What type of gas is primarily used in oxyfuel cutting processes?

Oxyfuel cutting processes primarily utilize acetylene as the key fuel gas. Acetylene is favored for several reasons: it has a high flame temperature, which is necessary for effectively cutting through various metals. The flame produced when acetylene combusts with oxygen can reach temperatures exceeding 3,500 degrees Celsius (6,332 degrees Fahrenheit), making it suitable for cutting thicker and tougher materials.

Additionally, acetylene burns with a very clean combustion, resulting in minimal soot production, which is important for maintaining a clear cutting path and ensuring high-quality cuts. Its ability to produce a focused and manageable flame allows for greater precision, which is crucial in metalworking and fabrication applications.

While other gases such as natural gas, propane, and MAPP are used in different heating applications, they do not achieve the same combustion temperature or cutting capabilities as acetylene, which is why acetylene is the gas of choice for oxyfuel cutting.