The primary advantages of steel cutting oxygen generators and carbon steel cutting oxygen generators lie in their high cutting quality and wide processing range, but they also come with the drawback of high cost. Below, we can elaborate on these characteristics through a comparison with oxygen cutting:

(I) Equipment Overview of Steel Cutting Oxygen Generators and Carbon Steel Cutting Oxygen Generators

Steel cutting oxygen generators and carbon steel cutting oxygen generators consist of an air compressor system, an air purification system, an oxygen generator (PSA oxygen generator, oxygen production equipment), a carbon-loaded purification device, and a pressurization unit. The system's outlet oxygen flow ranges from 2 Nm3/h to 200 Nm3/h, with a nitrogen purity of 99.9995%. The nitrogen pressure can be increased to 1.4-2.8 MPa via a booster compressor.

(II) Processing Range of Steel Cutting Oxygen Generators and Carbon Steel Cutting Oxygen Generators

Oxygen assists combustion to increase heat, enhancing cutting thickness. Its advantage lies in low cost, primarily applied to carbon steel. Nitrogen does not support combustion; the melting zone temperature is lower, making it suitable for processing low-melting-point materials like aluminum and brass. Nitrogen protects the cut from oxidation and can also be used for oxidation-free cutting of stainless steel.

(III) Cutting Cost of Steel Cutting Oxygen Generators and Carbon Steel Cutting Oxygen Generators

The price of high-purity nitrogen is three times that of high-purity oxygen. Oxygen cutting requires a pressure of (1–4) × 10? Pa, while nitrogen requires (10–140) × 10? Pa. For example, cutting a 2 cm thick stainless steel plate requires oxygen at 4 × 10? Pa with a gas consumption of 2.3 m3/h, whereas nitrogen requires 14 × 10? Pa and 15.2 m3/h. Moreover, nitrogen cutting demands high power, correspondingly increasing energy consumption. The comprehensive cost of nitrogen cutting is over 15 times that of oxygen cutting.

(IV) Cutting Quality of Steel Cutting Oxygen Generators and Carbon Steel Cutting Oxygen Generators

Based on the auxiliary gas used, laser cutting can be divided into oxygen and nitrogen cutting methods. In oxygen cutting, oxygen participates in combustion, and the melting point temperature approaches the boiling point. High temperatures cause intense reactions, preventing a smooth cut surface; additionally, oxidation reactions and an enlarged heat-affected zone result in relatively poor cutting quality, often leading to wide cuts, slanted patterns on the cut surface, poor surface roughness, and slag defects. In nitrogen cutting, the material melts entirely relying on laser energy, with nitrogen blowing away the molten material and preventing unsuitable chemical reactions. The melting zone temperature is relatively lower, and with nitrogen's cooling and protective effects, the reaction is stable and uniform, yielding high cutting quality. The cut surface is fine and smooth, with low surface roughness and no oxide layer.

Application Range of Industrial Oxygen Generators for Metal Cutting

Industrial oxygen generators for metal cutting are primarily suitable for cutting carbon steel. The gases required for carbon steel cutting are oxygen and acetylene, as oxygen supports combustion during the cutting process, while acetylene provides a high-temperature flame. The high-temperature flame generated by their mixture allows for rapid cutting of steel.

Role of Oxygen Produced by Industrial Oxygen Generators for Metal Cutting

The main role of oxygen is to support combustion during the cutting process. When cutting carbon steel, acetylene and oxygen are first mixed and ignited to form a high-temperature flame that cuts through the carbon steel surface. Oxygen acts as a catalyst in the combustion process, not only providing fuel but also enhancing the combustion effect of acetylene. Simultaneously, during the combustion of the carbon steel surface, oxygen expels oxides from the surface and maintains a clean cut.

Acetylene provides a high-temperature flame capable of burning the oxygen in the pipeline, thereby supplying sufficient heat. Additionally, acetylene's flame has a darker color, making it easier to observe and better control the cutting depth.

Precautions for Using Industrial Oxygen Generators for Metal Cutting

When using oxygen and acetylene for carbon steel cutting, the following precautions should be taken:

1. Use gas cylinders produced by正規(guī) manufacturers and regularly check for leaks;

2. When operating the cutting machine, adjust the oxygen and acetylene valves separately to ensure the correct gas mixture ratio;

3. During cutting, pay attention to the emission of smoke and exhaust gases, as well as ventilation in the working environment, to avoid the production of toxic gases such as carbon dioxide.

Summary

The gases required for carbon steel cutting are oxygen and acetylene. The high-temperature flame formed by their mixture allows for rapid cutting of steel. Safety precautions must be observed during cutting, including using appropriate gas cylinders and cutting machines, and ensuring proper ventilation to achieve effective and safe cutting results.