore, as a rule, this distance is selected based on experience.

Among the disadvantages of this method is that not all metals can be cut, or can be, so to speak, “conveniently” cut. For example, you won’t be able to cut an aluminum workpiece using an oxy-fuel cutter for basic reasons. The fact is that the melting point of aluminum is only 660°C, and the combustion temperature of the material is only 900°C. As a result, when trying to cut an aluminum sheet or workpiece, you will not be able to obtain the desired, stable shape at the cut site, since the aluminum will simply begin to flow. In addition, during combustion, aluminum will form a large amount of oxides, the melting point of which is 2500°C. Therefore, this oxide will turn out to be too hard and it will be extremely difficult to remove it. And, the final factor in the impossibility of oxy-fuel cutting of aluminum is that this material conducts heat very efficiently and well. Therefore, to cut aluminum, you need a very high concentration of device power, as well as a very high gas consumption. For the same reasons, metals with a high degree of alloying, as well as high-carbon or chromium-nickel steels, cannot be cut.

The disadvantage of this method is also the relatively large width of the cut, along which sagging and oxides will always remain, and burrs will form. Poor cut quality, as well as the impossibility or difficult ability to pass the cutter along curved surfaces and contours of small radii. A significant thermal effect on the metal can also have some consequences (for example, the metal may become brittle). Uneven heating during oxy-fuel cutting leads to stress inside the metal, as well as its deformation. Therefore, in cases where geometric accuracy and quality are required, this method will not work.

74. Electric arc and plasma arc cutting.

Electric arc cutting of metals allows you to separate them into parts by melting the metal at the cutting site with carbon or metal electrodes. When cutting with a carbon electrode with a diameter of 10-20 mm, straight polarity is used; The current strength is 400-1000 A. Cutting material up to 20 mm thick can be done using alternating current at a current strength of 280 A. The use of metal electrodes with thick coating improves the quality of cutting, reduces the width of the cut and gives smoother edges. Arc cutting is used when dismantling old metal structures, main pipelines, cutting scrap metal, removing the gating system, cutting non-ferrous metals, steel and cast iron, burning holes, as well as when performing repair and assembly work. Air-arc cutting of steel and non-ferrous metals is carried out using direct current with reverse polarity using a carbon electrode at an air pressure of 0.2-0.6 MN/m2 (MPa). This cutting is based on melting metal and blowing it out with a stream of compressed air. Compressed air jet 2

enters cutter
1
and flows out along electrode
3.
Plasma arc cutting is a progressive, high-performance method of cutting metals. It is carried out by deep penetration of the metal by a compressed arc in the cutting zone and removal of particles of molten metal by a gas flow. In Fig. 80 shows a diagram of the process. The arc is excited and burns between the tungsten electrode / and the metal being cut 5. The current is constant and of straight polarity. The electrode is located inside a cooled copper nozzle 2. A plasma-forming gas is supplied under pressure into the nozzle channel, the jet of which compresses the arc column 3. Under the action of the arc, the gas heats up to a high temperature, forming a plasma with a temperature > 10000°G. The plasma jet 6, having a high temperature and high flow rate, melts the metal along the cutting line 4 and blows the molten metal out of the cutting zone.? Plasma arc cutting can be used for cutting alloy and carbon steels, cast iron, non-ferrous metals and their alloys. Its most rational and economical use is when cutting high-alloy steels, non-ferrous metals and their alloys. The electrodes are made from lanthanum tungsten VL-10 or thoriated tungsten VT-15. Plasma-forming gases are pure argon of the highest grade (GOST 10157-73), technical nitrogen of the 1st grade (GOST 9293-59), mixtures of argon with technical hydrogen, and air. The arc power sources are single-station welding converters PSO-500 and rectifiers VKS-500. To ensure increased open circuit voltage, two or three converters are connected in series per arc.

75. Surfacing and metallization of surfaces

Surfacing is the application of a layer of metal to the surface of a product using fusion welding. Surfacing is used both in the repair of worn parts to restore their original dimensions (restorative surfacing, repair surfacing), and in the manufacture of new products (surfacing of layers with special properties, for example, corrosion-resistant, anti-friction, especially hard, electrically conductive layers). The mass of deposited metal usually does not exceed several percent of the total mass of the product. Penetration of the base metal and its mixing with the deposited metal should be minimal to preserve the mechanical properties of the deposited layer.

Most known fusion welding methods are used for surfacing. The simplest surfacing method is manual arc surfacing. Automatic submerged arc surfacing is also used, multi-electrode surfacing, in which several electrode wires are simultaneously melted, sometimes replaced by a wide strip of small thickness. For surfacing a large amount of metal (the thickness of the deposited layer is at least 5 mm), electroslag surfacing is used. There are many types of surfacing using a plasma arc or gas flame. Recently, laser surfacing has been very widely used, which allows, in particular, to effectively correct point defects and practically does not lead to deformation of the product after surfacing.

Metallization is the application of a metal coating to the surface of a product by depositing liquid metal on it, sprayed with a gas jet. When a metal wire is supplied to a heating source, it quickly melts, and the liquid metal under the pressure of a gas jet (usually compressed air, although when spraying corrosion-resistant steels and aluminum alloys, nitrogen is usually used) of about 0.5 MPa is sprayed onto particles 0.001...0.2 mm in size, which are picked up by this jet and at high speeds, reaching up to 300 m/s, hit the surface of the part, connecting with it.

Metallization makes it possible to coat the surfaces of parts made of almost all metals, regardless of the shape of the surfaces. The thickness of the applied metal layer can vary from 0.02 to 10 mm or more. Since metallization causes only slight heating of the surface to be coated (usually no more than 70°C), it does not lead to structural changes in the material being coated, which makes it possible to apply a coating layer to any materials: metal, plastic, wood, rubber, etc.

Metallization is used to protect against wear, corrosion, and also for decorative purposes for products such as tanks, gas tanks, bridges, wearing parts of shafts, bearings and other machine parts. Compared to the deposited layer, the metallized (metallization) layer has lower strength and density, so it cannot be used to restore a worn part of critical strength, but can only be used to restore the dimensions of lightly loaded parts. Metallization practically does not increase the strength of parts, especially when working under conditions of shock or alternating loads, but can significantly increase surface hardness. When metallizing surfaces operating under conditions of high friction, one should take into account the relatively low adhesion of the metallized layer to the base metal. Numerous tests show that during dry friction, the metallized layer performs abrasion, as a rule, much worse than the base metal. Under conditions of liquid and semi-liquid friction, the metallized layer performs satisfactorily.

76.—————-

77. Electrical discharge machining, electric pulse machining

Electroerosion is a change in the structure and shape of a metal due to exposure to an electrical discharge. It occurs when voltage is created between the electrodes. One of them is a metal product, and the second is a working electrode.

If current is passed through the electrodes, then a voltage will arise in the space between them due to the electric field. When the distance between the electrodes approaches a critical value, a discharge will occur, serving as a conductive channel of electricity.

To increase the discharge force, the electrodes are placed in a liquid that is a dielectric, for which various mineral oils or kerosene are used. The current passing through the formed channel heats the dielectric liquid, bringing it to a boil and subsequent evaporation with the formation of a gas bubble. A powerful discharge occurs inside this bubble, accompanied by a flow of electrons and ions.

By bombarding the electrode, they create a plasma flow. As a result, the temperature in the discharge zone rises to 10,000–12,000°C and instantly melts the metal with the formation of an erosion depression in the form of a hole. A significant part of the melt evaporates, and on the surface of the metal in the hole after it cools, a layer remains, the composition of which differs from the composition of the original metal.

Electric pulse processing of metals is one of the electroerosive methods. Many of the exhibition's seminars are dedicated to precisely this.

There are the following electroerosive methods:

1.electric spark,

2. electric pulse, 3. high-frequency electric spark,

4.high frequency electric pulse,

5.electrical contact processing.

During electric pulse processing of metals, an arc discharge is obtained from the use of electrical pulses of very long duration (500 - 10,000 μs).

It should be noted that the chosen processing method influences the accuracy of the parameters and the roughness of the surfaces being processed. For example, for processing stamps it is more expedient to use electric pulse processing. During this processing, metal is removed tens of times faster than during electric spark machining. However, the electric pulse method is most effective when performing work on processing small holes of complex shape.

A distinctive feature of electric pulse processing of metals is the use of a unipolar pulse shape, which contributes to the concentration of all energy exclusively on the process of destruction of the metal of the workpiece. This makes it possible to increase the activity of the processing process, reduce the consumption of electrodes, and also significantly reduce the temperature of the interelectrode space, which means it makes it possible to use graphite electrodes, which provide a high level of processing. You can be convinced of this after familiarizing yourself with the thematic exhibition stands.

78. Electrochemical processing

Electrochemical processing (ECM) is a method of processing electrically conductive materials, which consists in changing the shape, size and (or) roughness of the surface of the workpiece due to the anodic dissolution of its material in an electrolyte under the influence of an electric The mechanism of removal (dissolution, removal of metal) during electrochemical processing is based on the process of electrolysis. Metal removal occurs according to Faraday's law, according to which the amount of metal removed is proportional to the current strength and processing time. One of the electrodes (the workpiece) is connected to the positive pole of the power source and is the anode, and the second (the tool) is connected to the negative pole; the latter is the cathode.

Features of electrolysis are spatial oxidation (dissolution) of the anode and reduction (deposition) of the metal on the surface of the cathode. In ECM, electrolytes are used whose cations are not deposited on the cathode surface during electrolysis. This ensures the main advantage of ECM over electrical discharge machining - the invariability of the shape of the electrode-tool. To stabilize electrode processes during ECM and remove dissolution products (sludge) from the interelectrode gap, forced supply of electrolyte into the working area is used, that is, it is pumped with a certain pressure.

current.

79. Electrocontact processing

One of the types of electrophysical and electrochemical processing of metals. Electrical contact processing is based on local heating of the workpiece at the point of contact with the electrode-tool and the removal of softened or molten metal from the processing zone mechanically: by relative movement of the workpiece or tool.

The heat source is pulsed arc discharges.

This type of processing is recommended for large parts made of carbon and alloy steels, cast iron, non-ferrous alloys, refractory and special alloys.

This method is used for cleaning castings from fills, cutting off gating systems, stripping rolled products, and grinding corrosive parts made of difficult-to-cut alloys.

45- Anodic mechanical treatment

a method of processing metals by combined electrochemical and electroerosive action of electric current on a product in an electrolyte environment. Developed in the USSR in 1943 by engineer V. N. Gusev.

The workpiece (anode) and the tool electrode (cathode) are usually connected to a low voltage DC circuit (up to 30 V). The electrolyte is an aqueous solution of sodium silicate Na2SiO3 (liquid glass), sometimes with the addition of salts of other acids. Low-carbon steels (08 kp, 10, 20, etc.) are used as materials for tool electrodes. Under the influence of current, the metal of the product dissolves and a passivating film is formed on its surface (see passivation). When the pressure of the tool on the product increases, the film breaks and an electrical discharge occurs. Its thermal effect causes local melting of the metal. The resulting sludge is ejected by the moving tool. By changing the electrical mode and pressure, it is possible to obtain products with different surface roughness (up to 9th class of cleanliness).

Work on metal removal during A.-m. O. carried out by electric current in the interelectrode gap with almost no power load on the nodes of the anode-mechanical machine, in contrast to metal-cutting machines in which these nodes are heavily loaded. The intensity of metal removal practically does not depend on the mechanical properties of the processed metals and tools (hardness, toughness, strength), therefore A.-m. O. It is advisable to use for products made of high-alloy steels, hard alloys, etc. High technical and economic effect of A.-m. O. gives precisely when processing such materials: productivity increases, waste and energy consumption are reduced, and tool costs are sharply reduced. During finishing work A.-m. O. allows you to obtain a high quality surface.

Basic information

Autogen cutting of metal

The most common method for cutting metal today is autogenous, also called gas or oxygen. Its essence boils down to the fact that under the influence of a gas flame, the metal heats up and begins to melt, and under the influence of a stream of oxygen it burns, making a narrow groove.

Oxygen flux lance cutting

Acetylene, propane-butane, natural and coke oven gas are used as a heater.

Metal cutting can be classified depending on the desired end result:

• superficial;
• separating;
• cutting with a spear.

Surface gas cutting is used in cases where it is necessary to remove layers of metal to form splines, grooves and other structural elements.

The dividing type involves making a through cut to obtain the required number of metal elements and parts. Burning through metal to create deep or through holes is called spearing.

Kickback when cutting with gas

One of the negative consequences of gas cutting can be the so-called kickback.
The prerequisites for it arise when a gas jet unexpectedly changes the direction of combustion. As a result, the ignited substance enters the nozzle and begins to move through the burner and hoses. This process goes unnoticed by an inexperienced carver, but its consequences can be obvious and very dangerous: in the worst case scenario, it threatens the explosion of gas cylinders. However, preventing an emergency is quite simple: you need to use cutters equipped with check valves. At the slightest change in pressure, the movement of gas in them is automatically blocked.

Popular services on the market

If you need to cut metal, the easiest way is to hire a craftsman or specialist who will provide you with the necessary services. After all, not every home has a cutter with two cylinders of oxygen and a heater in the garage.

Moreover, working with such equipment is very dangerous without experience! If you don’t know how, then it’s better not to take on this matter - entrust the work to professionals!

For example, conventional sheet cutting is the cheapest. Pipe cutting costs much more, since this type of work uses additional pads!

But depth cutting is an expensive pleasure, since it uses expensive equipment.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Longitudinal cutting of metal - machines, lines, units

Moreover, if such work is carried out “on site”, it will be very expensive. Vehicles that can transport cutting stations must be additionally re-equipped.

Oxygen cutting of metal - video:

Well, gas cutting of sheet metal can be done even with an ordinary gas soldering iron. If you are using aluminum or copper, it should be sufficient for the job.

In some cases, gas welding can be used. But instead of carbon dioxide, propane, acetylene or butylene is supplied (not every gas welding supports the use of such gas, be careful)!

By the way, if you need to perform cutting rather than cutting, then in some cases it will be much easier and cheaper to use a knife for cutting metal rather than a gas cutter. You can find out more about this directly from the master you want to entrust with the work.

Nowadays, many enterprises offer on-site gas cutting of metal.

Here it is, assessed according to the following parameters:

• metal with which it will be necessary to work;
• difficulty of performing the work;
• cutter used.

By the way, it is recommended to buy gas cylinders yourself! Many companies sell it at too high a price (about 1,000 rubles for an acetylene cylinder, although its market value is about 400 rubles).

It also takes into account how long the work will take. On average, an hour of work by a master is paid approximately 300 rubles. Now you can calculate in advance how much metal cutting services will cost you!

And finally, we should talk about those cases when poor quality work is performed. Very often, many people use propane or propylene instead of acetylene - its cheap analogue. Or they use cheaper cutters than they advertised.

The P1-01 model has a double nozzle with a gold mount (golden color), while the P2-01 has a steel mount (black or copper tint).

By the way, the P1-01 cutter is not that expensive, so you can even buy it! The average cost is between 900-1000 rubles per piece. Well, of course, you will need to purchase two cylinders - with oxygen and a heater, and a transport cart.

On average, the whole set will cost you 3,000 rubles, no more. It will be enough for 3 hours of metal cutting. For household needs this is more than enough.

And when working with a gas cutter, be sure to follow safety rules! And this is the use of a protective mask, overalls and gloves. Gloves are a must!

After finishing cutting

• Close the oxygen valve, and then the fuel gas valve on the torch. If done in the reverse order, a “pop” may occur. The "pop" pushes carbonaceous soot back into the burner and can partially clog the gas passages over time.
• Close the valves on the cylinders.
• Open the oxygen valve on the torch barrel. Release oxygen from the system. Close the torch oxygen valve.
• Turn the adjusting screw on the oxygen reducer counterclockwise to release the spring.
• Open the torch barrel flammable gas valve. Release gas from the system. Close the torch gas valve.
• Turn the adjusting screw on the fuel gas reducer counterclockwise to release the spring.
• Check the high pressure gauges on the reducers after a few minutes to ensure that the cylinder valves are completely closed.
• Keep the cutter clean and periodically clean the mouthpieces from carbon deposits and metal spatters.
• Disconnect the cutter from the sleeves.
• Carefully roll up the sleeves.
• Remove tools and personal protective equipment from the workplace.
• Keep your work area clear of slag, scraps of metal and other debris.
• Upon completion of work, do not leave the workplace without making sure that there is no source that could cause a fire at the work site.