ESAB offers a complete line of welding and cutting products and solutions. Explore our equipment offering with ease based on product line and industry.
ESAB is a world leader in welding and cutting equipment and consumables. Explore our complete line of welding & cutting products for virtually every application.
ESAB University Courses are incremental, structured learning modules designed to help you take your skills to the next level. New courses are being added regularly, so please check back often. Click the link to see current courses offered.
Articles cover industry topics more in-depth and are created in partnership with ESAB engineers and master welders. Click the links to see the latest.
Tips from ESAB Experts to help take your welding, cutting and fabrication skills to the next level.
ESAB Courses are structured learning designed to help welders achieve certain learning milestones and explore topics more in-depth. Check back often for updated resources.
ESAB University videos are curated with tips and best practices from top fabricators around the world. Learn new techniques or improve your current skills with ESAB University videos.
Enhance your knowledge of welding, cutting, and fabrication with free and accessible webinars on a variety of topics, including welding best practices, tips for using ESAB products, new product launches, and more, presented by trusted ESAB experts.
ESAB is a world leader in welding and cutting equipment and consumables. We offer a complete line of fabrication solutions for virtually every application.
ESAB Newsroom - Stay up to date with the latest news from ESAB. View press releases, product announcements, corporate news, and more here.
ESAB EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) initiatives are monitored with the highest degree of importance and commitment to safety is ingrained in our culture.
The history of ESAB is the History of Welding. Go here to view an interactive look at ESAB's history in shaping the future of innovation in welding, cutting, and fabrication.
View available job openings and more on the ESAB Careers page.
ESAB is recognised for its adherence to the best industry practices and commitment to its employees and customers. Explore our list of prestigious awards that we have been honoured with!
Purchasing from an ESAB Authorised Distributor guarantees you first-class customer service and support for all ESAB products.
ESAB offers a wealth of product support resources, including a range of technical and service publications, from Safety Data Sheets and downloadable product manuals to product certifications.
Visit ESAB's global manual search engine to access the items below and more.
Global User Manuals
Instruction Manuals
Spare Parts List
Product Storage Instructions
View Main Contact Page
View ESAB Location Information
+91 44 4228 1100
No playlist found! Your playlist can be created here.
The exothermic reaction is a process that releases energy in the form of heat and light. When used in cutting, the exothermic process uses oxygen as an exciter and steel rod as a fuel. In this article, we will walk through exothermic cutting basics.
The exothermic cutting process uses a technology that allows cutting, piercing, or gouging of almost any ferrous or non-ferrous material including iron, steel, magnesium, and aluminum. Exothermic cutting is widely used in building renovation or demolition, plant maintenance, salvage work, scrap clean-up, metal fabrication, and mining. The cutting technique is capable of burning through rust or mud-covered machinery frames. It also helps remove edges on loaders for replacement and repairs.
Exothermic cutting is extensively used for pin removal in heavy equipment. The cutting process is also used in Fire and Rescue. Many manufacturers sell packs that include a complete setup – a torch, oxygen cylinder case, and power supply. These can be carried by handles or as a backpack for ease of carrying and use.
Exothermic cutting procedure varies based on the job. The standard process for exothermic cutting is done by a drag technique. When the rod is in contact with the piece to be cut, the rod is dragged in the direction of the cut.
When piercing surfaces, you need to follow certain procedures to ensure safety and a high-quality finish. The use of a collet extension helps add life to the torch. Using a hand shield improves operator safety and comfort. Make sure to wear PPE to protect yourself from the heat, fumes, and sparks generated from cutting. Always hold the torch at an arm’s length. To prevent the cutting rod from getting trapped inside the pierced hole, remove the cutting rod from the hole before you release the oxygen lever.
Oxygen usage is a crucial aspect of exothermic cutting. Standard industrial grade oxygen is used for exothermic reactions to remove the molten metal during cutting. Arcair Slice equipment uses standard oxygen fittings.
The recommended operating pressure is 80 pounds per square inch (psi). Cutting material sections of 3" and thicker requires higher operating pressures. Low operating pressure of 40 psi is suitable for some applications, including scarfing out minor cracks for repair and washing off rivet heads.
For cutting rods at 80 psi, the oxygen consumption rate is 7 to 7.5 cubic feet per minute (cfm) for 1/4" diameter cutting rods and 11 to 12 cfm for the 3/8" diameter cutting rods. The rates vary in case different operating pressures are used.
The exothermic cutting process varies from job to job. Based on the type of project, making some adjustments in operating conditions can help ensure you get the best of your cutting equipment and achieve the required safety requirements.
ESAB is a world leader in the production of welding and cutting equipment, consumables, and automation equipment. We can answer questions you have about welding and cutting. Our intelligently designed welding and cutting equipment with advanced technology can help you accomplish your welding and cutting projects.