Exothermic electrode cutting technique. The 1/4-inch Exothermic electrode may be used to cut steel up to 1/2 inch in thickness. The 1/4 inch electrode leaves a narrow kerf and is preferable for fine cutting. When visibility is poor or when cutting heavier steel, the 3/8-inch electrode is more efficient. The following techniques are recommended: a. Insert the electrode into the
Read more →Steel-Tubular Electrode Cutting Technique (cast iron and non-ferrous metals). Cast iron and non-ferrous metals do not oxidize; therefore, underwater cutting essentially becomes a melting process. There is no chemical reaction of the oxygen and the base metal. Therefore, the only benefit realized by the oxygen is the mechanical effect of blowing the molten metal away. Since the melting process takes
Read more →Trouble Shooting Exothermic Electrodes. Oxy-arc, especially exothermic cutting relies on an unobstructed oxygen flow to be most effective. With inadequate oxygen flow, the rod will burn but not produce the desired cutting effect. Since the actual cutting result is derived from the volume of oxygen reaching the target, any restriction in oxygen flow will decrease efficiency. Symptoms. The following are
Read more →Exothermic Cutting Technique (Concrete, Rock and other Non-Conductive Materials). When cutting non-conductive materials, a striker plate attached to the ground cable is necessary to strike an arc. The striker plate is placed next to the material to be cut. Call for SWITCH ON, squeeze the trigger slightly, drag the electrode across the striker plate and the electrode will ignite. Once
Read more →Exothermic Cutting Technique (Cast Iron, Stainless Steel and Non-Ferrous Metals). Cast iron, stainless steel and non-ferrous metals do not oxidize; therefore, underwater cutting becomes a melting process. The exothermic process develops tip-temperatures in excess of 10,000 degress F, which is sufficient to melt these materials with ease. The following technique is recommended: a. Keep the tip firmly buried in the
Read more →Exothermic Electrodes Oxygen Requirements. Exothermic cutting consumes a large volume of oxygen; therefore, a 3/8-inch inside diameter oxygen hose is required to maintain sufficient volume. The hose size is important because it is the oxygen volume together with heat that does the cutting while the pressure blows the slag away. A high volume, high flow regulator capable of delivering 70
Read more →Exothermic Electrodes The BROCO Ultrathermic electrode consists of seven small rods inside a thin steel tube. One of the seven rods is a special alloy that will burn independently after an arc is struck and oxygen is flowing through the tube. The remaining six rods are made of mild steel. The electrode is insulated with electrical tape. The 3/8-inch electrode
Read more →Piercing Holes in Steel Plate with steel-tubular electrodes. Holes can be easily pierced in steel plate using steel-tubular electrodes. The following technique is recommended: Touch the plate lightly with the electrode at the desired point. Hold the oxygen trigger down and call for SWITCH ON. Hold the electrode stationary for a moment, withdrawing it momentarily as necessary to start an
Read more →Steel-Tubular Electrode Cutting Technique : Thin plate. When cutting steel plate which is 1/4-inch thick or less with Steel-Tubular electrodes, use the following technique. This technique is slightly different from that used on thick plate. Instead of maintaining the electrode tip in the cut and pressing against the lip of the advancing cut, the tip should barely touch the plate
Read more →Steel-Tubular Electrode Cutting Technique : Thick plate When cutting steel plate that is 1/4-inch thick or greater with Steel-Tubular electrodes, use the drag technique and proceed as follows: Insert the electrode into the collet opening until it bottoms out against the washer. Tighten the collet nut. To start the cut, hold the electrode perpendicular to the surfaceto be cut and
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