5 Common Challenges of CNC Oxy-Fuel Cutting and How to Address Them

Are you looking to make use of CNC with oxy-fuel cutting? If so, you need to be aware of the common challenges that are faced during the process of CNC oxy-fuel cutting. CNC or Computer Numerical Control is a method of cutting steel plates with a machine that is pre-programmed to perform all the necessary actions automatically.

This is useful to add precision and efficiency in the process of steel cutting that can be done through CNC oxy-fuel cutting. However, using oxy-fuel for steel cutting can have a lot of challenges that are not solved with the use of CNC. So, let us look at the 5 common challenges of CNC oxy-fuel cutting in Houston and how you can address them.

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Challenges with Solutions in CNC Oxy-Fuel Cutting

  1. Clogging of the Nozzles

Oxy-fuel cutting involves the use of torches to cut the steel into whichever shape you want. This exposes the nozzle of these torches to all the debris and dirt that is created during the process of CNC oxy-fuel cutting. Over time, these nozzles may become clogged with debris and dirt which reduces the power of the cutting process, making the machine less energy efficient and slower.

Solution: To prevent nozzle clogging, clean your nozzles regularly on the CNC oxy-fuel cutting machine.

  1. Distortion of the Steel

Steel that is placed in the CNC oxy-fuel cutting machine can get distorted due to several factors. The most common factor is the improper use of heat controls in the CNC machine. Overheating can lead to unwanted distortions of the steel. 

Solution: To avoid distortion of steel plates, make sure the inputs placed in the CNC machine are monitored constantly to check the heat during the process.

  1. Energy Consumption Issues

CNC oxy-fuel cutting machines are very large machines and thus require a lot of gas to run the CNC oxy-fuel cutting process. Over time, the machine can become inefficient at using the gas being supplied to it. This can eventually raise the cost of fuel for the operator. 

Solution: To maintain steady energy consumption, regular inspection of both the machines as well as gas composition is important.

  1. Different Depths of Cut

One of the biggest challenges that the oxy-fuel cutting process has to face is the difference in each cut being made. Uneven cuts can render the metal unusable for a project which requires that the operator ensure that the cuts are of equal depth. 

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Solution: Checking the angles of the torches on the CNC oxy-fuel cutting machine make sure they are facing the right angles, which will prevent uneven cuts.

  1. Knowledge of Using the Correct Values

It should come as no surprise but, to operate a machine like the CNC oxy-fuel cutting machine, the operator must know which values to put in the machine’s control. 

Solution: Training can be provided to operators to teach them how the machine is supposed to work to prevent any mishaps during the operations.

Conclusion

Oxy-fuel cutting has some challenges that an operator may need to overcome first before completing a steel-cutting project. But, with the right knowledge, you can overcome any issues that may arise during the process. At Apache Steel Works, we specialize in offering CNC oxy-fuel cutting services in Houston. If you have any oxy-fuel cutting requirements for your project, please contact us today.

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