Oxy Acetylene Welding

Oxy-acetylene welding is a very common welding process that was developed by French engineers Edmond Fouche and Charles Picardin 1903.Pure oxygen, instead of air, is employed to enhance the flame temperature to let localized melting of the work piece material (e.g. steel) in a room environment.  . The combination of oxygen and acetylene produces a flame temperature of over 6000 degrees Fahrenheit making it ideal for welding and cutting.

Applications and salient features of oxy-acetylene welding

It is suitable for welding mild steel and can also be used for brazing on other materials i.e. aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and brass. Main features of the oxy acetylene welding process include:

• It employs both oxygen and acetylene gases stored under pressure in steel cylinders.
• It is capable of switching quickly to a cutting process, by changing the welding tip to a cutting tip.
• The gas mixture can reach high temperature.
• It can be equipped with regulators to control gas flow and reduce pressure on both oxygen and acetylene tanks.
• It uses double line rubber hoses to conduct the gas from the tanks to the torch.
• It needs melting of materials to be welded together.
• Temperature can be regulated by adjusting gas flow.

Oxy-acetylene welding steps to be followed

1. While preparing to weld, gather all of the materials you will need, once you begin welding.
2. Gather parts, equipment, fixtures, safety gear, filler rods and the material you will be welding.
3. It is recommended that you clean the materials you will be welding to remove any contaminants that can cause welding defects later.
4. Gather the materials you will be welding in the required place using clamps or vise grips, and then get the correct size nozzle for the type of weld you will be performing.
5. Employing the correct size nozzle will make the welding process much easier.
6. Open the main valve located on the cylinder by rotating it 90 degrees clockwise. After opening the valve of the oxygen tank and adjusting the amount of pressure, feel comfortable to ignite the flame.

Advantages of oxy-acetylene welding process:

1. The oxy acetylene welding kit is very easy to use and is quickly done.
2. The equipment used in oxy-acetylene welding is cheaper compared to welding rigs such as MIG or TIG welding ones.
3. The equipment is more portable than most other types of welding rigs (MIG/TIG welding).
4. Oxy acetylene equipment is ideal for to “flame-cutting” large pieces of material.

 

Types of gas flames