Cutting Carbon Steel
Carbon steels frequently need to be cut to size or shape. The most commonly used processes for thermal cutting of carbon steel are oxygen cutting, plasma cutting, and laser cutting. The MMA process is also used frequently for gouging, grooving and cutting after welding to remove unwanted metal. Oxygen cutting is the most readily available and uses oxygen with acetylene, propane or other appropriate fuel gas. Cut edges can be cut accurately and are fairly clean but sometimes need dressing to remove some dross. Plasma cutting is used in shops where plasma cutting of other materials takes place and, again, can give good, clean, accurate cuts. There is usually a requirement to grind back the HAZ to remove any hardened or damaged areas. Laser cutting is ideal for cutting up to 6mm steel but will cut up to 20mm and the cut surfaces normally need no further treatment before welding. MMA gouging and grooving electrodes are used to dress weld metal but are not suitable for accurate cutting operations. Depending on the process used the safety issues may include electrical, radiation, flames, compressed gases, hot metal, noise, and fumes.
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