Short answer: Oxy-fuel (flame) cutting burns through carbon steel with a jet of oxygen after preheating with a fuel-gas flame; it is the cheapest way to cut very thick steel but only works on ferrous metals that support the oxidation reaction.
At a Glance
The Oxidation Reaction
A fuel-gas flame preheats the steel to ignition, then a pure-oxygen jet blows the molten oxide out of the kerf; it is distinct from Laser Vs Plasma Cutting e Metal Waterjet Cutting Guide. Compare with How To Cut Stainless Steel for non-ferrous.
When to Use It
Thick plate, slabs and structural cuts where edge finish is secondary; deburr the kerf (Metal Burr Deburring Guide), mind Steel Hardness Vs Strength Guide at the heat-affected edge, and finish per Metal Machinability Guide.
QA & Supply
Inspect the cut face by Metal Ndt Guide, protect per How To Prevent Metal Rust, and document per Mill Test Certificate Guide. HXSCO supplies plate sized for clean flame cutting.
Get a Quote
Tell HXSCO your requirements and we will respond with a competitive quote and lead time.
Domande frequenti
Preheating steel then using a pure-oxygen jet to burn and blow out the cut.
The cut relies on iron oxidising; stainless and aluminium form protective films that stop it.
Routinely up to 300 mm in carbon steel, far beyond plasma or laser.
Yes for thick steel — equipment and gas are inexpensive.
HXSCO supplies carbon steel plate sized for oxy-fuel cutting and fabrication.
Source Flame-Cut Plate from HXSCO
HXSCO supplies carbon steel plate sized for oxy-fuel cutting and fabrication. Send your grade, thickness and quantity for a quote.