Plate Cutting for Weld Prep: An Untapped Source in the Productivity Equation

摘要

An often overlooked area in welding is the work that goes into the preparation of the edges of steel plate prior to welding. Known commonly as "weld prep," this step is usually handled by oxyfuel cutting. You might think there's no mystery about it. The oxyfuel cutting torch is there to prepare the metal, to give it a groove to contain the molten weld metal as it is deposited. No sweat. Let's move onto more important matters, you say. But wait. Let's examine this subject in more detail. How about all the different processes that are available to do this kind of work? How many of them have you considered? How about plasma arc cutting? Which version do you use? Nitrogen plasma cutting? Oxygen plasma cutting? High-tolerance plasma cutting? Have you looked at all of them? The laser beam process has been used for years to cut and shape sheet metal. More recently, it is being used to cut steel plate. It's an expensive process, but a growing number of respectable companies are investing in it.