Cutting metal with electric arc welding

Metals are cut in a variety of ways. Some are designed for precision cutting, others less so, and still others are designed just to cut away. Arc welding cutting It is quite suitable for this purpose, but the seam will not be beautiful and the cutting line will not be precise, as, for example, if you cut with plasma or laser, but still, this method is very widespread and popular. For arc welding cutting You'll need a welding machine and an electrode. You can cut both thin and thick metal, but you'll need to adjust the current.

Cutting metal with electric arc welding - the principle of the process

Cutting metal with electric arc welding the process is not complicated:

• First, select the current mode on the machine, which depends on the thickness of the metal being cut. The current should be higher than when welding with a 30-40%. For example, when cutting a 2mm sheet, the electrode will also be 2mm thick, and the current will be 100A.
• then we place the electrode on the metal and heat it up a little, gradually pressing it into the material being cut, we do this all the time during the cutting process so that a cut occurs;
• When cutting a metal plate, it must be placed vertically so that the scale or “snot” flows down and does not stick to the product;
• Choose a special electrode for cutting, as they differ from welding.

Cutting metal with electric arc welding This is performed with a cutting electrode characterized by high arc power, highly heat-resistant coating, and faster oxidation of the liquid metal. The OZR-1 electrode is used for cutting, melting, and removing defects on the product. The OZR-2 electrode is used for cutting rebar up to 40 mm thick, for cutting, gouging, piercing, repairing welding defects, and other similar applications. Cutting is performed at higher speeds using a reciprocating motion. The carbon electrode is suitable for cutting cast iron and non-ferrous metals. It can cut thick steel up to 16 mm, with a current of up to 400 A.

Cutting metal with electric arc welding The RezonverHybrid welding machine, which meets all European quality standards, is excellent for this task. It's very compact, lightweight (3.5 kg), rated at 200 A, uses 30 A when cutting, and is highly productive. Its 98% efficiency rating is superior to other machines. It also boasts reliable protection against power surges and short circuits. It can be used with a voltage as low as 160 V. In cutting mode, it easily handles any steel, regardless of thickness or density. It can cut non-ferrous metals quite quickly.

What are the disadvantages of electric arc cutting:

• low productivity of work performed;
• poor cutting quality;
• the resulting build-up on the part;

Advantages of this type of cutting:

• high speed of work performed, significant time savings;
• ability to work with any metal, alloy;
• the ability to cut any shape of cut;
• no complex equipment, special premises or special conditions are required.

All this suggests that the arc cutting process is practical and widespread.