Why Do You Need Flame Cutting?

Carbon steel products typically come in standard sizes and thicknesses from the mill. However, customers often have specific size needs that can differ from the standard sizes offered. This is when you’ll need flame cutting services to tailor your steel products to what the project actually requires. For most of our products, we recommend and offer oxy-fuel cutting services to achieve this.

Steel Flame Cutting Services

Flame, or oxy-fuel, cutting of carbon steel is an effective and efficient way to cut your metal to size and shape. The process uses an oxy-fuel torch that combines heated oxygen and fuel gasses to melt and remove steel, which is highly effective for large steel products like beams, plates, jumbo tubing, and more. Flame cutting is also the most cost-efficient method for large-scale cutting needs, meaning that your project budget doesn’t have to suffer. With capabilities to cut through 5” steel and 1/16” tolerance, call our team of experts or request a free quote today.

flame cutting steel

FLAME CUTTING FAQS

Flame cutting (also known as oxy-fuel cutting or oxy-acetylene cutting) is a thermal cutting process that uses oxygen and a fuel source, such as natural gas, to create a flame with enough energy to cut steel to the size or shape required. Flame cutting results in a smooth burn and a cut edge that is square within 1/16” tolerance.

This type of flame cutting is used most commonly for mild steel due to its oxidation properties. Because of the melting point of the oxides in the metal, it causes other materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum to quickly oxidize and form a protective crust. This chemical reaction prevents the oxy-fuel from fully cutting through the material.

We specialize in flame cutting carbon steel up to 5 inches thick, accommodating both standard and custom sizes. This allows us to meet the specific needs of your project, whether you’re working with standard mill sizes or require custom dimensions. For exceptionally thick materials, we can explore specialized solutions to ensure your requirements are met.

There are many benefits of using a oxy-fuel cutting steel service, such as:

  • Lower cost than other cutting methods
  • Able to cut materials with a greater thickness
  • Able to cut through a large metal surface area
  • Can be integrated with CNC technology for precision cutting

Any of our carbon steel products can be cut to shape and size. Oxy-fuel cutting services are most often used on steel plates, but can also be used to cut products such as steel sheets and piling to size as well. Contact us to speak with one of our representatives who can help you determine what products and thermal cutting services you may need.

Yes. Flame-cut edges often require secondary finishing to meet clean-up or welding preparation standards. While flame cutting is efficient for thick materials, it can leave rough edges and slag. Secondary processes such as grinding, beveling, or shot blasting are typically employed to achieve the desired surface quality and ensure the edges are suitable for welding and further processing.

In addition to cutting to length, flame cutting can also be used to cut alloy steel into various shapes upon request. To learn more about our flame cut steel service, contact one of our sales representatives today.

Flame cutting is particularly advantageous for thick materials, offering cost-effectiveness and versatility. In contrast, plasma and laser cutting are more suitable for thinner materials and provide higher precision. For projects involving thick steel, flame cutting remains the preferred method due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Acetylene produces a hotter flame (~5,720°F), leading to faster piercing and cutting speeds. This results in a more focused heat-affected zone (HAZ) and can improve edge quality. Propane burns at a lower temperature (~5,122°F) but has a greater total heat of combustion. While it may result in a less focused HAZ, propane can be more cost-effective and is suitable for various cutting applications. The selection of fuel gas depends on the specific requirements of your project, including material thickness, desired edge quality, and budget considerations.

Preventing warping or distortion during flame cutting involves several strategies. For example, implementing preheating and post-heating techniques to minimize thermal gradients and planning cutting sequences to distribute heat evenly across the material. Employing clamps or jigs to hold the material in place during cutting also helps, as does applying heat treatments after cutting to relieve residual stresses.

We provide a full range of services, including flame cutting, material supply, and delivery, streamlining your supply chain. Our experienced team ensures high-quality cuts that meet your specifications, while our location in Houston allows us to offer timely deliveries and reduce transportation costs. By consolidating services, you can potentially lower overall project costs and reduce lead times. Partnering with us ensures a seamless and efficient process from material selection to delivery, enhancing the success of your project.

ADDITIONAL STEEL SERVICES

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Service Steel Warehouse has been supplying steel since 1965, offering premium-quality carbon steel products and services throughout the U.S:

Charpy Impact Testing

Galvanizing

Tee Splitting

Cambering

Sheet Metal Slitting

Production Sawing

About Service Steel Warehouse

Founded in 1965 in Houston, Texas, Service Steel Warehouse is a nationwide full-service supplier distributing structural steel, providing oxy-fuel cutting steel services and more. Not only do we offer a full stack of steel services to customize your order to exactly meet your needs, but we also stock a wide range of carbon steel products.

  • One-Stop Shop: We stock a comprehensive selection of carbon steel, plus services like galvanizing and thermal cutting to meet your specific needs.
  • Fast & Reliable: Our extensive steel inventory across multiple warehouses ensures most products are available for next-day shipping.
  • Convenience: Benefit from our just-in-time (JIT) delivery program for a streamlined supply chain. 

With locations throughout the Gulf Coast and Midwest, our warehouses can get you the steel merchants and flame cutting services you need quickly and competitively priced. Fill out this form or call our team directly to get a fast and free quote for your next project!

 

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