CUTTING BY HEATING
Perfect precision
Thermal cutting is a group of modern technological processes in which the material is separated by means of controlled thermal action. This method is based on the principle of local heating of the material to temperatures that cause its melting, vaporization or thermal decomposition. Unlike mechanical cutting, thermal cutting does not require physical contact with a cutting tool, which makes it particularly suitable for processing hard materials and creating complex geometric shapes.
Physical principles and mechanisms
The thermal cutting process is based on the concentrated application of thermal energy to a specific area of the material. When the critical temperature is reached, the material from the cutting area is removed by various mechanisms – gas blowing, evaporation or chemical oxidation. The quality of the cut depends on the precise control of the energy impact, the speed of movement and the characteristics of the processed material.
Thermal impact creates a heat-affected zone around the cut that can change the structure and properties of the material. Minimizing this zone is a key task in process optimization.
Basic thermal cutting methods
Gas cutting is a traditional method that uses a flame from the combustion of acetylene or propane with oxygen. This process is particularly effective in cutting carbon steels up to 300 mm thick. Preheating the material to the ignition temperature, followed by intense oxidation with pure oxygen, ensures a clean and efficient cut.
Plasma cutting uses an electric arc to create a plasma jet with a temperature of over 20,000°C. This method is universal and allows cutting of practically all electrically conductive materials – steels, aluminum, copper alloys and other non-ferrous metals. Plasma technology provides high-speed cutting with excellent cut quality.
Laser cutting is the most precise form of thermal cutting, using a focused laser beam to melt and vaporize the material. CO₂ lasers are effective for non-metallic materials, while fiber lasers excel when processing metals. Laser technology provides the ability to cut extremely complex contours.
Specialized technologies
Electrical discharge cutting (EDM) EDM uses electrical discharges to remove material through local melting and evaporation. This method is indispensable for processing high-hardness materials and creating complex internal geometries. EDM allows cutting precise contours with a tolerance of up to 0.01 mm.
Waterjet cutting with abrasive combines high pressure water with abrasive particles to create a cut through erosion. Although not a purely thermal process, this method is often classified together with thermal technologies due to its versatility.
Advantages and limitations
Thermal cutting offers a number of significant advantages over mechanical methods. High performance when cutting thick materials, the ability to process hard and difficult-to-process alloys and lack of mechanical forces make these methods indispensable in many applications.
Automation The thermal process is highly developed, with CNC systems that provide precise control of the trajectory and cutting parameters. Modern systems include automatic gas regulation, adaptive speed control and real-time quality management systems.
Applications and future developments
Thermal cutting finds applications in shipbuilding, energy, automotive and architecture. From cutting steel plates for industrial facilities to precision machining of components for automated systems – these technologies are an integral part of modern manufacturing.
Hybrid technologies, combining different cutting methods, intelligent control systems and environmentally friendly processes determine the direction of future development. Integration with Industry 4.0 concepts opens up new opportunities for optimization and quality control.
Hot cutting continues to evolve as a key technology for modern manufacturing, providing solutions to increasingly complex engineering challenges.
SERVICES
PAINTING
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WELDING
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DESIGNING
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FORMING - BENDING
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CUTTING BY HEATING
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MECHANICAL CUTTING
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MECHANICAL CLEANING
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MECHANICAL PROCESSING OF PARTS
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URBAN ENVIRONMENT AND PARK EQUIPMENT
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Security
Throughout the process
The re-equipment of the company with new, modern CNC-machines led to the formation of a specialized team of CAM-engineers who know and apply the latest technical solutions in the field of machining. Together with the engineers focused on special production processes, they provide a solid foundation for the rapid and efficient absorption of new projects.
