An Introduction to Oxyacetylene Welding
Oxyacetylene welding, also known as oxy welding or gas welding, is a type of welding that uses a torch to heat and weld metal. It is a versatile welding method reliant on the combustion of oxygen and acetylene that can be used for a variety of metals, both ferrous and non-ferrous.
How Does Oxyacetylene Welding Work?
Oxyacetylene welding works by using two gasses—oxygen and acetylene—which are combined in a torch. The flame produced by the torch is then used to heat the metal, which melts the metal and allows it to be welded. There are three different flame settings: neutral, oxidizing, and carburizing.
The most common setting for welding is the neutral flame, which contains an equal amount of acetylene and oxygen. The carburizing flame is produced by increasing the flow of acetylene relative to the flow of oxygen.
The oxidizing flame is produced by raising only the oxygen flow rate. Because steel only melts at temperatures above 1,500 deg. C, oxygen, and acetylene is the only gas combination with adequate heat. However, different gasses can be used for brazing, silver soldering, and connecting non-ferrous metals with lower melting points, such as propane, hydrogen, and coal gas.
Another important aspect of this type of welding is keeping the tip of the torch clean. A dirty tip will result in an uneven flame and can make it difficult to weld the metal properly.
Equipment Needed for Oxyacetylene Welding
In addition to the fuel gas and oxygen, you will need a few other pieces of equipment to weld using the oxyacetylene process. This includes an oxy-fuel torch, an air compressor, a desiccant dryer, an oxygen tank, and welding rods.
The equipment for using oxyacetylene is lightweight and portable. It consists of oxygen and acetylene gasses stored under pressure in steel cylinders. Regulators and flexible hoses that connect to the blowpipe are installed on these cylinders. Between the hoses and the cylinder, regulators are specially made safety measures like flame traps. Flashbacks typically occur when the blowpipe nozzle is overheated or from the failure to purge the hoses. The flame trap prevents any of these flashbacks from reaching the cylinder.
The operator of a welding machine must put on protective clothes and colored lenses when welding. General-purpose tinted goggles are enough protection because the flame is not as strong as an arc and emits very little UV.
Benefits of Oxyacetylene Welding
Oxyacetylene welding is versatile.
One of the biggest benefits of oxyacetylene welding is that it can be used on a wide variety of materials, including metals like steel, aluminum, and cast iron. This makes it a great option for projects that require the use of multiple types of metal.
It’s portable.
Another benefit of oxyacetylene welding is that it’s portable. Unlike other types of welding that require access to an electrical outlet, oxyacetylene welding can be done anywhere there’s a gas tank and an oxygen tank. This makes it ideal for outdoor projects or for situations where you don’t have access to power.
It’s relatively inexpensive.
Oxyacetylene welding is also relatively inexpensive when compared to other types of welding. While the initial investment in an oxyacetylene torch kit may be higher than other kits, the ongoing costs are lower because acetylene is cheaper than electricity.
It’s fast.
Oxyacetylene welding is also one of the fastest types of welding available. This means that you can complete your project in a fraction of the time it would take with another type of weld.
It produces less heat than other types of welds.
One final benefit of oxyacetylene welding is that it produces less heat than other types (like MIG or TIG welds). This means that there’s less risk of damage to delicate materials or components in your project.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many benefits to using oxyacetylene welding for your next project. Oxyacetylene welding is a versatile and economical process that can be used for a variety of applications. Whether you’re looking for a fast weld or you need to weld multiple types of materials, oxyacetylene welding can get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Air Source Industries has the gases and equipment you need to see your project through to completion. Give us a call (562) 426-4017 to ask about our supply stock or simply fill out our free quote form online. We are happy to serve the local Long Beach and surrounding areas.