What is oxyfuel cutting (OFC) primarily used for?

Oxyfuel cutting (OFC) is primarily used for cutting ferrous metals, which include iron and its alloys, such as steel. This process involves a chemical reaction between oxygen and a fuel gas, typically acetylene, creating an extremely hot flame that can easily melt and cut through ferrous materials.

The technique works by first preheating the metal with the flame until it reaches a critical temperature. Then, a high-pressure stream of oxygen is directed onto the heated area, causing the iron to oxidize and burn away rapidly. This method is particularly effective for cutting thick metal sections, making it widely utilized in industries for tasks such as shipbuilding, construction, and manufacturing.

By focusing specifically on ferrous materials, oxyfuel cutting takes advantage of the properties of metals that oxidize readily at elevated temperatures, ensuring a clean cut and efficient material removal.