Powder CuttingPowder cutting is a modification of the oxygen cutting process in which iron powder is injected into the cutting oxygen stream in the torch to cut stainless steel, cast iron and high alloy steels. Metals in excess of 25mm can be easily powder cut leaving a good quality finish. Non-ferrous materials can also be powder cut, although the conductivity of copper and aluminium and the high melting point of nickel make it more difficult. The process uses the reaction of iron and oxygen in the same way as oxygen cutting. The metal does not need to be preheated, as it is the iron powder, which provides the exothermic reaction. Once the preheat flame is ignited and the iron powder flowing the cutting stream can be initiated and the cutting process started. Cutting torches can be either hand held or fitted to a profile cutting machine. Powder injection systems use air or nitrogen to inject the iron powder into the cutting stream from a powder hopper.
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